Getting Hammered® #Todayin1776: Abigail Hears the Battle for Dorchester Heights From Her Home
Mar 3, 2026
A woman in 1776 writes amid nearby bombardment and interruptions as military action unfolds. Rumors swirl that a prominent leader and Congress fled, damaging reputations. Loyalist plots and anger toward secret undermineers come up. Reflections on a radical pamphlet and calls for independence are discussed.
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Abigail Watches Bombardment While Writing
- Abigail Adams wrote a letter starting March 2, 1776 while repeatedly interrupted by nearby bombing in Boston.
- She observed diversionary fire meant to distract from moving artillery to Dorchester Heights and watched action from Penn's Hill about 10 miles away.
Rumors Used To Undermine Revolutionary Leaders
- Abigail reports widespread malicious rumors that John Adams and his president had sailed to England to damage his reputation.
- She links the gossip to Tory efforts undermining the Patriot cause and praises Common Sense as galvanizing support for independence.
Neighborhood Tensions Fueled By Political Rumors
- Abigail notes local tensions: some townspeople threatened and even assaulted those repeating the rumor about John Adams.
- She describes an uncle willing to stake his life and public brawls showing how rumors inflamed community passions.