I long to hear that you have declared an independancy — and by the way in the new Code of Laws which I suppose it will be necessary for you to make I desire you would Remember the Ladies, and be more generous and favourable to them than your ancestors. Do not put such unlimited power into the hands of the Husbands. Remember all Men would be tyrants if they could. If perticuliar care and attention is not paid to the Laidies we are determined to foment a Rebelion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any Laws in which we have no voice, or Representation.

Abigail Adams (1744–1818) American correspondent, First Lady (1797–1801)

Letter (1776-03-31) to John Adams
    (Source)

She continues here.

John Adams' response to her was more than a bit flippant, though he elsewhere had more serious thoughts about the role of women in civil authority.