First Lady of LettersJudith Sargent Murray (1751 1820), poet, essayist, playwright, and one of the most thoroughgoing advocates of women's rights in early America, was as well known in her own day as Abigail Adams or Martha Washington. Her name, though, has virtually disappeared from the public consciousness. Thanks to the recent discovery of Murray's papersincluding some 2,500 personal lettershistorian Sheila L. Skemp has documented the compelling story of this talented