"Leaders of the Continental Congress" (Library of Congress) (3/8/1905) by Tholey, AugustusThe Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
John Adams is widely remembered as the second President of the United States and a fierce advocate for independence. But is the true depth of his revolutionary experience preserved in his extensive written correspondence?
John Adams and John Quincy AdamsMassachusetts Historical Society
For Adams, the American Revolution was not just a political battle on the floor of Congress, but a deeply personal journey documented through his letters with his wife Abigail, his son John Quincy, his brilliant, complex friend Thomas Jefferson, and more. Let's take a look at some of them...
Page 1, Letter from John Adams to Abigail Adams, 3 June 1778 (3 June 1778) by John AdamsMassachusetts Historical Society
John Adams to Abigail Adams (1778)
In this letter from 1778, Adams expresses deep "anxiety" because he hasn't heard from Abigail since he left her in February. He notes that it has been nearly four months without a single "line" or "word" from her, and attributes this to a lack of ships sailing from Boston.
He describes France as "one great Garden," where nature and art have combined to make everything delightful. He offers a philosophical take on the differences between nations, stating his principle that: "Every Nation has a Right to that Religion and Government, which it chooses."
He observes that while luxury and dissipation are common throughout Europe, he believes the "cardinal virtue of Temperance" flourishes more in France than in any other part of the continent.
George Washington to John Adams (1797)
This letter is a high-stakes piece of political history written by George Washington to John Adams on February 20, 1797. At this moment, Washington was just weeks away from leaving the presidency, and John Adams had just been elected as his successor.
Page 1, Letter from George Washington to John Adams, 20 February 1797 (1797-02-20) by George WashingtonMassachusetts Historical Society
The letter addresses a sensitive "family" issue that was also a matter of national security: the career of John Quincy Adams.
Washington is writing to urge John Adams not to hold back his son’s career just because of their family connection. Washington gives his "decided opinion" that the younger Adams is: "the most valuable public character we have abroad — and that there remains no doubt in my mind that he will prove himself..."
Washington acknowledges that John Adams might be hesitant to promote his own son out of fear of looking like he is practicing nepotism. Washington argues that while he usually disapproves of bringing family into public office, John Quincy has proved his place.
The letter shows the deep trust between the first two presidents. Washington is essentially giving Adams "permission" to trust his son as a diplomat, ensuring that the new administration has its best talent in place during a volatile time in Europe.
John Quincy Adams to John Adams (1798)
This letter, dated May 28, 1798, was written by John Quincy Adams to his father, President John Adams. At the time, the younger Adams was serving as the American Minister to Prussia.
Page 1, Letter from John Quincy Adams to John Adams, 25 September 1798 (25 September 1798) by John Quincy AdamsMassachusetts Historical Society
John Quincy explains that he hasn't written directly to his father in weeks because he lacked a "cypher" (a secret code). He notes that every letter is exposed to "numerous dangers of capture." To fix this, he encloses a new cypher in this letter, delivered by his brother.
He explains the complex feelings of the Prussian people. They view the Russians and Austrians as their "natural enemies," while they see the French as a "natural friend and ally." He warns that the Prussians don't yet perceive the danger of French domination.
John Adams to Abigail Adams (1800)
In this letter, Adams has just moved into the "Presidents house" or what is commonly known today as the "White House".
Page 1, Letter from John Adams to Abigail Adams, 2 November 1800 (2 November 1800) by John AdamsMassachusetts Historical Society
Adams notes that they arrived the previous day at one o’clock. He describes the building as being "in a state to be habitable," which is a polite way of saying it was still very much under construction. He expresses his wish for Abigail’s company.
Adams mentions the few people he has seen so far, including John Marshall (then Secretary of State) and Benjamin Stoddert (Secretary of the Navy). This gives us a glimpse into the small, tight-knit circle of the early American government.
Adams uses the Latin phrase "Solicitudines Mordaces" (which he translates as "Biting Cares"). This refers to the intense worries and anxieties that come with leadership. He tells Abigail he is glad she consented to come to Washington, as they should "retire together".
Thomas Jefferson to John Adams (1821)
This is a letter written by Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, dated September 12, 1821, from Monticello. By this time, both men were elderly former presidents who had transitioned from being bitter political rivals to close friends and frequent correspondents.
Page 1, Letter from Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 12 September 1821 (1821-09-12) by Thomas JeffersonMassachusetts Historical Society
Jefferson discusses the "gloomy cloud" over Europe, mentioning political unrest in Naples, Piedmont, Spain, and Portugal. He is worried about the "Northern Triumvirate" (Russia, Austria, and Prussia) and their attempts to "dictate despotisms to the rest of the world."
Jefferson writes with the perspective of a man near the end of his life. He tells Adams that these global issues are "speculations for the new generation," because before they are resolved, "you and I must join our deceased brother Floyd" (a fellow signer of the Declaration).
Despite the dark state of the world, Jefferson refuses to believe their life's work was in vain. He writes: "Yet I will not believe our labors are lost. I shall not die without a hope that light and liberty are on steady advance."
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