John Adams

Biography of John Adams told in the style of narrative history. Fortunately, Adams left lots of correspondences, which McCullough has used to bring him to life for the reader. We learn about his early life in Braintree, Massachusetts, education at Harvard, marriage to Abigail Smith, involvement in the independence movement, involvement in Continental Congress, visits to France and Holland, vice presidency, presidency, and later years. A good portion of the narrative focuses on his friendship with Thomas Jefferson, their falling out, and reconnection later in life. We learn about his accomplishments and a few blunders. He comes across as a person of integrity, character, and statesmanship.

McCullough paints his scenes in vivid detail. Adams apparently suffered from malaria, which he initially contracted in his travels. He had a bit of a temper, but never let it get out of control. He suffered from bouts of melancholy, which we might call depression. While President, he pitched in to help in a bucket brigade. I was hoping for more on Adams’ time as President, but this part of the book is fairly sparse and does not appear until the last quarter of this rather lengthy book.

Nevertheless, it is easy to recommend McCullough’s vivid portrayal of John Adams, a founding father who gets less attention than some of the other notables such as George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. He comes across as a devoted husband and someone who cared passionately about doing what was best for his country. Fans of American history will enjoy this one.

Did you other Goodreaders know? Through this biography, David McCullough won his second Pulitzer Prize for "Best Biography or Autobiography."

So much scholarship went into this lively portrayal of President Adams, yet I never detected a whiff of sweat.

What made the biggest impression on me was learning more about Thomas Jefferson. Sadly, the more I learn about Jefferson, the less I like him. While, through this biography, John and Abigail Adams became heroes to me.

This is a wholly enjoyable book, which is the secret of its success. Merely flipping through and scanning a couple passages was enough to convince me to abandon everything else I was reading and to go on a pleasure cruise through history. McCullough’s writing is charming to a rare degree—elevated yet folksy, readable without being simple, and filled with personality without being opinionated. I can see why he is so popular.

Yet it must be said that McCullough achieves this charm by relegating much of the tedious, dreary, or ugly side of Adams’s life to the background. A serious intellectual appraisal of Adams would require a much deeper analysis of his political writings; but here they are minor episodes. A serious appraisal of Adams’s presidency would require a far more thorough review of his policies and legistlation, most obviously the Alien and Sedition Acts. Yet here they are just touched upon. Obviously, such a book as I am describing would be both longer and, almost certainly, duller.

Instead of attempting any kind of definitive appraisal, McCullough gives us a literary biography, a portrait of a man in his times. And Adams is well chosen for the subject of such a book. He left a huge correspondence and a copious diary, writing with rare candor and verve throughout his life, which gives the happy biographer a great deal to work with. Further, Adams was a personality of rare proportion: prickly, warm, passionate, brilliant, stubborn, loyal, foolhardy, blunt, obtuse, principled… the list is endless. As are all of us, Adams was a strange inter-mixture of virtues and vices, yet none of his were moderate.

Even if Adams had been devoid of character, however, the events of his life would still attract attention. He was at the forefront of the Continental Congress, instrumental in driving the early stages of the Revolutionary War: creating an army, appointing Washington to head it, declaring independence, and then choosing Jefferson to draft the declaration. Then, Adams had a long and adventurous life in Europe, working in England, France, and the Netherlands—a feast for the biographer. What is more, Adams was intimately involved with many of the leading personalities of the times, not to mention being the father of another president. So you can see that McCullough had plenty of grist for his mill.

Apart from all of this, John Adams was married to perhaps an even stronger character, Abigail. She comes across as truly John’s better half, if not more intelligent than wiser than he, with a personality more stable but no less fascinating. Thus the biography is, quite often, more of a dual biography of these two extraordinary people. Jefferson receives almost as much attention as Abigail, alternately friend and foe, serving as Adams’s foil: calm, reserved, duplicitous, underhanded, and often unwilling to live by the principles he professes—which makes him a far more effective politician. McCullough turns Adams and Jefferson into the twin poles of the Revolution, much as Chernow did with Hamilton and Jefferson. I suppose I should read something about Jefferson now.

Even if the reader will not come away with an understanding of Adams’s politics and policies, there is still a great deal of value in this book. As with every McCullough book, it is a window into a bygone age, illuminated by bright personalities. And in my case, that is all I wanted.

The quote I deem encapsulates this book is “I must study politics and war that my sons may have liberty to study mathematics and philosophy. My sons ought to study mathematics and philosophy, geography, natural history, naval architecture, navigation, commerce, and agriculture in order to give their children a right to study paintings, poetry, music, architecture, statuary, tapestry, and porcelain.”- John Adams

Excellent. I think Mr McCullough is the most readable of modern historians (a tie w/ Goodwin, Ambrose, & Weir?).

"He means well for his country, is always an honest man, often a wise one, but sometimes and in some things, absolutely out of his senses."

John Adams, "His Rotundity", as his detractors called him, was our much-maligned second president, but happily McCullough, as always, does much to redeem him. A refreshing facet of this revisiting of Adams, is DMC's exhaustive poring over of Adams' correspondence with his devoted wife Abigail, and this forms the backbone of the biography since they were intimate to the point of confiding to each other everything, including points of governance!
Adams had a singular life: revolutionary, emissary abroad where he bore the brunt of British and French machinations against the early republic, the first vice-president (he learned early on how worthless the office was), second President by a sliver, and aging statesman afterwards.
Aware to a fault of his own faults, he comes across as a welcome politician: honest and forthright, also to a fault. But he was also a guy of deep feelings and passion for his country, in whose interest he justified everything that people shit-talked him for.
Another fascinating undercurrent running throughout was his on-again, off-again friendship with Jefferson and this is given much space, too.
Finally: source of the excellent HBO series starring Paul Giamatti as Adams and Stannis Baratheon as Jefferson!

John Adams is often overshadowed by his contemporaries (especially Washington, Franklin, Jefferson, & Hamilton). With John Adams, David McCullough has single-handedly given this Founding Father’s reputation a new lease on life. It probably didn’t hurt that this was released in an era when Adams was likely to be viewed most favorably (a man of impeccable integrity who never engaged in partisan attacks, who never owned slaves, who had a brilliant and opinionated wife for a partner, and a son who would go on to be president and challenge slavery in his own right).

McCullough is clearly a gifted writer and storyteller. I will say he does tend to portray Adams in the best possible light. While some of Adams’ faults are acknowledged, McCullough portrays the political issues of the day as very black and white (and invariably siding with Adams on most of the major issues). Hamilton and Jefferson do not come off well in this account at all (which is partly their own fault…they did the things described), but many of the nuances and context behind their actions are glossed over which tend to make them easily attacked caricatures.

That said, this was an incredibly enjoyable read and should give everyone a great appreciation for an incredibly consequential founding father. He was a workhorse of the young Continental Congress, a gifted political theorist (he wrote the MA Constitution), a man of consummate integrity and courage (whether defending America or British Soldiers in the Boston Massacre trial), an effective diplomat and spokesman (securing Dutch loans that literally saved the war effort), and a decent human being and president who saved the country from what would have been a popular (and utterly disastrous) war with France. Highly recommended. 4 stars. [Note: first read in 2003, re-read in 2022].

What follows are my notes on the book:

Born in Braintree, MA in 1735. The Adams line arrived in 1638 during the Puritan migration. They were hard-working and frugal farmers who labored to survive the harsh winters. His family wanted John to go to Harvard and become a minister. When enrolled in a private school with proper attention, he blossomed and was deemed fit for college by age 15. He discovered a love of study and books at Harvard and decided he would be a better lawyer than preacher. During the French and Indian War, he thought more about politics.

In true Puritan fashion, Adams was subject to waves of loneliness, discontent, and critical of himself and his abilities. Vanity he believed was his chief failing. By 1756, he contracted to apprentice under another attorney for 2 years. Unsure of himself, he observed other prominent attorneys in Boston. He was admitted to the bar in 1759.

Despite his prickly demeanor, he had a talent for friendship. He met Abigail Smith, a reverend’s daughter in 1759. His father passed in 1761, giving him a substantial property inheritance in Braintree. In his newly inherited home he opened his law office. After establishing himself and a courtship of 5 years, he married Abigail in 1764. This marriage would prove the most important decision of his life as she proved a remarkably capable partner and advisor. Children Nabby and John Quincy quickly followed.

Hearing of the Stamp Act, he published his first political essays that struck a chord with his fellow New Englanders. He rode the circuit, arguing all manner of cases. His Boston practice was so active he moved there in 1768. He defended the British soldiers in the Boston Massacre when no one else would take the case. An act of great bravery and integrity that risked his reputation and business. He delivered a virtuoso performance and secured their acquittal.

His 2nd son Charles was born in 1770. In 1774, the British closed harbor in response to the Boston Tea Party. That same year the legislature selected him as a delegate to the First Continental Congress. Abigail remained behind to witness Washington’s feat of moving the cannons from Ticonderoga above the town, humiliating the British as they abandoned Boston.

Adams kept a detailed diary, in which he recorded details about the other delegates (including some cynical observations). In the midst of revolution, he returned for the Second Continental Congress in 1775, working 12-14 hours a day. He served on all the most important committees and was among the first to speak openly of declaring independence. He thought Dickinson’s Olive Branch Petition naïve and spared with him in Congress. Adams was shunned for his views, until Common Sense led to greater enthusiasm for independence.

Adams’ naval committee established the country’s navy and its first regulations. Looking beyond the war to what would follow, he wrote his views on a possible future government (including an executive, bicameral legislature, and an independent judiciary).

His preamble to a resolution for the colonies to assume all powers of government all but declared independence. When Congress voted to proceed, Adams self-deprecatingly proposed Jefferson to draft the Declaration. Adams’ responsibilities grew exponentially, already on 23 committees, he was now to chair the Board of War. Adams gave an impassioned speech to seal the deal before the official vote. John Adams more than anyone had made it happen (pg 129). Adams initially viewed July 2nd as the date of independence (the final vote would be 2 days later).
Adams felt unequal to the task before him, virtually running the war with all the demands that came before him. The numerous colonial currencies and short term enlistments further complicated his efforts. The strain took a huge toll. His family was inoculated against smallpox. Never accustomed to being separated from Abigail, his duties made it inevitable. Adams opposed the 1 state, 1 vote arrangement under the proposed Articles of Confederation. As Washington’s defeats mounted, Adams believed a treaty with France was all that could save their fledgling republic.

Inflation and shortages plagued the country. Adams was appointed commissioner to France (around the time the army settled into Valley Forge). He set out with all secrecy for a dangerous crossing during winter and war. On the voyage, Adams expressed interest in every aspect of navy life and survived the treacherous crossing. Adams was shocked by French opulence (and promiscuity). He was also frustrated with Franklin’s neglect and slipshod methods. When Congress sided with Franklin, Adams felt used and angry. Without a job, he brooded.

After a year and a half apart, his return was a joyous occasion. Home barely a week and he was appointed to serve in the state constitutional Convention. He was the principle drafter of the MA state constitution. After this, he was appointed minister plenipotentiary to negotiate peace with Great Britain. Marooned in Spain, he went overland through the Pyrenees! France grew frustrated with him and dealt only with Franklin. Franklin betrayed him in letters to Congress.

Adams headed to negotiate Dutch loans of his own initiative. JQA accompanied the new US minister to St. Petersburg. After more than a year, and faced with serious illness, he was acknowledged by Holland as the official ambassador and secured loans from three banking houses. John Jay summoned him to England for peace negotiations. Violating their orders to have all decisions blessed by the French, Adams and Jay secured a separate peace treaty with the UK. Adams, Franklin and Jay signed the final treaty. It had been 9 years since that First Continental Congress.

Abigail sailed for Europe in 1784, at age 39, having never been away from home in her life. After a separation of 4 years, they were reunited. Adams again negotiated a key loan from Holland. They socialized with Jefferson, recently appointed to replace Franklin. Jefferson’s presence in Paris was a godsend to Adams. Both Jefferson and Adams asked Congress for raises to meet their expenses (though Adams was frugal and Jefferson extravagant). He attempted to negotiate a trade deal, but the British were obdurate. In JQA’s 7 years from home he had seen more of Europe than any American and was extremely accomplished.

Adams was appointed the first US minister to the Court of St. James. He made a strong and favorable first impression with King George, but was unable to accomplish much with the British, who still believed that the US would eventually fail and return to their orbit. The cost of living in London was a burden on Adams. He was continuously slandered in the European press. Throughout he maintained his composure. British complacency was massive, leading to few diplomatic wins. The British had failed to live up to their responsibilities from the Peace treaty, but so had the Americans who were delinquent in repaying their debts. Without a proper American government, empowered to tax and act, there was little motivation to negotiate with Adams.

Adams read the new proposed Constitution with great satisfaction. His only quibble was the absence of a declaration of rights. While Jefferson feared monarchy, Adams feared aristocracy. At age 55, after 10 years abroad, he was recalled to the US. Hamilton’s behind the scenes politicking ensured Adams would receive many fewer electors in the first presidential election (he would have lost to Washington regardless). The farmer from Braintree was the country’s first VP. With so many issues of national consequence to address, Adams was again plagued by self-doubt. Adams made his first major blunder advocating for aggrandizing titles for the President (which he believed added dignity and gravity to the position but which proved out of touch with Republican sentiment). Adams was mocked as “his rotundity.” He was clearly not a monarchist, but the charge followed him the remainder of his career after this blunder. It also alienated him from Washington and ensured his time as VP would be inconsequential. Nevertheless, Adams never missed a Senate session.

News of the French Revolution shocked the US. While Adams was initially supportive, he predicted a tragic outcome (he believed French atheism would undermine the effort, a chaste people being essential to the success of a Republic). Adams shared Washington’s growing concern of party sentiment and factionalism. His and Jefferson’s views drifted apart. Hamilton and Jefferson’s feud (and differing views on the French) threatened to tear the country apart. Washington was the one man who could hold the country together. Adams had come to terms with his role by this point. Washington and Adams were re-elected to a 2nd term.

As France descended into anarchy, Adams viewed the situation with pity and contempt. He now viewed Jefferson as a fanatic. Adams backed Washington and his neutrality proclamation. JQA’s appointment as minister to the Netherlands filled him with pride. Knowing British intransigence, Adams supported the Jay Treaty as the best that could hope to be achieved. As VP, Adams cast 31 tie-breaking votes, more than any VP in history.

As heir apparent, Adams was pilloried by the Republican press. Likewise, Jefferson was decried as a Jacobin and atheist. Alexander Hamilton renewed his old tricks, trying to elevate support for Pinckney over Adams or Jefferson. Adams viewed Hamilton as a hypocrite with no integrity. His (narrow) victory in the Electoral College gave him an air of respect that had been entirely absent the last 8 years. His decision to retain Washington’s cabinet (who were loyal to arch-enemy Hamilton) would prove another critical mistake. Adams naively believed he would receive the same level of support from VP Jefferson as he had given to Washington.

Adams made a fresh attempt at peace with France. France’s outright rejection of Pinckney raised the real prospect of war. Adams chose a dual course…new peace overtures and a military buildup. The later infuriated Jefferson who viewed it as preparation for war. The US was already in an undeclared war, with the French attacking US shipping. Jefferson bankrolled Republican press attacks. Adams continued his naval buildup. News of Hamilton’s affair emboldened Republicans. News of the XYZ affair reversed the trend and gave the Federalists (and Adams) a burst of popular patriotic support.

Contrary to popular expectations, Adams did not ask for a declaration of war. He did however sign the Alien and Sedition Acts, which only ceded moral legitimacy to the Republicans. Washington was named nominal commander of the new Army w/ Hamilton #2. Nelson’s destruction of the French Navy in Egypt finally eliminated the threat of war.

Adams shocked the Senate when he appointed a new ambassador to France. This move alienated his federalist allies. Behind the move was an ulterior motive, to prevent the rise of Hamilton as a new Bonaparte. With the collapse of the French Directory, Hamilton made another move and tried to convince Adams and his cabinet to withdraw the peace commission. Adams held strong and pulled the rug out from under Hamilton and his dreams of military glory.

He was devastated by his second son Charles, now a bankrupt alcoholic.

Washington’s death in 1799 and Napoleon‘s new status as First Consul marked the changing of an era. The infatuation with the French revolution was now at an end.

Adams asked McHenry and Pickering for their resignation…the later who refused to resign. So he fired both. Future Chief Justice John Marshall replaced Pickering as Sec of State. Hamilton released a petty political broadside on Adams, all but dooming his chance for reelection. Still it was very close, with one state (NY) tipping the scales to the Republicans. Adams kept out of the debate when the election was to be decided in the house. In a series of last second appointments he filled numerous judgeships including Marshall as Chief Justice.

The Adams were the first couple to reside in the White House, then but a shell. Abigail in particular was annoyed by slaves (both the morality of it and the absurdity and wastefulness compared to stout New England laborers). News of the peace treaty with France would not arrive in time to sway the election.

Adams may have been bitter, however there is no documentary evidence whatsoever. He may have just been relieved to be returning home. He was leaving his successor the country at peace with the world, its coffers full, its agriculture prosperous, and a strong navy to defend it. The new Navy was a remarkable achievement. In two years it went from nothing to more than 50 ships and 5000 seamen. He had proved that a strong defense and peace were not mutually exclusive. In fact the new navy likely contributed to the favorable negotiations with France.

JQA returned to the US. Adams love working on his little farm which would sustain them and they’re growing family. Charles’ widow and children moved in along with Nabby and her four kids. Abigails death was a huge blow. In retirement, he enjoyed a robust correspondence with Rush and Jefferson. He was unbelievable proud of his son’s ascendance to the Presidency. He died on July 4th, 1826, the same day as Jefferson.

One of the best books I’ve ever read—flat out. I literally wept at the end. These people died hundreds of years ago, but it doesn’t matter—I was still crushed.
This is a book written 20 years ago, about people who lived centuries before the current political landscape, and it is still fresh and ever so relevant.
Living through the Covid, and have no idea how people can survive, thrive, and make lasting political change for the better? Try yellow fever, typhoid, small pox, amidst several wars and a few revolutions.