Adams, John, 1735-1826 to Benjamin Rush
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00424 Author/Creator: Adams, John, 1735-1826 Place Written: Quincy, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: November 11, 1807 Pagination: 4 p. ; 25 x 22 cm. Order a Copy
Addressed to "My dear Phylosopher [sic] and Friend," this letter discusses George Washington, France and scientific societies. Adams dwells ironically at great length upon those "talents" which brought about Washington's "elevation above his Fellows." The ten talents include a "handsome Face" and "tall Stature", coming from Virginia ("Virginian Geese are all Swans"), the "Gift of Silence," self-control, and his ability to hide his temper. His letter concludes that he ought never have agreed to the appointment of Washington Commander of the Army (during the Quasi-War) with Hamilton, and he argues that had Washington lived, he would have been elected president and appointed Hamilton commander in chief of the Army. "Washington ought either to have never gone out of Public Life, or he ought never to have come in again."
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