Adams, John, 1735-1826 to unknown re: reflecting on his Presidency (signed after illness)
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC05263 Author/Creator: Adams, John, 1735-1826 Place Written: Quincy, Massachusetts Type: Letter signed Date: 1823/05/09 Pagination: 1 p. : Height: 25 cm, Width: 20.4 cm Order a Copy
Signed with a very shaky hand, apparently after suffering a stroke. Important letter in which Adams reflects on the foreign affairs of his presidency, especially the Quasi War and the convention of 1800. "... there was war between St. Dennis [i.e., France] and St. George [Britain], [and] each had an army in America constantly skirmishing with each other, and both of them constantly stabbing me with lancets, spikes and spears. [M]y sole object was to preserve the peace and neutrality of the country, and thank God, I obtained [it], at the loss of my power and fame, with both sides."
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