John Quincy Adams

About Adams

John Quincy Adams (July 11, 1767-February 23, 1848) was the sixth President of the United States (1825 - 1829). He was the eldest son of John Adams, the second president, and Abigail Adams, the first lady. He served as U.S. Secretary of State during the James Monroe era and developed the Monroe Doctrine. Resolving many disputes with Britain and acquiring Florida from Spain, it is regarded as "one of the most accomplished secretaries of state" in American history.

Adams was elected president in 1825. In the 1828 U.S. presidential election, he failed to run for re-election. After leaving office in 1829, he was elected to the House of Representatives. He was the only outgoing president elected to the U.S. House of Representatives until his death.

Although Adams Jr. served as President of the United States for only one term, he still performed well. Historians all spoke highly of him. For example, in the 1962 historian's voting ranking of 31 presidents, Adams Jr. ranked No. 13, and usually ranks in the top and middle levels in other similar rankings.

Comment on Adams

Whether before or after marriage, Adams acted alone and remained a mystery to others. In the eyes of the public, he is a cold, mean, and grumpy old man. But to politicians of his generation, John Quincy Adams was known for his brilliance and suffering.

Mr. Adams is the most valuable government official we have sent abroad... I still have no doubt in my heart that he will prove himself to be the most talented person in our diplomatic corps. -- George Washington

2. The proudest and most talented member of the United States Senate, if he persevere in his noble path, he will one day reach the peak of our Republic. --Boston's Independent Chronicle

3. Since meeting him in the government, I have found that he has less to criticize and condemn than anyone else. -- Henry Clay

4. The General Assembly is eager to see that this important position, closely related to the cause of human freedom, is being held in the hands of the highly respected former President of the United States, John Quincy Adams. We admire him very much for his heroic character who dares to break away. At the same time, we constantly pray for this man with various excellent qualities, hoping that his hands will be stronger, so as to complete the tasks he has assigned him, and that he will live a long life and see with his own eyes the abolition of slavery in his motherland and the world. -- World Anti-Slavery Conference

5. Slaves lost a fighter who grew more and more brave in Vietnam; America lost a man who loved her wholeheartedly; religion lost a supporter; freedom lost a loyal friend; mankind lost a noble defender of its inalienable rights. -- Theodore Parker, a Massachusetts priest and reformer