Celebrating Independence P4

When George Washington became America’s first president, he retained the young Adams in diplomatic service, describing him as “the most valuable public character we have abroad.” When his father, John Adams became the second president, John Quincy remained in diplomatic service.

Under the third president, Thomas Jefferson, Adams became a US senator. Under the fourth president, James Madison, Adams returned to diplomatic service, even negotiating the end of the War of 1812. (Adams was also appointed and confirmed to the US Supreme Court during this time, but declined the position because he was negotiating an end to the war with England).

Under America’s fifth president, James Monroe, Adams became secretary of state. He then became the sixth president of the United States. 

More on this next week for another American Moment.

Sourced from The American Story: The Beginnings by David Barton and Tim Barton.