The Works Of John Adams

A 10 volume collection of Adams’ most important writings, letters, and state papers, edited by his grandson.¹

John Adams’s Works and Character

The 10-volume work containing John Adams’s writings, letters, and state papers, edited by his grandson, Charles Francis Adams, offers a rich collection of materials that shed light on John Adams’s character and the era of the American Revolution. However, it’s essential to note that this collection, while extensive, does not encompass every single document relevant to the Revolution or John Quincy Adams’s life.

• The first volume features a biography penned by Charles Francis Adams, providing insights into his grandfather’s life and political career.
• Beyond the political aspects, the work highlights John Adams’s profound capacity for friendship. A letter written in his youth reveals his belief that “friendship is that in which our nature approaches the nearest to that of the angels.” This sentiment resonated throughout Adams’s life, as evidenced by his enduring and loyal friendships.
• Adams’s commitment to intellectual growth is evident in a letter where he urges a friend to pursue a deep understanding of law, justice, and government. He emphasizes the importance of studying prominent thinkers like Seneca, Cicero, Montesquieu, and Bolingbroke.
• The work captures the intellectual discourse of the time, featuring a letter from Jonathan Sewall that challenges Adams’s views on the rewards of public service in the context of a young nation compared to ancient Rome. Sewall argues that the intrinsic rewards of knowledge, benevolence, and virtue surpass the fleeting accolades of political power.
• The work also documents Adams’s evolving views on revolution and independence.
• It sheds light on Adams’s diplomatic efforts during his time in Europe, including his assessment of European nations’ interests in relation to the United States. This assessment proved crucial in navigating the complex international landscape of the time.
• Adams’s analysis of French policy during the American Revolution, particularly Count de Vergennes’s cautious approach, is a notable aspect of the work.
• Adams’s “Defence of the Constitutions of the United States of America,”² written in response to criticism from figures like Turgot, is a cornerstone of this collection. This work explores various forms of government throughout history, highlighting the dangers of concentrated power and advocating for a balanced system with checks and balances.
• The work also provides a glimpse into Adams’s personal reflections on politics and society, as seen in his candid assessment of the state of affairs in America during his later years. He expresses concerns about dishonesty in government and the importance of restoring trust both domestically and internationally.

In addition to the “Defence of the Constitutions of the United States of America,” the work contains several other notable pieces, including:

• “On Private Revenge”³ – This essay explores the nature of self-deception and the dangers of unchecked revenge, advocating for self-reflection and a cautious approach to personal retribution.
• “A Dissertation on the Canon and Feudal Law”⁴ – Originally published anonymously, this work examines the historical influences of canon and feudal law, arguing for the importance of liberty and challenging oppressive systems of power.
• “The Earl of Clarendon to William Pym”⁵ – This piece, published under the pseudonym “Clarendon,” addresses the issue of colonial rights, refuting arguments that sought to undermine the liberties of American colonists.

These examples illustrate the depth and breadth of topics covered in the 10-volume collection, demonstrating Adams’s intellectual prowess and his unwavering commitment to the principles of liberty, justice, and good governance. The work offers a valuable resource for understanding not only John Adams’s character but also the complexities of the historical period in which he lived.

NOTEs

Charles Francis Adams, the grandson of John Adams, edited a 10-volume collection of John Adams’ writings, letters, and state papers.⁶

Volume 1 includes a biography of John Adams written by Charles Francis Adams.⁷

The materials used to compile these volumes do not exhaust all the valuable materials that exist for illustrating the era of the Revolution or the life of John Adams.

Volumes in this Set:

• The Works of John Adams, vol. 1 (Life of the Author)
• The Works of John Adams, vol. 2 (Diary, Notes of Debates, Autobiography)
• The Works of John Adams, vol. 3 (Autobiography, Diary, Notes of a Debate in the Senate, Essays)
• The Works of John Adams, vol. 4
• The Works of John Adams, vol. 5 (Defence of the Constitutions Vols. II and III)
• The Works of John Adams, vol. 6
• The Works of John Adams, vol. 7 (Letters and State Papers 1777-1782)
• The Works of John Adams, vol. 8 (Letters and State Papers 1782-1799)
• The Works of John Adams, vol. 9 (Letters and State Papers 1799-1811)
• The Works of John Adams, vol. 10 (Letters 1811-1825, Indexes)

1. The Works of John Adams, Second President of the United States: with a Life of the Author, Notes and Illustrations, by his Grandson Charles Francis Adams (Boston: Little, Brown and Co., 1856). 10 volumes. ↩︎
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