A Compilation of the Messages and Papers of the Presidents Volume 2, part 2: John Quincy Adams   By: James D. Richardson (1843-1914)

A fascinating collection of documents capturing the life and times of President John Quincy Adams, this book provides valuable insight into the political landscape of early America. The detailed messages and papers offer a comprehensive view of Adams' presidency, shedding light on his policies, decisions, and the challenges he faced during his time in office. James D. Richardson has done an excellent job compiling these documents and presenting them in a coherent and informative manner. This book is a must-read for history enthusiasts, students of American politics, and anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of one of the nation's early leaders. Overall, a valuable resource that offers a unique perspective on an important period in American history.

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John Quincy Adams, sixth President of the United States, eldest son of John Adams, second President, was born at Braintree, Mass., July 11, 1767. He enjoyed peculiar and rare advantages for education. In childhood he was instructed by his mother, a granddaughter of Colonel John Quincy, and a woman of superior talents. In 1778, when only 11 years old, he accompanied his father to France; attended a school in Paris, and returned home in August, 1779. Having been taken again to Europe by his father in 1780, he pursued his studies at the University of Leyden, where he learned Latin and Greek. In July, 1781, at the age of 14, he was appointed private secretary to Francis Dana, minister to Russia. He remained at St. Petersburg until October, 1782, after which he resumed his studies at The Hague. Was present at the signing of the definitive treaty of peace in Paris, September 3, 1783. He passed some months with his father in London, and returned to the United States to complete his education, entering Harvard College in 1786 and graduating in 1788. He studied law with the celebrated Theophilus Parsons, of Newburyport; was admitted to the bar in 1791, and began to practice in Boston. In 1791 he published in the Boston Centinel, under the signature of "Publicola," a series of able essays, in which he exposed the fallacies and vagaries of the French political reformers... Continue reading book >>