The Adams Family
The families of Thomas Jefferson and John Adams became entwined during the American Revolution and their friendship survived estrangement, political rivalry and tragedy.
“ I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past. so good night! I will dream on, always fancying that mrs Adams and yourself are by my side marking the progress and the obliquities of ages and countries”
John Adams
“ ...he & myself have gone through so many scenes together that all his qualities have been proved to me, and I know him to possess so many good ones, as that I have never withdrawn my esteem...”
A biographical sketch of John Adams
Monticello's Sam Riggs uses the bust of John Adams in Jefferson's Cabinet to describe the relationship between these two frenemies.
The Election of 1800 pitted Jefferson and Adams against one another: Historian Edward Larson shares how an unprecedented campaign nearly tore the United States apart and estranged the once-close friends for over a decade.
Abigail Adams
“ “I have long known mr Jefferson, and have ever entertained a friendship for him..."”
"one of the most estimable characters on earth." - Thomas Jefferson and Abigail Adams became fast friends in Paris but were estranged following the contentious election of 1800.
Read the witty, frank, and sometimes flirtatious correspondence between Thomas Jefferson and Abigail Adams.
Thomas Jefferson's exploits caused him to miss a dinner in his honor arranged by Abigail Adams: "Jefferson's Grand Day Out in London."
John Quincy Adams
“ "you can never be an hour in this man's company without something of the marvelous"”
Monticello Guide Kyle Chattleton shares some of John Quincy Adams's own reflections on dining with President Jefferson.
In 1805, Federalist Senator John Quincy Adams defied his party to vote for Jefferson's Louisiana Purchase.
As Secretary of State to President James Monroe, John Quincy Adams commissioned William Stone to produce the official copy of the Declaration of Independence.
Reconciliation between Adams and Jefferson
In 1811, over a decade following their estrangement, Jefferson wrote their mutual friend, Dr. Benjamin Rush asking for his help to reconcile with Adams
In 1816, reflecting on all that had happened in their eventful lives, Jefferson penned a letter to John Adams containing one of his most frequently quoted phrases.
Dr. Benjamin Rush, mutual friend of Adams and Jefferson and fellow signer of the Declaration of Independence, orchestrated their reconciliation and renewal of friendship.
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The correspondence between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson spanned half a century and embraces government, philosophy, religion, quotidian, and family griefs and joys.
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