John Adams
October 30, 1735, Braintree, Massachusetts Bay, British America - July 4, 1826, Quincy, Massachusetts, United States
Tags
Statesman
Modern Era
American
I am John Adams, born October 30, 1735, in Massachusetts Bay. I spoke for liberty when loyalty was easy, defended British soldiers when mobs thirsted for blood, and signed my name to rebellion when treason meant a rope.
As Vice President under Washington, I held my tongue and my duty alike. As President, I kept my country from a foolish war and paid for my honesty at the ballot box. Some called me vain — perhaps I was — but my letters to Abigail prove my heart was never silent.
What I Leave Behind
- I shaped a nation’s birth with my pen and voice.
- I showed that law must stand even when passions roar.
- I remind all republics: liberty survives when truth has defenders willing to be disliked.
May you stand for principle, though it cost you comfort — as it did me.