Life and Public Services of John Quincy Adams | Page 3

and millions eagerly perused the sentiments he uttered, as they were scattered by the press in every town and hamlet of the Western Continent. At his decease, there was a general desire expressed for a history of his life and times. A work of this description was understood to be in preparation by his family. It was not probable, however, that this could appear under several years, and when published, would undoubtedly be placed, by its size and cost, beyond the reach of the great mass of readers. In view of these circumstances, there was an evident want of a volume of more limited compass--a book which would come within the means of the people generally,--and adapted not only for libraries, and the higher classes of society, but would find its way into the midst of those moving in the humbler walks of life. To supply this want, the present work has been prepared. The endeavor has been made to compress within a brief compass, the principal events of the life of Mr. Adams, and the scenes in which he participated; and to portray the leading traits of character which distinguished him from his contemporaries. It has been the aim to present such an aspect of the history and principles of this wonderful man, as shall do justice to his memory, and afford an example which the youth of America may profitably imitate in seeking for a model by which to shape their course through life. How far this end has been attained, an intelligent and candid public must determine.
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
The Ancestry, Birth, and Childhood of John Quincy Adams.
CHAPTER II.
John Quincy Adams studies Law--His Practice--Engages in Public Life --Appointed Minister to the Hague.
CHAPTER III.
Mr. Adams transferred to Berlin--His Marriage--Literary Pursuits-- Travels in Silesia--Negotiates Treaties with Sweden and Prussia-- Recalled to the United States.
CHAPTER IV.
Mr. Adams' Return to the United States--Elected to the Massachusetts Senate--Appointed U. S. Senator--Supports Mr. Jefferson--Professor of Rhetoric and Belles Lettres--Appointed Minister to Russia.
CHAPTER V.
Mr. Adams' arrival at St. Petersburg--His Letters to his Son on the Bible-- His Religious Opinions--Russia offers Mediation between Great Britain and the United States--Proceeds to Ghent to negotiate for Peace-- Visits Paris--Appointed Minister at St. James-Arrives in London.
CHAPTER VI.
Mr. Adams appointed Secretary of State--Arrives in the United States-- Public Dinners in New York and Boston--Takes up his Residence in Washington--Defends Gen. Jackson in the Florida Invasion--Recognition of South American Independence--Greek Revolution.
CHAPTER VII.
Mr. Adams' nomination to the Presidency--Spirited Presidential Campaign--No choice by the People--Election goes to the House of Representatives--Mr. Adams elected President--His Inauguration--Forms his Cabinet.
CHAPTER VIII.
Charges of Corruption against Mr. Clay and Mr. Adams--Mr. Adams enters upon his duties as President--Visit of La Fayette--Tour through the United Slates--Mr. Adams delivers him a Farewell Address--Departs from the United States.
CHAPTER IX.
John Adams and Thomas Jefferson--Their Correspondence--Their Death--Mr. Webster's Eulogy--John Q. Adams visits Quincy--His Speech at the Public School Dinner in Faneuil Hall.
CHAPTER X.
Mr. Adams' Administration--Refuses to remove political opposers from office--Urges the importance of Internal Improvements--Appoints Commissioners to the Congress of Panama--His policy toward the Indian Tribes--His Speech on breaking ground for the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal--Bitter opposition to his Administration--Fails of re-election to the Presidency--Retires from office.
CHAPTER XI.
Mr. Adams' multiplied attainments--Visited by Southern Gentlemen--His Report on Weights and Measures--His Poetry--Erects a Monument to the memory of his Parents--Elected Member of Congress--Letter to the Bible Society--Delivers Eulogy on Death of ex-President Monroe.
CHAPTER XII.
Mr. Adams takes his seat in Congress--His Position and Habits as a Member-- His Independence of Party--His Eulogy on the Death of ex-President James Madison--His advocacy of the Right of Petition, and Opposition to Slavery-- Insurrection in Texas--Mr. Adams makes known its ulterior object.
CHAPTER XIII.
Mr. Adams presents Petitions for the Abolishment of Slavery--Opposition of Southern Members--Exciting Scenes in the House of Representatives--Marks of confidence in Mr. Adams.
CHAPTER XIV.
Mr. Adams' firmness in discharge of duty--His exertions in behalf of the Amistad Slaves--His connection with the Smithsonian Bequest--Tour through Canada and New York--His reception at Buffalo--Visits Niagara Falls--Attends worship with the Tuscarora Indians--His reception at Rochester--at Auburn--at Albany--at Pittsfield--Visits Cincinnati-- Assists in laying the Corner Stone of an Observatory.
CHAPTER XV.
Mr. Adams' Last Appearance in Public at Boston--His Health--Lectures on his Journey to Washington--Remote Cause of his Decease--Struck with Paralysis--Leaves Quincy for Washington for the last time--His final Sickness in the House of Representatives--His Death--The Funeral at Washington--Removal of the Body to Quincy--Its Interment.
EULOGY

THE LIFE OF JOHN QUINCY ADAMS.
CHAPTER I.
THE ANCESTRY, BIRTH, AND CHILDHOOD, OF JOHN QUINCY ADAMS.
The Puritan Pilgrims of the May-Flower landed on Plymouth Rock, and founded the Colony of Massachusetts, on the 21st day of December, 1620.
HENRY ADAMS, the founder of the Adams family in America, fled from ecclesiastical oppression in England, and joined the Colony at a very early period, but at what precise time is not recorded. He erected his humble dwelling at a place within the present town of