John Adams Quotes
... avaricious to a most infamous degree; needy at the same time, having a numerous family to provide for
John Adams, 1735-1826, 2nd President of the United States (Federalist, MA), Derogatory view of Massachusetts Governor Francis Bernard, 1712-1779
Sourced by: Eigen's Political and Historical Quotations
The nation was engaged in a great debate over the ratification of The Constitution that had been drafted the previous year. Virginia was one of the 4 major states. Madison and Jefferson were leaders of the pro-ratification forces in Virginia. However the leader of the anti ratification forces was Patrick Henry and he seemed to be winning. Jefferson was writing about further refinement of their efforts. His statement in this letter was in jest, but there was a little bit of wishful thinking.
President Theodore Roosevelt referred to the same groups similarly. See {638453} and {639956}.
John Adams Jr. was an American statesman, attorney, diplomat, writer, and Founding Father who served as the second president of the United States from 1797 to 1801. Before his presidency, he was a leader of the American Revolution that achieved independence from Great Britain, and he served as the first vice president of the United States. Adams was a dedicated diarist and regularly corresponded with many important figures in early American history, including his wife and adviser Abigail Adams and Thomas Jefferson.
