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The book has no illustrations or index. Purchasers are entitled to a free trial membership in the General Books Club where they can select from more than a million books without charge. Subjects: Presidents; Statesmen; Legislators; Art / Typography; Biography ... Read more

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why?
why is there a photo of the Moai of Easter Island on the cover of a book about John Quincy Adams? ... Read more

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Presents a biography of John Quincy Adams ... Read more

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Purchase of this book includes free trial access to www.million-books.com where you can read more than a million books for free.This is an OCR edition with typos.Excerpt from book:evidently indicated that he was instructed to represent them here as things not compatible with each other.It will be obvious to you that in contending for the authenticity of documents which have thus officially been declared false by the government itself whose agents issued them, I have been laboring under a disadvantage which it has been impossible altogether to overcome, the certificates themselves and my confidence in those who produced them being the only evidence and argument that I have to oppose to this formal and public declaration. The opinion expressed by Campenhausen, that some public notice should be taken by the government of the United States of these French official calumnies will doubtless be duly weighed by the President. At least it may be important for the protection both of the property and reputation of many of our citizens, to demonstrate that they are unjustly charged with having produced forged papers, purporting to be certificates of origin from French consuls, and that the papers which they have produced as such were genuine.1 I am very respectfully, etc.FROM THE SECRETARY OF STATE [robert Smith] Department Of State, February 26, 1811. Sir:On the I5th October last I had the honor of stating to you that it had been intimated to the President by a person particularly attentive to your interest,2 that your return from the mission to St. Petersburg had become necessary to avoid the ruinous expenses to which it subjected you, and I was then directed to signify to you, that however acceptable your continuance there would be,the President could not, under such circumstances, refuse his acquiescence in your wish, nor would he allow your return to impair the sentiments which had led to your nomination.1 Cypher. 1 His mother, Abigail Adams.... ... Read more

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JQA Diaries
John Quincy Adams gave us a gift- the diary he left us. Beginning as a teenager and lasting until his death, what we see here is the spirit of this man who opposed slavery, advocated equal rights in the face of fierceopposition and argued the first civil rights case before the Supreme Court.Here are the words of the man who did so much for us. Read them.

A very touching story
The story of John Quincy Adams is hard-to-believe.Congress truly ridiculed this man.I won't tell anymore you have to read it to believe it. ... Read more

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Richards' study presents not only a vivid portrait of John Quincy Adams but also provides an insightful exploration of American politics in the 1830s and 40s.Examining one of the few presidents who sustained a political career after his term in the White House, Richards depicts how two years after losing the presidential election to Andrew Jackson, Adams ran for the House of Representatives and served there until his death seventeen years later.
During his outstanding congressional career, Adams became a folk hero in much of the North--hailed by some as "Old Man Eloquent" and "the conscience of New England" by others--while much of the South feared him, regarding him as a traitor and the "archest enemy of slavery that ever existed." Richards explores in detail Adams' battles with such prominent figures as Andrew Jackson, John C. Calhoun, and Daniel Webster on the issues of slavery, the Indians and their land, the annexation of Texas, and the potential war against Mexico.Highlighting his importance in the anti-slavery movement, Richards reassesses Adams' role as a political analyst and as a vital force in the turbulent politics of the day. ... Read more

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House Bill 584, Verplank Bill, and Bank Wars
Tariffs were a way to force revenue. A very unpopular tariff put heavy dues on the South and was referred to as the tariff of abomination.House Bill 584 was a compromise to the tariff of abomination.House Bill 584 revised the tariff laws of the United States.The bill passed and claimed too cut total revenues by $5 million and establish a reserve for defense and internal improvements. However, crucial levies on iron, cotton goods, and fine woolens would remain high.Overall duties increased by $1 million and nullifiers were not pleased.Lawmakers thought to appease the South by eliminating minimum levies and remission of duties on coarse wool and coarse woolens, so called Negro clothes, which slave masters bought for their slaves.

The tariff money had to be put somewhere and that somewhere was a bank.Adams distrusted all bankers calling them swindlers and thieves.Adams believed every dollar beyond the gold or silver backing it, cheated someone.Banks lend more notes than they could cover (3 to 5 times the vault value).Southern legislators argued for strict constructionalism limiting the expansion of government spending and borrowing.

Expansionist argued that money and banking made possible manufacturing growth.Protective tariffs were necessary and the constitution provided provision for roads and canals to be built using the money.The Fed's job was to provide a favorable climate for economic growth; the Fed design was too protect against foreign competition; the Fed was charged too create a national market, and the Fed must ensured cohesion of commerce through internal improvements: roads, canals, and education.A second source of income came through the sale of public lands and those funds went into the federal treasury to fund the internal improvements.

Almost contradictory in nature to his beliefs, Adams supported a strong national bank to hold in check the smaller state banks.

The Verplank Bill passed and Jackson used the law too force South Carolina to pay tariffs. The south did not accept the bill readily.So another law was passed called the Compromise Tariff Act of 1833 that dropped rates down and spread them stepped over a nine-year interval.

In 1837, England faced a financial crisis triggered a run on banks in the U.S.Patrons began redeeming notes in gold and prices began to rise.Jackson, the successor to Van Buren championed the case of hard money.Jackson started to criticize the state banking policies and encourage business be done in gold and silver.These economic pressure lead to support of the Independent Treasury Act of 1840.

The Bank war rose after the second national bank came due too have its charter renewed.Jackson was against the renewing of the Charter that would expire in 1836.Adams wanted the national bank believing it would keep in line wildcat banks and ride the herd on issuing too many notes.In 1819, Biddle takes over the bank and Adams thinks highly of Biddle.The New York politicians are against Biddle's bank.Biddle fights against the political machinery buying support of Congress.The McDuffre report shows Bank involvement in: building houses to sale or rent, selling coin, and usury.The committee has limited access to inquiry into the banks financial activities since Adams has blocked the inquiry by amendment. The bank will be used to manage national debt and stockpile federal money.


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The Pride of the Union
This book is the second volume of a two volume biography of John Quincy Adams and it is the definative study of the subject.

The book takes up in the midst of his presidency.Beemis wisely assesses Adams's presidency as a low point in his career as an American statesman.The focus of the book is career as a congressman, his one foray into the world of popular politics and he performed magnificently.

While in congress the crucial issue was slavery.Adams, like his father, detested the institution.While not an abolitionist, Adams's concern was the effect that this "peculiar institution was having on the politics of the republic.

The justification of slavery seemed to occupy the focus of the southern delgations to Washington during this period. One of the innovations designed to halt discussion was the so-called "gag order" which prevented any petition addressing the subject of slavery to be automatically tabled.While not having the reputation as a popular politician, Adams realized what was at stake by this measure.To maintain slavery, fundamental rights were being sacrificed.To this son of the revolution this endangered all that had come before.If congress could limit the right of petition, it could limit other rights granted by the constitution, something that all branches of government were willing to accept.

Luckily for the future of the United States, Adams was a stubborn fighter who relished the conflict.This book charts his efforts to overturn this measure and to make the government accountable to its citizens.

During this period Adams also defended members of Amistead revolt, fought for the establishment of the Smithsonian Instition (congress had predictably squandered the original bequest), opposed the growth of slavery.Ironically Adams's reputation was more effective as a congressman than he ever was as president.He died in 1848 denouncing the Mexican War. He was carried from the chamber of the House of Representatives by his fellow congressmen, among them Abraham Lincoln, a moment of great symbollism.

Professor Beemis again demonstrates his mastery of his subject. While a distiguished scholar of American diplomatic history, he displays a great grasp of domestic affairs that his often lacking in those who are specialists in this subject. ... Read more

Product Description
This is a reproduction of a book published before 1923.This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process.We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide.We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book. ... Read more

Product Description
The book has no illustrations or index. It may have numerous typos or missing text. However, purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original rare book from the publisher's website (GeneralBooksClub.com). You can also preview excerpts of the book there. Purchasers are also entitled to a free trial membership in the General Books Club where they can select from more than a million books without charge. Volume: 2; Original Publisher: J. B. Lippincott ... Read more

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A biography of the sixth president of the United States, John Qunicy Adams, focusing on his lifetime of public service, including his years in the Senate and House of Representatives and his time in foreign service. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A superb introductory John Quincy Admas juvenile biography
The Profiles of the Presidents series is a superb collection of introductory juvenile biographies for young students, which I think is around the halfway mark in terms of covering everyone from Washington to Bush the Younger.Ironically, it is because of the current resident of the White House that John Quincy Adams has received more attention in recent years.After all, the parallels are extraordinary: both men are the only sons of Presidents to be elected to the office, they both have the same first name but different middle names, and they both lost the popular vote in their first election.Will the parallel continue in 2004?Well, no: because while every other President who was elected with less of the popular vote lost their bid for re-election they both (John Quincy Adams and Benjamin Harrison) lost in rematches with the opponents who won the popular vote (Andrew Jackson and Grover Cleveland) and that is not going to happen this time because Al Gore did "Saturday Night Live" and disappeared into the sunset.

Michael Burgan begins this book by establishing the idea that the story of John Quincy Adams is that of "A Lifetime of Service."Where Adams is most unique is that there he continued to serve his country after his four difficult years in the White House, serving in the U.S. House of Representatives and becoming known as "Old Man Eloquent" for his attacks on slavery (touched on in Steven Spielberg's film "Amistad").Burgan deals with the problems of being the son of a President but also goes into detail on the extraordinary diplomat career both abroad and at home.The end result is the inevitable conclusion that even if he had not been elected President the life and political career of John Quincy Adams should be remembered.

In addition to the concise but detailed biography, this volume is profusely illustrated with historic etchings, paintings, and maps.Even when the illustrations are black & white they often end up with colored frames, showing the premium placed by the editors on having an eye-catching book.In the back of the book you will find a glossary, fast facts about Adams, a parallel timeline of world and presidential events, extensive resources to help young students better understand the life and times of this particular president, and a decent index.The Profiles of the Presidents series is excellent and Michael Burgan's look at "John Quincy Adams" is one of the best to date. ... Read more

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An amazing study of American diplomatic history!
An amazing study of John Quincy Adams, U.S. diplomatic history during the Monroe presidency, and the origins of Manifest Destiny.Weeks makes a great case for Adams being our nation's greatest secretary of state.Focusing on the negotiations for the Adams-Onis/Transcontinental Treaty of 1819, Weeks shows how statesmen truly negotiate and the negative consequences it may entail, as Adams would both glory in extending his nations borders and be disgusted by the expansion of slavery he unwittingly aided.In some ways, it is also a morality tale as Weeks calls into question Adams's character, accusing "Old Man Eloquent" of tremendous hypocrisy in his dealings with Congress, Spain, and Pres. Monroe.Weeks also makes an undeniable case for seeing Adams's statesmanship as the true beginning of the Monroe Doctrine and Manifest Destiny.This should be read by all students of U.S. history and U.S. foreign policy as it offers great insights to both our country's heritage and politics. ... Read more

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Together With The Letter Of Mr. Secretary Adams, In Vindication Of The Execution Of Arbuthnot And Ambrister And The Other Public Acts Of General Jackson In Florida. ... Read more

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One of the most complete biographies ever written about an American president, this is a remarkable effort examining the life and career of the great Revolutionary leader and the second man to take the oath of office, John Adams.

Volume 1 of this two-volume work covers Adams's school days as well as his study and practice of law in pre-Revolutionary America. The Boston Massacre is discussed in great depth, along with Adams's entrance into public life and his landmark term in the Congress of 1774 straight through to the advent of the Declaration of Independence. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Our first (underappreciated) career diplomat
John Quincy Adams and the Foundations of American Foreign Policy, by Samuel Flagg Bemis, presents a detailed history of US foreign policy during the early years of the republic, roughly 1790-1830, using Adam's career as a central theme. This approach is appropriate since Adams was really America's first career diplomat and was involved in virtually every diplomatic development during these years. His efforts were highly instrumental in expanding US territory westward to the Pacific. After reading this (and several other books by Professor Bemis), I have concluded that Adams' role in early US history is greatly underappreciated. Rather than write a detailed review supporting this conclusion, I'm just going to summarize Adams' career and diplomatic accomplishments in the following lists which I think make this point as well as I could:

Adams' Career:

Minister to The Netherlands, 1794-95
Minister to Prussia, 1797-1801
US Senator from Massachusetts, 1801-06
Minister to Russia, 1809-12
Minister to Great Britain, 1815-17
Secretary of State, 1817-25
President, 1825-29

Major Treaties and Policies:

1. Treaty of Ghent (with Britain, 1814)
Ended the War of 1812
Generally restored the status quo ante bellum between Britain and the US even though Britain had the stronger military position at the war's end

2. Treaty of 1818 (with Britain - 1818)
Reestablished US fishing rights off Newfoundland that had been restricted during the War of 1812
Resolved numerous boundary disputes between US and British Canada
Established an agreement on US and British naval forces on the Great Lakes

3. Transcontinental Treaty (with Spain - 1819)
Transferred Florida from Spain to the US
Established the boundaries of the Louisiana Purchase with Spanish Mexico
Extended southern boundary of Louisiana Purchase to the Pacific Ocean

4. Monroe Doctrine (Unilateral Declaration - 1823)
Announced by President Monroe, heavily influenced by Secretary of State Adams
US opposes establishment of new European colonies in western Hemisphere
US abstains from involvement in European conflicts
US opposes European interference in Western Hemisphere

5. Alaskan Agreement (with Russia - 1827)
Established the southern boundary of Russian Alaska at 54 deg 40 min latitude
Removed Russia as a contender for the Oregon country, leaving US and Britain as the remaining claimants (Spain had renounced its claim in the Transcontinental Treaty in 1819)

One of our best statesmen
It is ironic that the thing that reflected poorest on John Quincy Adams, his tenure as president, is what he is today remembered for.In fact, his most outstanding achievements were in the field of foreign affairs and civil liberties.Professor Bemis's book addresses the first of these (the second is handled in vol. 2).

Because of his father's career as a diplomat during the American Revolution, John Adams probably had the best education in foreign affairs of any statesmen in early America.While charges of nepotism haunted Adams, it was money well-spent in terms of results.Adams was posted to Prussia, Russian and Great Britain during the Napoleonic War.He managed to secure a peace treaty with Britain which was threatening to send over the Duke of Wellington to resolve the war of 1812.

As Secretary of State, Adams established the principles that later became enshrined as the Monroe Doxtrine.His vision of Western Hemispheric solidarity was designed to allow the new American Republic to stand up to the more powerful nations of Europe.Adams did much to establish anti-colonialism as the hallmark of American Foreign Policy up to the Second World War.

The job of Secretary of State was seen as the springboard to the presidency in the "Era of Good Feelings."Jefferson, Madison, and Monroe had held this office.The rise of Adams was overshadowed by that of Andrew Jackson.However, given the nature of politics at the time neither he nor Adams were able to achieve a clear victory in electoral college.The inconclusive results of the election of 1824 led to the ultimate decision resting with the House of Representatives. When the fourth runner up and Speaker of the House, Henry Clay was in a position to decide the outcome.

The result was the famous "corrupt bargin" in which Adams came in as president and Clay was appointed to be secretary of state.The hint of "political hanky panky" undermined the presidency of John Quincy Adams. There were a number of good ideas proposed, a national university, a system of observatories, internal improvements featuring a national network of canals and roads that would have opened up the west and promoted greater regional ties and interdependence.Unfortunately these good ideas were ineffective against the charisma of Jackson and the political machinations of Van Buren, the first national political boss. The presidency of John Quincy Adams was ineffective against well-organized congressional opposition.

Beemis is excellent on all points. He correctly assesses the highlights of his career. This is intended to be a scholarly biography, not a popular representation.The level of detail and the flow of the narrative may drag at times, but this book is well worth the effort.

One of our best statesmen
It is ironic that the thing that reflected poorest on John Quincy Adams, his tenure as president, is what he is today remembered for.In fact, his most outstanding achievements were in the field of foreign affairs and civil liberties.Professor Bemis's book addresses the first of these (the second is handled in vol. 2).

Because of his father's career as a diplomat during the American Revolution, John Adams probably had the best education in foreign affairs of any statesmen in early America.While charges of nepotism haunted Adams, it was money well-spent in terms of results.Adams was posted to Prussia, Russian and Great Britain during the Napoleonic War.He managed to secure a peace treaty with Britain which was threatening to send over the Duke of Wellington to resolve the war of 1812.

As Secretary of State, Adams established the principles that later became enshrined as the Monroe Doxtrine.His vision of Western Hemispheric solidarity was designed to allow the new American Republic to stand up to the more powerful nations of Europe.Adams did much to establish anti-colonialism as the hallmark of American Foreign Policy up to the Second World War.

The job of Secretary of State was seen as the springboard to the presidency in the "Era of Good Feelings."Jefferson, Madison, and Monroe had held this office.The rise of Adams was overshadowed by that of Andrew Jackson.However, given the nature of politics at the time neither he nor Adams were able to achieve a clear victory in electoral college.The inconclusive results of the election of 1824 led to the ultimate decision resting with the House of Representatives. When the fourth runner up and Speaker of the House, Henry Clay was in a position to decide the outcome.

The result was the famous "corrupt bargin" in which Adams came in as president and Clay was appointed to be secretary of state.The hint of "political hanky panky" undermined the presidency of John Quincy Adams. There were a number of good ideas proposed, a national university, a system of observatories, internal improvements featuring a national network of canals and roads that would have opened up the west and promoted greater regional ties and interdependence.Unfortunately these good ideas were ineffective against the charisma of Jackson and the political machinations of Van Buren, the first national political boss. The presidency of John Quincy Adams was ineffective against well-organized congressional opposition.

Beemis is excellent on all points. He correctly assesses the highlights of his career. This is intended to be a scholarly biography, not a popular representation.The level of detail and the flow of the narrative may drag at times, but this book is well worth the effort. ... Read more

Product Description
Edited by Worthington Chauncey Ford. This Elibron Classics book is a facsimile reprint of a 1916 edition by the Macmillan Company, New York. ... Read more

Product Description
This is an EXACT reproduction of a book published before 1923. This IS NOT an OCR'd book with strange characters, introduced typographical errors, and jumbled words.This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book. ... Read more

Product Description
This is an EXACT reproduction of a book published before 1923. This IS NOT an OCR'd book with strange characters, introduced typographical errors, and jumbled words.This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book. ... Read more

Product Description
This is a reproduction of a book published before 1923.This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process.We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide.We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book. ... Read more