Taking the Measure of John Adams

It's understandable that we're all impressed by John Adams after reading the McCullough biography. His accomplishments, his foresight, and his forebearance were and are remarkable. Sometimes, though, we tend to see things only in the tone of what is presented to us. He did have enemies and they were quite vocal in what they saw as his shortcomings. He didn't come dashing out of a phone booth wearing a cape every time there was trouble. I would think capes and frilly shirts and such would be more Alexander Hamilton's style. I'm sure that Adams also engaged in the rough and tumble of politics, although we get the impression from McCullough that Adams did expect a certain decorum and statesmanship from himself and from others...and that often he was disappointed in the duplicity of others. If there is a nobility that comes through with him, it is that Adams seemed to place his ambitions on the back burner in critical times and do what he felt was in the best interests of America. This brought him to some uncomfortable choices. He defended British soldiers after the Boston Massacre. He took on friends in political fights because he believed that his agenda was best for America. He served a very difficult, protracted amount of time in Europe when he desperately wanted to be home. His letters to Abigail show much of what he wrestled with. And they also are the best argument for the sincerity of his sacrifice. His service as vice-president and the deference he showed to President Washington speak highly of his willingness to set good precedents for the new government. Even his actions and reflections after serving as president and enduring some bitter lambasts against him show that he possessed a view of founding something that was larger than any one group of people or any one generation. He certainly wasn't perfect, but he is a great example of devotion to a cause and sacrificing for future generations.