The Works of John Adams, Second President of the United States

Volume 10 of this 1850–6 compilation contains personal correspondence, including exchanges with, and about, Jefferson.

The lawyer John Adams (1735–1826) became a central figure in the American Revolution and is regarded as a father of the United States Constitution. Published in 1850–6, this collection includes diaries, letters and essays. Volume 10 contains personal correspondence, including exchanges with, and about, Jefferson.John Adams (1735–1826) was a highly educated and enlightened lawyer who became a central figure in the American Revolution. As a political theorist he influenced the constitutions of the former British colonies in America, and he is regarded, with Jefferson, as the father of the United States Constitution. First published in 1850–6, this collection brings together Adams' major writings. Given their influence not only on the United States, but also on other republics, Adams' works rank among the most important political writings of their time. Volume 10 contains personal correspondence including the letters that brought about the resumption of friendship between Adams and Jefferson. It also reveals their rivalry: to a mutual friend, Adams wrote 'I dined a large company once or twice a week. Jefferson dined a dozen a day.'