The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1858-02-05
jefferson and 4 In ms.


jefferson snd Adams.
Mr.. jefferson had the rare good fortune
not only to steer clear ot those painful mis-
understandings which occurred between Adj
ans and Franklin, but TO even steer clear OF
the jealousy Of either party. This was easy
enough, If not u matter of course, as far rs
franklin was concerned. But 10 remain on
terms Of confidential intercourse and warm
friendship with him, and at the same time
with the imDetuous and always (when irri-
ta.sd) morbldly jealous. Mr. Adams was an
achievement requiring tact and good sense.
IL was readily undertaken. however, by Jetf.
erson, for the COLOSSUS of Independence,
always in spite of foibles and follies held u
high place IN his respect, and warm place
in his affections. This wise and proper Ell
fort completely saeceeded. Adams's early
attachment for Jefferson ripcned and deep
ened More scrupulOus regard 20 the rights,
more gentlemanly consideration for the feel
ings OF u colleague and associate, were never
exhibited, than Mr. Adams uuiCOrmly exhlb-
tied toward Jefferson during their common
stay in France, and throughout all their
subsequent intercourse Us co-embassadors.
Indeed, toward Jefferson, Adams always
with an unfortunate exception or twO)
seems TO us to have laid aside the imperious-
ncss, the pugnaeity, the dogmatism IN, and
the jealousy VI his nature, and TO have ex-
hlbted the same beautiful traits that lac
uniformly did in his domestic circle. No
finer passage occurs in his personal history,
than his habitual treatment OF Jefferson
and IL serves to show how this lion, general
ly rampant. could be the lamb, If he was
CONSIDERABLY dealt with, and some little
grains Of allowance made for his foibles.-l
Adams treated Jefferson like a younger
brother-the next younger and near his own
age. jefferson, as much from real feeling
Us from tact, took the younger brothers
place. lie always asked Mr.. Adams's opin.
ION FIRST. AM always urged him To take the |
post Of honor. lie felt that this was due TO
Mr.. ...dams's seniority IN years and public |
services. This unusual modesty melted the
stormy New England chief.
This friendly ,ableau would not DO quito
complete without the introduction of an 9TH
or figure. Mrs. John Adams was (if we
may be excused a trite and, ordinarily, n
sllily exaggerated designation) magnificent
woman. or her peculiarities OF character
we may hereafter find occasion to speak.-I
Suffice II now 10 say, that she was an ad-
mlrable specimen OF New England intelli- |
gence and frmuess-as unbcnding to the
semblance Us t. the reality OF departure,
10 hairs breadth. from any OF those rigid
obseryanccs which had always been practieed
in New England society, and which would
have solicited the grim appreciation OF John
Calvin and John Knox! Mrs. Adams was
little pleased with the society of France
Her letters to her correspondents ut home
give some piquant sketches, and i must be
confessed that she succeeds IN making good
deal that she saw sufficiently ridiculous
Her picture Of the table scene at Franklin s,
Of Madame Helyet,us, OF the little dog, etc..
viii always be laughed at by the best friends
Of the ridiculed '.philosorhcr." One man,
however, Mrs. Adams found in France 20 re
spect and admire. She wrote home to her
sister that he was "the chosen Of the earth.'