Was very happy to receive his last letter, written 25 April 1789, delivered by Captain Beals and Mr. Woodward. Notes that he will cheerfully render them every attention and service in my power. Expresses his sincere pleasure that Hancock's health is improving. Discusses festivities related to the Presidential inauguration: The organization of the Constitution was completed on Wednesday by the inauguration of the President. The business was concluded with the highest solemnity and propriety. The particulars are contained in the enclosed news papers. The president has enquired after your health and was much gratified to find that you were getting better. Mentions that General [Henry] Jackson and Mr. [Benjamin] Hichborn were present at the festivities. Presents the compliments of Mrs. Knox.

Writes that he received Rodney's last letter, respecting Rodney's correspondence with the President about Judge [Thomas] McKean and Colonel John Parks (see GLC02437.04345). Believes the President has complete knowledge of the character of these gentlemen, and does not flatter himself that he has special influence over the President. However, if he may be of some use, he will certainly provide his positive opinion.

Received his recent letters with their enclosures, and delivered the enclosures to the President. Writes that the President's recent illness has limited his ability to consider candidates for public office, but agrees that Barrett's documents will receive the fullest consideration.

States I believe their is no doubt who will be president and Vice - people talk pretty loud and open that Mr. J. A. [John Adams] must & will be the man for V - don't let this come from me - but you may be assured the other person [John Hancock] will stand no chance - if it was merely his want of health it would be sufficient - he has not been out of his chamber more than once since you left here, and is now confined to his Bed with the Gout - the breach between him and the Lt. Gov. [Benjamin Lincoln] grows wider & wider, how or when it will end is impossible to determine. Indicates that the Federalists overall did well in elections for federal government offices. Discusses political maneuverings by supporters of Elbridge Gerry. Watermarked L Paine and with a hunting horn inside a crest with G R underneath.

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This book, a free-standing companion to Bernstein's 2003 biography Thomas Jefferson, responds to the public curiosity about Adams, his life, and his work for those intrigued by popular-culture portrayals of Adams in the Broadway musical 1776 and the HBO television miniseries John Adams. As with Bernstein's other work (e.g., The Founding Fathers: A Very Short Introduction), it is a clear, scholarly, concise, well-written, and well-researched account of Adams's life, career, and thought addressing anyone seeking to learn more about him.