Adams and Jefferson

On April 19, 2022 we were honored to have fellow Rotarian Ron Hershner speak about the unique history of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson.  The close friendship between Jefferson and Adams began when they met at the 1775 Continental Congress in Philadelphia. Although different in many ways down to their appearance, the two developed a strong respect and liking for one another.  Ron compared their relationship to the more current Kennedy and Nixon relationship. In 1776, they worked together on the committee to draft the Declaration of Independence, and in 1784, Jefferson joined Adams in France on diplomatic service. While Jefferson remained in Paris, Adams served primarily in London.  Despite their close friendship, Jefferson wrote that he and Adams were often separated by "different conclusions we had drawn from our political reading.” The two maintained their friendship despite their political differences until 1801, the year that Jefferson became president. When Jefferson retired from the presidency in 1809, they reconciled and began a rich correspondence that touched on myriad topics, from reminiscences about their contributions to the young nation's history, to opinions on current political issues, to matters of philosophy and religion, to issues of aging. Their letters were also lighthearted and filled with affection. On July 4, 1826, Jefferson and Adams died within hours of each other. Their deaths occurred — perhaps appropriately — on the fiftieth anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.