ous husband's high character and wise diplomacy with matchless intelligence, culture and gracious dignity.
Mr. Monroe succeeding Mr. Madison as President of the United States March 4, 1817, appointed Mr. Adams Secretary of State. Hence Mr. Adams and his family made haste to return home, arriving in New York August 6, 1817. Soon afterwards they established themselves in Washington, when, as wife of the Secretary of State, Mrs. Adams exerted a marvelous influence in harmonizing the various personal animosities, political rivalries, jealousies and sectional strife. They commanded the highest respect and confidence from the diplomatic corps, who depend upon the Secretary of State and his family in all matters of an official and social character.
One source of intellectual development of which Mrs. Adams availed herself was the regular correspondence with her father-in-law, the illustrious, brainy ex-President, John Adams. Their letters to each other were very long and interesting, and in them they discussed all subjects—religion, philosophy, politics, national, foreign and domestic affairs, with masterful ability on both sides. Their letters continued until the death of ex-President John Adams, July 4, 1826.
From Secretary of State to the Presidency was a short step for John Quincy Adams. Mrs. Adams' health began to fail soon after their occupancy of the White House. She, however, as far as her strength would admit, continued her matchless hospitality and powerful influence in politics and society. It was Mrs. Adams' great pleasure to have the honor of entertaining General La Fayette in the White House. Lack of space forbids the description this important event deserves, especially the tender leave-taking of the illustrious foreign soldier and friend of America in the darkest hour of her history. No greater honors have ever been paid a distinguished visitor than were heaped upon La Fayette by the grateful American people.
