Jefferson and Adams....................

Much has said about these two giants, co-creators of much of the great American experiment.  Their ferocious campaign for the Presidency in 1800 marked one of the truly significant historical occurrences in the history of government.  For the first time, power transitioned in an orderly and peaceful manner from one political philosophy to an opposing political philosophy.  Adams, the Federalist, left the Presidency after one term, defeated by Jefferson, the republican.  These two political enemies, who in 1796 were elected President and Vice-President respectively, could not have disagreed more thoroughly about the nature of government.

They had not always been enemies and had worked quite well together in the quest for Independence.  Not long after Jefferson retired from the White House in 1808, a mutual friend, Dr. Benjamin Rush, began his campaign to reconcile the once-friends.  With patience, he accomplished his goal.  In 1812, Adams and Jefferson began to correspond.  They kept writing to each other until 1826, the year both died.

My bookcase is now happily graced with a copy of their complete correspondence.  As time permits, a few of these letters may be transcribed.  As time permitted last eve, please see the following post.