John Quincy Adams regarding Adams' esteem for the Wadsworths, Boston, 1809

Contributed by Maine Historical Society

Description

On June 27, 1809, President James Madison (1751-1836) appointed John Quincy Adams (1767-1848) plenipotentiary (ambassador) to Russia. Adams soon received several suggestions for secretaries to accompany him to Saint Petersburg, as well as letters from men seeking such a position. Adams’ diary indicates that John Wadsworth (1781-1860) of Portland, a Harvard graduate, likewise offered his services, but, as Adams explained to Wadsworth on July 11, 1809, he had already made his selections before Wadsworth wrote to him on July 8.

Although he had to decline the request, John Quincy Adams acknowledged Wadsworth’s worthiness for the post and his esteem for Wadsworth’s brother, Henry, and father, Peleg Wadsworth (1748-1829), a former congressman and Revolutionary War officer. Lt. Henry Wadsworth (1785-1804) served under Commodore Edward Preble (1761-1807) during the First Barbary War and was killed when the U.S.S. Intrepid exploded in the harbor at Tripoli.

View/Add Comments


About This Item

  • Title: John Quincy Adams regarding Adams' esteem for the Wadsworths, Boston, 1809
  • Creator: John Quincy Adams
  • Creation Date: 1809-07-11
  • Subject Date: 1809-07-11
  • Locations:
    • Boston, Suffolk County, MA
    • Portland, Cumberland County, ME
  • Media: Ink on paper
  • Local Code: Coll. 1606, Box 1/8
  • Collection: Wadsworth-Longfellow family papers
  • Object Type: Text

Cross Reference Searches

Standardized Subject Headings

People

Other Keywords


For more information about this item, contact:

Maine Historical Society
485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
Website

Use of this Item is not restricted by copyright and/or related rights, but the holding organization is contractually obligated to limit use. For more information, please contact the contributing organization. However, watermarked Maine Memory Network images may be used for educational purposes.

How to cite content on this site


Please post your comment below to share with others. If you'd like to privately share a comment or correction with MMN staff, please send us a message with this link.