Week 11

John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were two of the most famous figures in the early days of the American Revolution. Politically they stood on opposite sides of the aisle as Adams was a Federalist and Jefferson a Democratic-Republican. 

Earlier in life, the two had, despite their difference, shared in the common goals of the revolutionary movement. In the wake of their presidential contest in 1800, their relationship ended. Adams had accused Jefferson of being an unfaithful husband and Jefferson had insinuated that Adams was secretly a woman. Twelve years later, with the intervention of Adams' wife Abigail, the two forgave each other and renewed their friendship by becoming penpals. The two wrote extremely frequently over the following year discussing everything from their favorite books to their worries about growing old.
After years of renewed friendship, the two former presidents died on the same day July 4, 1826, exactly 50 years after the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. 


Please read the following excerpts from the Adams and Jefferson Letters.