Tag Archives: John Adams

Today in history: September 5, 1774

Posted on September 5, 2009 by sheila

On September 5, 1774, the First Continental Congress convened at Carpenters Hall in Philadelphia. It was a very stressful and dangerous time, and there was very little agreement among the colonies about what should be done. The Port Bill (closing … Continue reading →

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February 13, three letters, one year apart:

Posted on February 13, 2009 by sheila

On Board the Frigate Boston 5 O Clock in the Afternoon Feb. 13, 1778 Dearest of Friends I am favored with an unexpected Opportunity, by Mr. Woodward the later Man who once lived at Mr. Belchers, and who promises in … Continue reading →

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July 4, 1826

Posted on July 4, 2008 by sheila

It was the 50th anniversary of July 4, 1776. Both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson had been invited to attend huge celebrations in honor of the anniversary, but due to illness – both had sent their regrets and also best … Continue reading →

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Today in History: July 3, 1776

Posted on July 3, 2008 by sheila

John Adams, in a July 3, 1776 letter to Abigail, after the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 2 in Philadelphia: The Delay of this Declaration to this Time, has many great Advantages attending it. The Hopes of … Continue reading →

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“For Revolution junkies, spotting the cameos makes an awfully good parlor game.”

Posted on March 11, 2008 by sheila

You’re speakin’ my language, bub. Review of the upcoming HBO miniseries about John Adams. The review has gotten me quite excited, despite the Linney factor. I’m already junkie enough to be tremendously pleased (in an inappropriate proprietary way) that the … Continue reading →

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2007 Books Read

Posted on December 31, 2007 by sheila

(in the order in which I finished them, understanding that very often I read many books at the same time). I count re-read books, by the way. I’ll include links to any posts or book excerpts I might have done … Continue reading →

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Today In History: Dec. 16, 1773

Posted on December 16, 2007 by sheila

On November 28, 1773, the Dartmouth sailed into port in Boston. It was full of tea. There had already been trouble in Philadelphia when the tea ship had tried to unload its cargo. A ship had been blown away from … Continue reading →

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July 1st, 1774

Posted on December 12, 2007 by sheila

Excerpt from letter of John Adams to his wife Abigail: Dr. Gardiner arrived here to day, from Boston, brings us News of a Battle at the Town Meeting, between Whigs and Tories, in which the Whiggs after a Day and … Continue reading →

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“Miss Adorable …”

Posted on December 11, 2007 by sheila

Here is the NY Times review of My Dearest Friend, the newest edition of the correspondence of John and Abigail Adams. It’s nice to see that this edition goes further out in time, whereas earlier editions stop when the family … Continue reading →

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Saltpeter. Pins.

Posted on November 8, 2007 by sheila

I’m freaking out! Completely freaking out. A new edition of the letters of John and Abigail? With more material? And “several letters never before published”? Foreword by Joseph Ellis? Are you kidding me? I had no idea. So psyched!! One … Continue reading →

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Happy Birthday To Our Second President

Posted on October 30, 2007 by sheila

.. the often underappreciated (although never by the O’Malley family) John Adams. Poor man. Anyone who came after George Washington would suffer by comparison. Gandhi could come after Washington and the collective historical record would respond with a “Eh.” John … Continue reading →

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Brokeback 1776

Posted on September 30, 2007 by sheila

hahahahahaha – hysterical parody of Brokeback Mountain using footage from the movie 1776 – I love when it gets all slo-mo and romantic. I practically know 1776 by heart (“But I burn, Mr. A!!” “So do I!”) – so the … Continue reading →

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The 4th of July, 1826

Posted on July 4, 2007 by sheila

It was the 50th anniversary of July 4, 1776. Both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson had been invited to attend huge celebrations in honor of the anniversary, but due to illness – both had sent their regrets and also best … Continue reading →

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John Adams’ Diary

Posted on June 29, 2007 by sheila

For the dates of Oct. 1775 – Oct. 1776: He wrote this on the inside cover: “Colonies?” (Politics shmolitics – this is my favorite entry in John Adams’ journal.) (Treasure trove)

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Today in history: March 5, 1770

Posted on March 5, 2007 by sheila

The Boston Massacre. Probably should say “massacre” – with quotation marks – since “massacre” was a bit of a stretch – and used more for propaganda purposes. Same as Paul Revere’s famous engraving – which is pretty much how we, … Continue reading →

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Today in history: March 4, 1789

Posted on March 4, 2007 by sheila

The US Constitution went into effect – and it was also chosen as the Inauguration Day for incoming presidents, which it was until the 20th century. George Washington’s first inaugural was actually on April 30, for various reasons – but … Continue reading →

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John Adams’ Book Collection

Posted on November 22, 2006 by sheila

Amazing article. I need to get up to Boston to see this collection. I MUST. I love that John Adams would argue with the authors of the books in the margins. What a mind he had. What a questioning querulous … Continue reading →

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Happy Birthday To Our Second President

Posted on October 30, 2006 by sheila

.. the often underappreciated (although never by the O’Malley family) John Adams. Poor man. No matter WHO came after George Washington would suffer by comparison. John Adams spent the rest of his life trying to reclaim some legacy for himself … Continue reading →

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John Adams exhibit

Posted on September 25, 2006 by sheila

A huge thank you to cousin Kerry for giving me the heads-up about this John Adams exhibit – at the Boston Public Library right now. A great article about it … the exhibit will continue on through April! So I … Continue reading →

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Today in History: July 4, 1826

Posted on July 4, 2006 by sheila

It was the 50th anniversary of July 4, 1776. Both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson had been invited to attend huge celebrations in honor of the anniversary, but due to illness – both had sent their regrets and also best … Continue reading →

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