When John Quincy Adams left the White House after his defeat in the election of 1828, he thought his public life had ended.

John Adams expected great things from his eldest son, John Quincy. "You came into life with advantages which will disgrace you if your success is mediocre. ... And if you do not rise to the head ...

If John Quincy Adams had retired after his service in the administration of President James Monroe, his reputation might ...