The Beginnings of Friendship
In 1775, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams met at the Continental Congress in Philadelphia. Both supported independence, but their personalities differed greatly. Jefferson was tall and refined, while Adams was short and emotional.
Adams chose Jefferson to draft the Declaration of Independence, believing he had the right skills for the task. This cemented their early friendship.
Their bond was tested when both were sent to Europe in the 1780s. Jefferson went to Paris, embracing the Radical Enlightenment, while Adams was in more conservative London. Despite the distance, they grew closer. The Adams family supported Jefferson after his wife's death, and he became like family to them.
Returning to America in 1788, their friendship began to strain due to political differences. Jefferson admired the French Revolution, while Adams favored a centralized government. Their correspondence decreased as Jefferson stuck to his Democratic-Republican ideals and Adams became Vice President under Washington.

Political Differences and Early Tensions
Jefferson and Adams held contrasting views on governance:
- Jefferson: Believed in common man's ability to self-govern, advocated for states' rights and limited government.
- Adams: More cynical about human nature, believed a strong central government was necessary to prevent chaos.
Their differences intensified during Washington's presidency. Adams, as Vice President, supported Alexander Hamilton's proposal for a National Bank. Jefferson opposed it, arguing it wasn't explicitly allowed by the Constitution1.
The French Revolution further divided them. Jefferson praised the revolutionaries, while Adams saw it as a cautionary tale of unchecked popular fervor.
"I know not whether any man in the world has had more influence on its inhabitants or affairs for the last thirty years than Tom Paine." – John Adams on Thomas Paine, a supporter of the French Revolution2
When Adams became president in 1796, their rift widened over the Alien and Sedition Acts. Adams signed these to control dissent and protect against foreign influence. Jefferson saw them as un-American and an infringement on individual rights.

The Presidential Rivalry
The 1796 and 1800 elections were fierce contests between Adams and Jefferson. In 1796, Adams narrowly won, making Jefferson his reluctant Vice President. Adams' attempt at a unified administration failed as Jefferson chose to lead the opposition.
The political divide grew during Adams' presidency. Jefferson's followers attacked Adams relentlessly, using insulting labels. Adams' supporters retaliated in kind. Jefferson employed writers like James Callendar to smear Adams, leading to Callendar's imprisonment under the Sedition Act.
The 1800 election was even more heated, with both sides engaging in harsh rhetoric. Jefferson won, ending their friendship. Adams left Washington before the inauguration, too bitter to congratulate Jefferson.
Their rivalry shaped American governance and set precedents still evident in modern politics. It highlighted the tension between individual liberties and collective unity that continues to define the American political landscape.

Photo by libraryofcongress on Unsplash
Reconciliation and Renewed Correspondence
Dr. Benjamin Rush, a mutual friend, reignited the Adams-Jefferson friendship. In 1812, Rush wrote to both men, suggesting the other was eager to break the silence. Adams took the first step, writing a brief note to Jefferson, who responded. Their correspondence resumed, totaling 158 letters over 14 years.
Their letters covered a range of topics including:
- The French Revolution
- Their contributions to America's founding
- Governance
- Personal reflections on aging
Adams often initiated discussions, while Jefferson's responses were measured yet reflective.
The correspondence wasn't without tension. They sidestepped contentious issues like slavery, and Adams acknowledged he'd never garner Jefferson's acclaim. Yet, they also wrote about family, loss, and old age. Adams spoke of his loneliness after Abigail's death in 1818, with Jefferson providing restrained comfort.
In July 1826, 50 years after the Declaration of Independence was adopted, both men died. Jefferson passed away in the afternoon; Adams followed hours later, unaware of Jefferson's death, uttering "Thomas Jefferson survives."
Their renewed friendship showed the complexity of human relationships and the balance between unity and division in American politics.

Legacy and Final Years
Jefferson and Adams remained engaged in political discourse in their later years, despite physical ailments. Jefferson retreated to Monticello, facing financial troubles and family obligations. Adams settled in Quincy, Massachusetts, continuing his intellectual pursuits but never achieving Jefferson's celebrity status.
On July 4, 1826, both men died. Jefferson passed early in the afternoon, while Adams died later, unaware of Jefferson's death. Their simultaneous passing on the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence was seen by many as an act of providence.
Their legacies diverged in public memory:
Jefferson | Adams |
---|---|
Became a symbol of American ideals | Contributions initially undervalued |
Monticello became a pilgrimage site | Pragmatism overshadowed by Jefferson's idealism |
However, revisionist historians later began to restore Adams' place in history.1
Today, their legacies represent the tension between idealism and pragmatism in American politics. Jefferson's advocacy for liberty continues to inspire, while Adams' realism serves as a reminder of the need for checks on power.

The intertwined destinies of Jefferson and Adams highlight the complex dance between liberty and governance. Their story serves as a reminder that the foundations of American democracy are built on both vigorous debate and resilient principles.