John Adams (October 30, 1735 – July 4, 1826) was an American statesman, attorney, diplomat, writer, and
Founding Father who served as the second
president of the United States from 1797 to 1801. Before his presidency, he was a leader of the
American Revolution that achieved independence from
Great Britain, and he served as the first
vice president of the United States. Adams was a dedicated diarist and regularly corresponded with many important figures in
early American history, including his wife and adviser,
Abigail. His letters and other papers serve as an important source of historical information about the era.
This picture is a line engraving of Adams, produced around 1902 by the Department of the Treasury's Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) as part of a BEP presentation album of the first 26 presidents.Engraving credit: Bureau of Engraving and Printing; restored by Andrew Shiva