His intense devotion and his native talent had made him a master of the theory and practice of international law and of statecraft.

Always he was obviously honest, and his word was relied on.

Fundamentally he was kind, and his work was permeated by a generous enthusiasm.

Probably no man in America, had so intense a conviction not only of the correctness of American principles and the promise of American greatness but of the immediate strength and greatness of the United States as it stood in 1823.
Fully aware as Adams was of the danger that threatened both America and liberty, he was not in favor of accepting Canning's proposal for the cooperation of England and the United States.

He based his opposition upon two fundamental objections.