The claims of this volume are humble.

For more than half a century JOHN QUINCY ADAMS had occupied a prominent position before the American people, and filled a large space in his country's history.

His career was protracted to extreme old age.

He outlived political enmity and party rancor.

His purity of life--his elevated and patriotic principles of action--his love of country, and devotion to its interests--his advocacy of human freedom, and the rights of man--brought all to honor and love him.