His reputation for literary and scholastic attainments quite equalled his fame as a politician and statesman.
In 1804, on the death of President Willard, Mr.Adams was urged by several influential individuals, to be a candidate for the presidency of Cambridge University.

He declined the proffered honor.

During the following year, however, he was appointed Professor of Rhetoric and Belles Lettres, in that institution.

He accepted the office, on condition that he should be allowed to discharge its duties at such times as his services in Congress would permit.

His inaugural address, on entering the professorship, was delivered on the 12th of June, 1806.