His lectures on rhetoric and oratory were very popular.

They were attended by large crowds from Boston and the surrounding towns, in addition to the collegiate classes--a compliment which few of the professors since his day have received.
Mr.Adams continued his connection with the University, delivering lectures and conducting exercises in declamation, until July, 1809.

"It was at this time, and as a member of one of the younger classes at college, that I first saw Mr.Adams, and listened to his well-remembered voice from the chair of instruction; little anticipating, that after the lapse of forty years, my own humble voice would be heard, in the performance of this mournful office.

Some who now hear me will recollect the deep interest with which these lectures were listened to, not merely by the youthful audience for which they were prepared, but by numerous voluntary hearers from the neighborhood.

They formed an era in the University; and were, I believe, the first successful attempt, in this country, at this form of instruction in any department of literature.