Author Archives: ibsitton

John Adams was a wonderful writer, and his wife Abigail was just as clever and talented with a pen.  My favorite part of this book so far is the letters between John and Abigail.  Below are some of my favorite … Continue reading →

The first of John Adams’ ancestors arrived in Braintree, Massachusetts in 1638 along with many other Puritans.  John Adams’ father was a deacon in the local church and a farmer by profession. “What has preserved this race of Adamses in … Continue reading →

I am finally on my way!  I recently began reading the book John Adams by David McCullough.  How have I not read a McCullough book before?!?  It’s wonderful!  After just a few days, I’m 110 pages in and have a … Continue reading →

While on horseback visiting his farms on Thursday, December 12th, it began to snow, hail, and finally rain on Washington.  When he arrived back at home, he found he had guests waiting and did not wish for them to wait … Continue reading →

After retiring from public service, Washington drew up a new will.  It granted immediate freedom to his personal slave William Lee along with an annuity of $30 for the rest of his life.   He also declared that upon the … Continue reading →

Washington’s presidential accomplishments as described by Ron Chernow: “Washington’s catalog of accomplishments was simply breathtaking.  he had restored American credit and assumed state debt; created a bank, a mint, a coast guard, a customs service, and a diplomatic corps; introduced … Continue reading →

Washington’s second term as President was even more contentious and stressful than the first.  The gap between Federalists and Republicans continued to widen as news of the French revolution reached American shores.  The Federalists were alarmed at what they considered … Continue reading →

The Federalists vs. The Republicans AKA the Hamiltonians vs. the Jeffersonians Washington opposed political parties.  He felt they were unnecessarily divisive and never claimed a party for his own.   Two of his most brilliant cabinet members, however, soon gained … Continue reading →

Even after eight years of war with the British, Washington knew that an alliance with Great Britain would be most prudent.  A British diplomat Major George Beckwith echoed Washington’s feelings when he told him, “I have always preferred a connection … Continue reading →

Washington and Hamilton both felt strongly that all debt incurred by states during the Revolutionary War, should be consolidated on the national level.  There reasoning was thus: 1.  It would help establish unity among the states. 2.  It could more … Continue reading →