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Death of John Quincy Adams
Topic Started: Jun 23 2010, 01:37 PM (195 Views)
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An Empire for Liberty

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February 24, 1848

Elder statesman John Quincy Adams died in Washington yesterday evening the age of 80, following a collapse on the floor of the House of Representatives two days earlier. The House was at that time considering a resolution decorating generals of the United States Army for their service in the war against Mexico, which Adams vehemently opposed. He rose from his seat to seek recognition from the Speaker, but his face suddenly reddened and he fell into the arms of a colleague, who shouted, "Mr. Adams is dying!" The House immediately adjourned, as did the Senate and the Supreme Court when they heard the news.

Adams was quickly taken to a sofa in the Speaker's office where he lapsed into unconsciousness. His last words were, "This is the end of earth, but I am composed."

The passing of "Old Man Eloquent" has been met with great mourning in Washington and throughout the country. In some ways, Adams represented the last of the Revolutionary generation: he served in the administrations of George Washington, James Madison, James Monroe, and that of his father, John Adams. He was the first U.S. envoy to both Prussia and Russia, as well as an ambassador to the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. He served in both the Senate and the House, the latter after leaving the presidency in 1829 -- the only president to do so.

Adams was known for his rhetorical ability and his dedication to national union, economic modernization, and the restriction of slavery. In recent years he was very active in the abolitionist movement, arguing on behalf of the Amistad slaves before the Supreme Court in 1841, opposing the annexation of Texas in both 1837 and 1845, and objecting to the subsequent war with Mexico out of fears that it would divide the Union. Despite these often polarizing stances, Democrats and Whigs alike paused today to honor his life with speeches and eulogies; they included Adams' longtime political adversary, Thomas Hart Benton, as well as his young Whig protege Abraham Lincoln. "Death found him at the post of duty," Benton observed. "Where else could it have found him?"
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"For more than half a century, during which kingdoms and empires have fallen, this Union has stood unshaken. The patriots who formed it have long since descended to the grave; yet still it remains, the proudest monument to their memory."
- Zachary Taylor
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Prussia sends its deepest condolances to Adams familiy and the United States of Amerika. The Prussian ambassedor in Washington requests if he may attend the berial of this great man.
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Certainly. The services will be held in Washington and Adams's remains will be transported back to Quincy, Massachusetts by rail for a state funeral. Appropriate for a strong supporter of internal improvements and railroads.
Posted Image Embassy of the United States of America Posted Image
"For more than half a century, during which kingdoms and empires have fallen, this Union has stood unshaken. The patriots who formed it have long since descended to the grave; yet still it remains, the proudest monument to their memory."
- Zachary Taylor
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