Presidents Day Hawaii: John Quincy Adams

The voyage of the Isabella from Mazatlan took 17 days. Upon its arrival in Honolulu Captain Briggs furnished the editors of The Polynesian with copies of American newspapers. The May 6, 1848 edition presented the news to its Hawaii readers, including the death of one of America’s most venerated statesmen and a final direct link to the American Revolution.

“The venerable John Quincy Adams is no more,” quoting the Daily American Star. President James Polk’s announcement was quoted in full, followed by remarks delivered to Congress by House Speaker Winthrop.

“As a contemporary of the illustrious Washington, and almost a co-worker in laying the foundation of his country’s freedom and greatness, the name John Quincy Adams will be remembered in all future time as one of the illustrious sons of the American Republic,” stated the Polynesian. “In the year 1830, shortly after he retired from the Presidency, he descended, neither ungracefully, nor without advantage to the nation to a seat in the House of Representatives and had, up to the moment of his death, wielded an influence unequaled by any other member of that body, securing also for himself a greater share of attention and respect.”

In Jaunary 1849, Samuel C. Damon, editor of The Friend in Honolulu, reflected, “Nations have been overturned, families broken up, and multitudes in public and private life passed away. Most have gone, leaving no footprints on the shore of time which the hurrying tide of life will not soon efface. Not so with one memorable individual. John Quincy Adams will be remembered so long as one is found to appreciate the genuine patriotism and love true liberty.”

* Click here for the White House page on John Quincy Adams.

* Click here for John Quincy Adams on Twitter! :)

* Click here for the Miller Center's page on John Quincy Adams.

* Click here for the U.S. Capitol Historical Society's page on Adams.

* Click here for the Adams Family Papers, Massachusetts Historical Society.