On his arrival in Holland, Mr. Adams found the affairs of that country in great confusion, in consequence of the French invasion.  So difficult was it to prosecute any permanent measures for the benefit of the United States, owing to the existing wars and the unsettled state of things in Europe, that after a few months he thought seriously of returning home.  A report of this nature having reached President Washington, drew from him a letter to Vice President John Adams, dated Aug. 20, 1795, in which the following language occurs:—­

“Your son must not think of retiring from the path he is now in.  His prospects, if he pursues it, are fair; and I shall be much mistaken if, in as short a time as can well be expected, he is not found at the head of the Diplomatic Corps, be the government administered by whomsoever the people may choose.”

This approbation of his proceedings thus far, and encouragement as to future success, from so high a source, undoubtedly induced the younger Adams to forego his inclination to withdraw from the field of diplomacy.  He continued in Holland until near the close of Washington’s administration.  That he was not an inattentive observer of the momentous events then transpiring in Europe, but was watchful and faithful in all that pertained to the welfare of his country, is abundantly proved by his official correspondence with the government at home.  His communications were esteemed by Washington, as of the highest value, affording him, as they did, a luminous description of the movement of continental affairs, upon which he could place the most implicit reliance.

The following extract of a letter from John Adams, will show the interest he naturally took in the welfare of his son while abroad, and also afford a brief glance at the political movements of that day.  It is dated Philadelphia, Jan. 23, 1796:—­

“We have been very unfortunate in the delays which have attended the dispatches of our ambassadors.  Very lucky, Mr. John Quincy Adams, that you are not liable to criticism on this occasion!  This demurrage would have been charged doubly, both to your account and that of your father.  It would have been a scheme, a trick, a design, a contrivance, from hatred to France, attachment to England, monarchical manoeuvres, and aristocratical cunning!  Oh! how eloquent they would have been!

“The southern gentry are playing, at present, a very artful game, which I may develope to you in confidence hereafter, under the seal of secrecy.  Both in conversation and in letters, they are representing the Vice-President [John Adams,] as a man of moderation.  Although rather inclined to limited monarchy, and somewhat attached to the English, he is much less so than Jay or Hamilton.  For their part, for the sake of conciliation, they should be very willing he should be continued as Vice-President, provided the northern gentlemen would consent that Jefferson should be President.  I most humbly thank you for your kind condescension, Messieurs Transchesapeakes. 
                 “Witness my hand,
                                                        “John Adams.”