John Adams joined his fellow-citizens of Quincy, Mass., in celebrating the 4th of July, 1823, at the age of 88 years.  Being called upon for a toast, he gave the following:—­

“The excellent President, Governor, Ambassador, and Chief Justice, John Jay, whose name, by accident, was not subscribed on the declaration of independence, as it ought to have been, for he was one of its ablest and faithfullest supporters.—­A splendid star just setting below the horizon.”  It would be difficult (said the Boston Patriot,) fully to describe the delicate manner in which this toast was received and noticed by the company.  Instead of loud acclamations, which succeeded the other toasts, it was followed by soft and interrupted interjections and aspirations, as if each individual was casting up an ejaculatory prayer, that the two illustrious sages might pass the remainder of their days in tranquillity and ease, and finally be landed on the blissful shores of a happy eternity.

In September, 1825, President Adams, with his family, left Washington, on a visit to his venerable father, at Quincy.  He travelled without ostentation, and especially requested that no public display might be manifested.  At Philadelphia, Mrs. Adams was taken ill, and the President was compelled to proceed without her.  This visit was of short duration.  Called back to Washington by public affairs, he left Quincy on the 14th of October.  It was his last interview on earth with his venerated parent.  The aged patriarch had lived to see his country emancipated from foreign thraldom, its independence acknowledged, its union consummated, its prosperity and perpetuity resting on an immovable foundation, and his son elevated to the highest office in its gift.  It was enough!  His work accomplished—­the book of his eventful life written and sealed for immortality—­he was ready to depart and be at peace.

The 4th of July, 1826, will long be memorable for one of the most remarkable coincidences that has ever taken place in the history of nations.  It was the fiftieth anniversary—­the “Jubilee”—­of American independence!  Preparations had been made throughout the Union, to celebrate the day with unusual pomp and display.  John Adams and Thomas Jefferson had both been invited to participate in the festivities of the occasion, at their several places of abode.  But a higher summons awaited them! they were bidden to a “jubilee” above, which shall have no end!  On that half-century anniversary of American Independence, at nearly the same hour of the day, the spirits of Adams and Jefferson took their departure from earth!!  Amid the rejoicings of the people, the peals of artillery, the strains of music, the exultations of a great nation in the enjoyment of freedom, peace, and happiness, they were released from the toils of life, and allowed to enter on their rest.