Part 3, Chapter 8 Summary

Boston prepared a homecoming the Adamses could not have imagined. After fifty-eight days at sea, they were thrilled to see the Boston lighthouse, from whence on land word went forth of their arrival. Governor Hancock dispatched his coach and a cavalry detachment. Cannonades, church bells and several thousand well-wishers awaited. After feeling so long unappreciated and forgotten, this was hard to assimilate, and they proceeded to Braintree quietly. Adams was particularly happy to see his grown sons again. The Vassall-Borland place was in disrepair and cramped by European standards. Workmen set about making improvements, and Adams plunged back into the farmer's life. Speculation about his political future was rampant. "Providentially" unemployed, he could be anything but president, since Washington was certain to take that office. Privately, Adams confided that anything short of the vice-presidency was beneath him. Politics was in the...