12 November 1811
Adams, John (1735-1826)
Autograph letter signed
Title: to Benjamin Rush
Lengthy discussion of virtue and politics, reflecting on "slander" from his opponents. Tacitus' adage: "Posterity gives to every man his true honor," " has some Truth in it... but it is by no means an universal Aphorism; nor do I believe it to be generally true. You seem to think that Integrity is less envied than Talents... To be sure, honest Men have been satyrized, ridiculed, calumniated, belied. Sometimes the Lies have stuck, sometimes not... Who has destroyed these villainous effusions of alarmed Ambition? Not the Friends of Liberty surely; they never had the Power... That…
GLC09107