One of the books I couldn't help but read aloud recently is the hefty John Adams by David McCullough. We are 66% of the way through a book that chronicles many significant historical moments. One of these takes place in Paris in 1785.
John Adams lives in Paris through most of the Revolutionary War, working to gain support for the United States in France. His young son John Quincy travels with him and is educated in Europe. Many years later when the war is over John Adams is still in Europe, and he is finally joined by his wife, Abigail. Thomas Jefferson is also selected to represent the newly formed nation in France.
In the spring of 1785 Queen Marie Antoinette gives birth to a son, and there is a service of praise to God on the occasion at Notre Dame. Louis XVI is there, of course, and the service is also attended by John and Abigail Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and a now 18-year-old John Quincy Adams.
Picture this scene: a monarch giving thanks for the birth of his son with great pomp and circumstance. In just four years revolution will break out followed by mass chaos and the king's execution in 1793. He has no idea how his fortunes are about to change. Three future U.S. presidents are present at this stately occasion, but at this point in time there is no U.S. constitution and not even a first president. They have no idea the courses their lives will take or that they will one day hold the highest office in their new republic.
John Quincy records his thoughts afterwards:
What a charming sight: an absolute king of one
of the most powerful empires on earth, and perhaps
a thousand of the first personages of that empire,
adoring the divinity who created them, and
acknowledging that He can in a moment reduce
them to the dust from which they spring.
Indeed.
Lynn I read the autobiography of John and Abigail Adams years ago,it was a wonderful book,I don’t know what happened to the book,wish I still had a copy,,,,,,
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