John Adams, audience with King George III, 1785
Posted 7/16/06
Only nine years separated the traitor John Adams from the diplomat John Adams in the eyes of King George III. The man who had signed the Declaration of Independence was now an honored guest in the King of Britain's court, serving as the first United States Minister of Plenipotentiary. The meeting, occuring on June 1, 1785, would prove to be an important first step in establishing a continued friendly rapport between the two English-speaking countries. Adams recorded his experience in a letter to Secretary of State John Jay, sharing a bit of the apprehension inherent in such an unprecedented situation.