A Guide to the John Quincy Adams Letter

Scope and Contents

Manuscript letter from Secretary of State John Quincy Adams to President James Monroe, dated July 20, 1819, regarding the Adams-Onis Treaty.

The Adams-Onis Treaty was negotiated between Adams and Spanish Minister Luis de Onis. Adams writes to Monroe regarding obstacles to Spain's ratification of the treaty, in particular "the question about the Florida grants" and "this new expedition against the Province of Texas."

The Adams-Onis Treaty was later ratified by Spain. The letter provides a revealing window into diplomatic affairs and territorial disputes between the major powers of early 19th century North America. In 1825 Adams would become the sixth president of the United States.

Administrative Information

Preferred Citation

John Quincy Adams Letter, 1819, Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, The University of Texas at Austin.

Detailed Description of the Collection