Question

What purpose does John Adams give for writing his letter to Timothy Pickering?

Answer 1

It was to answer a question provided by Pickering and to recollect and describe the first advances in the continental congress, "You inquire why so young a man as Mr. Jefferson was placed at the head of the Committee for preparing a Declaration of Independence, I answer; It was the Frankfort advice, to place a Virginian at the head of every thing."

Throughout the letter to Thomas Pickering, Adams states things such as the meeting he and Jefferson had over the topic of his being head of the committee and also his views and opinions on the political views of that time, "I thought this too personal. I never believed George to be a tyrant in disposition and in nature; I always believed him to be deceived by his courtiers on both sides of the Atlantic, and in his official capacity only, cruel. I thought the expression too passionate, and too much like scolding, for so grave and solemn a document; but as Franklin and Sherman were to inspect it afterwards, I thought it would not become me to strike it out. I consented to report it, and do not now remember that I made or suggested a single alteration."

Answer 2

Please close the question if you no longer need help, thanks :)