A foremost figure of America’s quest for independence, John Adams (1735–1826) served America as its second president from 1797 to 1801 and also as the nation’s first vice president for two terms alongside George Washington. Born in Massachusetts, Adams studied law at Harvard College and upon admittance to the bar, focused his attention on constitutional law. He first plied his trade as a fierce opponent to the Stamp Act, drafting instructions to the Massachusetts legislature to oppose the act on the grounds that it amounted to taxation without representation. A principled legal advocate, Adams successfully argued on behalf of the British soldiers charged in the Boston Massacre trial. He represented Massachusetts at the First and Second Continental Congresses, and was instrumental in crafting and securing the passage of the Declaration of Independence. Adams served as one of America’s first diplomatic envoys in France, Holland and Britain from 1777 to 1788. He endured a bruising and fractious presidency, due in large part to his support of the Alien and Sedition Acts. Losing reelection to Thomas Jefferson, Adams retired to his home in Massachusetts. He died on July 4, 1826, the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.