John Quincy Adams was the 6th US President. He was the son of John Adams, the 2nd US President. Much of his childhood was spent in Europe while his father served as US ambassador there during and after the American Revolution. He served as US ambassador to the Netherlands and Russia. He served as US Secretary of State and in Congress. His big mistake was accepting the US Presidency in 1824 when Andrew Jackson had the most popular votes and electoral votes but not enough to win by law. Henry Clay pledged political support which helped Adams win then accepted the Secretary of State position. This arrangement hurt both of Adams and Clay politically very much. John Quincy Adams was the only former US President to serve in the US House of Representatives. He became the most outspoken opponent of slavery and served as lawyer for the slaves in the famous Amistad case which reached the US Supreme Court. Adams loved politics and intellectual pursuit. His two brothers and two sons both died of alcoholism and he suffered from depression. He lived a life of noble national service. God bless John Quincy Adams, a man who served his country well!