In honor of what is turning out to be the most closely
analyzed transitions in the history of the American presidency, I am happy to
share a piece I have been working on here and there since before the election
got into full swing. As we wait to see where the chips will end up on
everything from taxes to trade to immigration, I offer an in-depth analysis of
a well-known writing from former President John Quincy Adams when he was
serving as Secretary of State and provided his views on immigration to a German
member of high society who was contemplating a move to the new U.S. nation in
1819.
