The Case:
A woman in Littleton, New Hampshire inherited her husband's aunt's belongings, which include a curious late-eighteenth century book titled "Trials of Patriots.”
It contains what appears to be President John Adams' signature in three places, and includes an inscription, “Charles Adams from His Father, 1794.”
The book is a collection of trial transcripts chronicling the sedition trials of Irish and Scottish radicals. If the book is indeed from Adams to his son, it could reveal pivotal clues about the inter-workings of this presidential family.
History Detectives examines the Adams family's correspondence and conflict as they balanced home life with public service.
Season 6, Episode 8
Season 7, Episode 7
Detective:
Gwen Wright

Boston and Quincy, Massachusetts
Related Content
Related Links
Explore
-
Related Investigation Mussolini's Dagger Did a World War II GI return home with Mussolini's dagger?
-
Related Investigation Lindbergh-Sikorsky Fabric How do the signatures on this patch of fabric connect Charles Lindbergh to another first in flight?
-
Also with Gwen Wright Spybook What does this little black book reveal about spying on the home front during World War I?
-
Also in Revolution: 1754-1820 1775 Almanac What do these crumbling pages reveal about divided loyalties during the American Revolution?
-
Also with Gwen Wright Coney Island Lions Could this be an artifact from the bygone days of early amusement parks?
-
Also in Season 6 GAR Photograph How did two African Americans come to be part of this photograph in Reconstructionist-era America?
Comments
This is a place for opinions, comments, questions and discussion; a place where viewers of History Detectives can express their points of view and connect with others who value history. We ask that posters be polite and respectful of all opinions. History Detectives reserves the right to delete comments that don’t conform to this conduct. We will not respond to every post, but will do our best to answer specific questions, or address an error.