As with all volumes of the Adams Papers, this book received assistance from many quarters without which it would never have come to fruition.

We are particularly grateful for the work of three new members of the Adams Papers staff—Founding Fathers Papers Fellow Karen Northrop Barzilay, and editorial assistants Sara B. Sikes and Judith S. Graham—each of whom made important contributions, providing invaluable help with annotation, verification, illustrations, and the entire production process. They have graciously pitched in on innumerable tasks, both large and small, always with great skill and good humor. Similarly, Paul Fótis Tsimahides, a former member of the Adams Papers staff now working on the Founding Families Digital Project, ably assisted with the early stages of the book.

Our copyeditor Ann-Marie Imbornoni once again saved us from many unfortunate errors, reviewing the entire manuscript with care and precision.

Many people contributed to the research behind this book. We particularly wish to thank Edward B. Doctoroff, Head of the Administrative Services Division at Harvard's Widener Library; and the reference staffs at Harvard University's Houghton and Lamont libraries, Radcliffe's Schlesinger Library, the Rare Books and Manuscripts Department at the Boston Public Library, and the New England Historic Genealogical Society.

As with previous volumes, Kevin and Kenneth Krugh of Technologies 'N Typography in Merrimac, Massachusetts, did an admirable job typesetting the volume. At Harvard University Press, we thank John Walsh, Assistant Director for Design and Production; Lisa Roberts, Paperback Manager; and Kathleen McDermott, Editor, History and Social Sciences, for all of their assistance with the publication and marketing of the book.

The Massachusetts Historical Society continues to provide this project with the use of its unrivaled collections and the support of its knowledgeable staff. In particular, we thank Dennis A. Fiori, Director; Peter Drummey, Stephen T. Riley Librarian; Conrad E. xlviWright, Worthington C. Ford Editor; Brenda M. Lawson, Director of Collections Services; Mary E. Fabiszewski, Senior Cataloger; Kimberly Nusco, Reference Librarian; Rakashi Chand and Carrie Supple, Assistant Reference Librarians; Nancy Heywood, Digital Projects Coordinator; and Anne E. Bentley, Curator of Art. Finally, we also greatly appreciate the contributions made by the Adams Papers Administrative Committee to the success of this project.