Your fellow-citizens, in spite of political prudence, could not avoid honoring you on grounds altogether irrespective of personal merit.
John Adams, who has gone to receive the reward of the just, was one of the most efficient and illustrious founders of this Empire, and afterwards its Chief Ruler.

The son of such a father would, in any other age, and even in this age, in any other country than this, have been entitled, by birth alone, to a sceptre.

We not merely deny hereditary claims to civil trust, but regard even hereditary distinction with jealousy.

And this circumstance enhances justly the estimate of your worth.

For when before has it happened that in such a condition of society the son has, by mere civic achievement, attained the eminence of such a sire, and effaced remembrance of birth by justly acquired renown?
"The hand we now so eagerly grasp, was pressed in confidence and friendship by the Father of our Country.