The Public Conduct and Character of John Adams, Esq., President of the United States

The Public Conduct and Character of John Adams, Esq., President of the United States was a pamphlet written by Alexander Hamilton in 1800. It was a scathing critique of John Adams's public actions and character during his presidency. Hamilton, a prominent Federalist, had a strained relationship with Adams, the Federalist president.

The pamphlet accused Adams of exhibiting "greatness" but also "great defects," including vanity, jealousy, and a lack of executive control. Hamilton believed Adams's policies and temperament were detrimental to the Federalist Party and the nation. This public attack contributed to the deep divisions within the Federalist Party and is seen as a factor in Adams's defeat in the 1800 presidential election.1