Diary, John Quincy Adams, 1825
Item
Title
Diary, John Quincy Adams, 1825
Description
Sixth president, John Quincy Adams, often swam in Tiber Creek near the White House. In 1825, he commandeered an abandoned boat and rowed it down the creek, planning to swim back. A sudden storm arose, sweeping the leaking boat into the Potomac where it began to sink. Adams scrambled overboard, but the weight of his clothes dragged him underwater. A White House steward, Antoine Guista, who was with Adams, jumped overboard and rescued the president. Washington buzzed for days about the President's close call.
Creator
John Quincy Adams
Source
The Diaries of John Quincy Adams Diary 49, snippet at White House Historical Society. View original snippet.
Date
6/13/1825
Coverage
1800-1829