This view point may be made from a passage John Adams wrote in his notes on debate calling himself "obnoxious, suspected, and unpopular"3 while trying to convince Thomas Jefferson to write the Declaration of Independence. This dialogue from Adams notes is used (more or less) in the musical to display not only humor and drama, but historical accuracy as well.
The main antagonist in the film was Pennsylvanian congressman John Dickinson, played by Donald Madden, and was essentially John Adams' rival in the debate of independence. Dickinson was loyal to his "mother country" and considered any revolution or rebellion as treasonous. This led to a common enmity between the two opposing representatives. Adams was a patriot, rebelling from the crown in order to hatch a new nation, whereas Dickinson would forever be known as loyal to, or afraid of the English monarchy. Ironically, almost two years beforehand on October 24th of 1774, Adams writes in his diary: .
There is no greater Mortification than to sit with half a dozen Witts, deliberation upon a Petition, Address or Memorial.excessively weak, and excessively variable and unsteady. . . . Mr. Dickinson is very modest, delicate, and timid.4.
This journal entry displays the initial dislike between Adams and Dickinson. Adams also labeled Dickinson as a "piddling Genious whose Fame has been trumpeted so loudly, has given a silly Cast to our whole Doings"3 in a letter to friend, James Warren. These excerpts from Adam's diary and letter prove that the rivalry in the delegation room between John Adam's and John Dickinson are surely accurate. .
In the first draft of the Declaration of Independence by Thomas Jefferson, there is a passage stating that all men are created equally, in an attempt to abolish the cruel treatment and enslavement of black Americans who, until then, weren't treated as people. Edward Rutledge of South Carolina leads a walkout of the congress when Adams and Jefferson refuse to remove the clause.
