But America is a great, unwieldy Body. Its Progress must be slow. It is like a large Fleet sailing under Convoy. The fleetest Sailors must wait for the dullest and slowest. Like a Coach and sixthe swiftest Horses must be slackened and the slowest quickened, that all may keep an even Pace.

Summary

This quote by John Adams presents the idea that America is a vast and diverse nation that must progress at a steady and gradual pace. Adams compares America to a large fleet sailing under convoy, where even the fastest sailors must slow down for the slowest ones to maintain an even pace. Similarly, he compares America to a coach with six horses, where the swiftest horses need to be restrained and the slowest need to be encouraged to ensure everyone moves forward at the same speed. Overall, Adams suggests that progress in America requires finding a balance to accommodate its diverse population and ensure steady advancement.