WI: John Adams Captured While Crossing The Atlantic

Just been reading a biography on the man in question and, during his crossing of the Atlantic towards France, three British ships spotted the ship Adams was on, the Boston. The managed to escape, but say there's some bad luck and the British ships capture the ship and its occupants? This would prevent John Adams from reaching France, although an alliance had already been signed at this point. He was also one of the men who was set to be hanged by the British for treason, so most likely no happy ending for him.

Other than that, John Quincy Adams was on board and would likely be captred along with his father. What would happen to him in this event? Any thoughts?
 
Just been reading a biography on the man in question and, during his crossing of the Atlantic towards France, three British ships spotted the ship Adams was on, the Boston. The managed to escape, but say there's some bad luck and the British ships capture the ship and its occupants? This would prevent John Adams from reaching France, although an alliance had already been signed at this point. He was also one of the men who was set to be hanged by the British for treason, so most likely no happy ending for him.

Other than that, John Quincy Adams was on board and would likely be captred along with his father. What would happen to him in this event? Any thoughts?
As you said, Adams himself was marked for death. Whether or not the sentence would be carried out immediately or not, who knows; I believe the British captured at least one signatory of the Declaration and he survived the war.

It's more the butterflies of erasing Adams' interactions in France and tenure as the second president of the US where things get interesting.
 
Definitely John Adams would end to end of rope. John Q. Adams and his family probably would had transferred to another colony and lost their property.

France might still send aid to Americans but perhaps not so much as in OTL.
 
As you said, Adams himself was marked for death. Whether or not the sentence would be carried out immediately or not, who knows; I believe the British captured at least one signatory of the Declaration and he survived the war.

It's more the butterflies of erasing Adams' interactions in France and tenure as the second president of the US where things get interesting.

That's generally what I was pushing more towards, what does Adams death mean for the fledgling US? What changes will come from him not being around?
 
We really liked him when he was alive but now, Everybody loves a martyr!

Although, one mitigating factor that may save Adams from the rope is his defense of the Red Coats charged with Boston Massacre.

I would not be surprised to see several of those soldiers writing the Crown with pleas for leniency.

At war's end things go tougher on the Tories.

If no butterflies stop the progression towards the constitution and Washington Presidency then Jefferson is the number two man.

I can see America leaning more towards the French. No Quasi-war. Maybe even joining the war on Napoleon's side.

If that turns into a fiasco you have Jefferson tossed with Burr or Hamilton coming to power

Maybe they become America's Disraeli/Gladstone.

John Quincy eventually becomes President
 
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