As a Moments subpage, all spoilers are unmarked as per policy. You Have Been Warned.
- In every letter, no matter how much they argue, it's apparent how deeply and truly John and Abigail Adams love each other.Abigail: Don't stop writing. It's all I have.John: Every day, my dearest friend.Abigail: Til then...Abigail and John: Til then, I am, as I ever was and ever shall be, yours...yours...yours...yours...yours.John: Saltpeter...John.Abigail: Pins...Abigail.
- The end of "He Plays The Violin," when Adams and Franklin wander off with their arms around each other.
- Honestly, any and every scene involving John and Abigail qualifies. Driven home when John appeals to her, "Abigail... come to Philadelphia. Please come," and then later with her reminder to him about his definition of "commitment".
- John Adams' revelation that it was he who sent for Jefferson's wife to help Jefferson get out of his depression. While he passes it off as expedient to make sure the Declaration gets finished, it's not hard to imagine that he may have had some sympathy, given how deeply he misses his own wife.
- During the debate over the Declaration, Adams praises it to the skies and protests every single individual edit made to it, insisting it's moving, poetic, and a "masterful expression of the American mind." He respects Jefferson's talents and abilities so much, and is ridiculously protective of his work. It's particularly heartwarming given that, in later years, he and Jefferson will often be fighting a lot over how to govern the new country, though eventually they come (back) around to being Vitriolic Best Buds.
- Abigail's saltpeter arrives in Philadelphia. In kegs tied with ribbons and bows. Right after she's talked John out of the dumps, and before John sends her the shipment of pins she claimed was "more urgent."Abigail: Compliments of the Concord Ladies' Coffee Club, and the Sisterhood of the Touro Synagogue, and the Friday Evening Baptist Sewing Circle, and the Holy Christian Sisters of Saint Claire, all for you! John! I am as I ever was and ever shall be...yours! Yours! Yours! Yours!John: Abigail, what's in these kegs?Abigail: Saltpeter! John!
- John's immediate reaction also qualifies. He runs into the main room and tells MacNair to "buy every damn pin in Philadelphia" to send home to his wife like she requested.
- When Caesar Rodney, mud-spattered, exhausted and seriously ill, returns to Congress to cast his crucial vote for American independence. When he walks in everyone, regardless of where they stand on the issue, stands up in respect for him.
- Dickinson refuses to sign the Declaration, saying he still hopes for reconciliation, but says that despite their differences, he doesn't respect America less than Adams does, and he's going to join the army. It should be remembered that Dickinson has literally spent the entire movie disparaging Adams and interfering with everything he attempts. Adams stands up and shows respect to him anyway.Adams: Gentlemen of the Congress, I say ye, John Dickinson.
- Near the end, Washington sends one more dispatch. He's about to go into battle in New York. His army is outgunned, outclassed and outnumbered five-to-one. His closing: "How it will end only Providence can direct. But, dear God, what brave men I shall lose before this business ends!" Thompson is so overcome he can barely get the words out. Doubles as a tearjerker.
