Upon his return, he supported moderation towards the conquered southern states. This brought attacks by the Radical Republicans. His position was unpopular, and ended any major political ambitions he may have had.
Upon his return to the United States, he was offered the presidency of Harvard, which he declined. He later served as American arbitrator in Geneva to settle the damage claims against the British stemming from the Civil War.
He returned in 1872, in time for the presidential nominating conventions. A new group, the Liberal Republicans, opposed the corruption of the Grant Administration. At first, Adams was the front-runner, but Horace Greeley eventually won the nomination. Grant won a surprisingly close popular victory over the eccentric Greeley, which suggests that Adams may have actually had a chance had he won the nomination.
Adams returned to Geneva to finish the negotiations. He returned home after the successful conclusion of his mission, and retired. He never again held office. In his last years, his mind failed him. He died in 1886, barely aware of his surroundings, family, or friends.
Adams would have made an interesting President, and a most capable one in a time of mediocre candidates. Like his father and grandfather, he was more interested in doing what was right and not what was popular. Like his father and grandfather, he probably would have been a one-term President as a result.
A skilled diplomat, he was able to act independently and keep events in perspective. His service in the Civil War probably kept England from entering the war, helping keep the Union together. Not as exciting as battlefield exploits, his efforts did just as much to save the country.
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