John Adams Thoughts On The Verge Of A New Nation
On the eve of the vote for American independence, John Adams, who was both concerned that the vote would not pass, since it had to be unanimous, yet could clearly see in his mind a new nation. That night he put pen to paper and wrote his beloved Abigail these words:
I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews , Games, Sports, Guns , Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.
You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. -- I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. -- Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will tryumph in that Days Transaction, even altho We should rue it , which I trust in God We shall not.
You can view this in his actual hand HERE
The movie 1776, took inspiration from this letter and carefully included the highlighted parts that he was about to write to his wife.
Here is the clip of that song. It captures the hopes and dreams of Adams, who fought so hard to get the Continental Congress to vote for American independence.
Thank you John Adams.
Happy Independence Day to all of you.
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I adore John Adams. He was the most disliked member of congress for his relentless belief in American Independence. He has been my hero since the 5th grade.
Wishing everyone a Happy Independence Day.
Please no politics on this article. Only pleasant remarks.
The Founders were a gifted and determined bunch with a far reaching vision, little did they realize how much it would take in human treasure and sacrifice to make it succeed.
Agreed Greg. They would be tested again in the War of 1812 and again between brother and brother in the Civil War, which was our greatest loss of life.
John Adams was really a very remarkable person. He was very different in his thoughts and approach to things, and thus, he was very often misunderstood by his peers. But, his contributions to our country are many and have helped make this country one that was envied by many others for its freedoms. But, those freedoms also came at a heavy price, which makes them even more precious.
Thank you for sharing this video. It really hits home, about the person, and his belief in America and its people.
Raven,
It's really good to see a fellow American who truly understands how remarkable the men were who founded this country. These men risked their lives to give us the country we have today. May we always remember what they did, and never take for granted what they gave us.
Thanks Perrie. While today they are praised and honored, in their time their lives were seriously at stake, as well as those of their family.
And as has been proven over the history of our country, the freedoms they established for our country and its people in the beginning does not come any freer today.
Very true Raven.
Wow! Fireworks! Just what Adams would have wanted! Thanks!
Very good article sister.
John and his wife Abigail were most interesting. In many cases I think that he is misunderstood. He was a true patriot and a person with extraordinary vision.
Thank you Brother for your kind words.
Yes John and his wife had a very unique relationship for their time. He treated her as an equal and often went to her for advice.
Sadly, John was very misunderstood by his peers. His vision and passion for that vision didn't sit well with those who were comfortable with the status quo.
It is perhaps forgotten what made John Adams famous. (or infamous, at the time)
He defended the British soldiers involved in the Boston Massacre in 1770.
I have heard this echoed almost daily for over a decade here and there, by people who choose to believe blogs, you tube and the imaginary 'expertise' of their favorite pundits, bet it the Washington Times or the Washington Post.
The internet can educate you or indoctrinate you,
if you allow it to.
Very wise word from both Adams and you too SP. Read everything as a sceptic and do your homework. And always protect the innocent.
Thomas Jefferson was 83 years old when he died. He died on July 4, 1826. The was the 50th anniversary of the Declaration Of Independence. John Adams also died on that day. they died within hours of each other with neither knowing the other had passed.
5 years later in 1831 James Monroe also passed on the 4th of July.
John Adams was 90 years old, this is the 192nd anniversary of his & Jefferson's passing.
Although it took a few years, Adams got over losing to Jefferson and wrote him faithfully for 14 years before they both passed on the same day.
Adams outlived Jefferson by a few hours. Ironically, his last words was "Jefferson still lives".
Penmanship is becoming a lost art. My handwriting used to be pretty nice, but now it's not. We type just about everything so we lose those penmanship skills.
ditto, here.
Dear Friend Mr. Frost: You are Write.
E.
While I do most of my writing by keyboard now days, I realize that it is still important to have legible and presentable handwriting. My Mother always insisted that I create a writing ability that was both easily legible, yet, also defined who I was.
In order to maintain my handwriting to my Mother's expectation, I practice my handwriting every day. Even when she reached her advanced age, she still had impeccable and beautiful handwriting. There is no way I can let her down by not maintaining my own handwriting as well as she did when I get to her age.
My Mother didn't go to any religious school, but, her being an only child, her Mother insisted that she be every inch a proper lady. Mother had to learn to play the piano, as all proper young girls from proper families learned to play the piano. Every hair had to be in place, and proper penmanship was essential for proper young ladies. Thus, her penmanship was considered a statement about how proper she was.
Did I mention that she was raised to be a proper young lady? /s
Thankfully, my Mother did not pass that kind of thinking on to me. But, good penmanship was still a strong subject taught at school, and I was expected to excel at it. But, I used the typewriter long before computers came to everyday users so practicing my handwriting as well was also a must.
As a teacher, who taught penmanship for over 20 years, I think that it would be a shame if we stop teaching it. It is an art form.
Indeed it is and art form. I studied handwriting for a few years and it is fascinating what you can learn about a person by their handwriting. What some people don't understand, our handwriting defines who we are, how we see ourselves and our personality.
And I would truly hate to see such a fascinating and intriguing art form lost. A keyboard simply cannot replace what is expressed in handwriting.
Dear Friend Perrie Halperin: Most of the Founding Fathers showed amazing wisdom, but not freedom from some error in their patriotism, and for being far sighted.
Good on them.
Our sister and my treasure writing partner Raven Wing is correct.
The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.
I still have, 4-5 decades later scar tissue on my body for stopping ordinance as I went back into life fire to bring back, first those injured I led into battle.
Then back in again to remove the lifeless bodies of those I led into combat.
We leave no one behind.
I have no use for violence.
I would do it all over again, then and now if needed to so do.
There are some things for which are worthy to fight.
Freedom would be one.
Enoch, Returning from Our Town July 4th Open Field Celebration with Mrs. E.; Our Town Supervision and His First Lady.
I Am On My Way to the Closest VA Hospital to Spend Time With Veterans Who Will Never Leave that Facility in Their Time Left in This Life.
Peace, Abundant Blessings: and the Freedom to Enjoy These and More.
Dear Brother in Spirit, Friend and Mentor Enoch,
Not long ago I was asked what I thought "giving one's all" meant. While some have a different opinion of what it means, this statement, IMHO, gives another meaning to what it means to "give one's all".
Thank you Dear Brother for all that you do, and have done in your lifetime. There are many, many other lives that have been Blessed by your tireless devotion to all your fellow human beings. We are all one, and we are all loved and valued by the Creator.
I've said it before, and I'll say it again: He's the real deal.
Absolutely. The world would truly be Blessed to have many, many more 'real deals' like Dear Brother Enoch. He, and the many others like him, are truly gifts to all humans, and a role model treasure for others. (smile)
Enoch,
Your good heart and your kind words and good will you bring to everything you do in your life, leaves no one behind. That is a gift that is rare and one we are grateful for.
Wonder how many here, on NT, would be willing and able to offer the same pledge and sacrifices?
I know many who would but also know many who "probably" wouldn't.
This nation has given a lot and will continue to do so. BUT - we need to stop the fighting/back-stabbing and start working together for that continuance.
Since you are a known Trumpster, we have to assume your comment is "political". She asked that no political comments be made.
(Deleted) don't like Trump - none of the 56 members who signed the Declaration of Independence were political, i.e. Repub/Dem - that was not a political statement.
And what part of working together don't you like?
Divide and conquer has been #1 on the domestic agenda. Unless we can find a way to kick that mindset to the curb, moving forward for the sake of all, will remain a dream. I'll never stop dreaming, though.
Thoroughly agree Sister - and I'll be dreaming right along with you.
Which validates the fact that 'freedom does not come free.' For every plus we gain there is a price to pay. And for every minus there is an even a higher price to pay.
It is really too bad that the SCOTUS has now become an extension of the politics of the WH and Congress, and pays less attention to the value and honor of the Constitution. That is why every sitting President wants to stack the SCOTUS with those who are are loyal to their own political party instead of loyal to the Constitution and American people.
I like the stone. It really says it all