On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress met in Philadelphia and after lengthy debate passed a resolution declaring independence from Great Britain. The text of the Declaration of Independence was approved on July 4, and ever since then, Americans have celebrated this date as Independence Day.
However, John Adams, who was on the committee tasked with drafting the document and encouraged Thomas Jefferson to be its lead author, had a slightly different idea of what day the nation would remember. In two letters dated July 3 to his wife Abigail, Adams explained why he believed July 2 would be celebrated as “the most memorable milestone in American history.”
July 2, 1776, should be commemorated as the day of emancipation in a solemn act of faith in Almighty God.
These works are well worth reading today, if only for the benefit of hindsight and to marvel at the man’s foresight. Reading the final paragraph, it’s not hard to sense Adams’ excitement and anxiety about what was to come.
Enjoy the excerpts below, read them aloud with your family during the holidays, and may God bless America.
Morning, July 3, 1776
Yesterday the greatest question ever debated in America, and perhaps the greatest question that has never been or will ever be decided among mankind, was decided. The resolution was passed without a single colony opposing: “That these United Colonies are, and ought to be, Free and Independent States, and therefore have, and ought to be, full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, establish Commerce, and do all other Acts and Things which other States may lawfully do.” In a few days a Declaration will be published setting forth the causes which have impelled us into this great Revolution, and the reasons which justify it in the eyes of God and man. In a few days the Plan of Union will be taken up.
When I look back to the year 1761, and to the debate in the Superior Court on the writ of assistance, which I have heretofore regarded as the beginning of the controversy between England and America, and when I look back over the whole period from that time to the present, and recall the chain of political events, of causes and effects, I am astonished at the suddenness and greatness of this revolution. At any rate, it is my judgment that England has been full of folly, and America full of wisdom.
Time will tell. It is the will of Heaven that the two nations should be forever divided. It may also be the will of Heaven that America should suffer more devastating calamities and more terrible sufferings. If this happens, it will have at least this good effect: it will give us many virtues which we lack, and correct many errors, follies, and vices which threaten to confound, disgrace, and ruin us.
The furnace of affliction produces refinement not only in nations but in individuals; and the new government which we assume will require us in every respect to purge our vices and increase our virtues; otherwise it will not be a blessing. The people will have unlimited power; and the people, like those in power, are very dependent on corruption and avarice. I am not without misgivings on this side.
But I must entrust all my hopes and fears to the infallible Providence of God, in whom I have a firm belief, however outdated that belief may be.
Evening of July 3, 1776
Had our independence been declared seven months ago, it would have had many great and glorious effects. We might have had alliances with foreign nations before this moment. We might have conquered Quebec and possessed Canada.
It will perhaps be wondered what effect such a declaration has had on our affairs in Canada; but if I could write at will, you would easily be persuaded that it did, and I can explain how. Many gentlemen of high rank and great influence were deceived by the pretentious attitude of the Commissioners’ Cabinet, and really and sincerely expected this event, which they so dearly desired, that they were slow and indolent in promoting the reduction of that province. There were some in the colony who really wished that our enterprise in Canada should fail; that the colony should be brought into danger and distress between the two fires, and thus brought to its knees. There were also some who really wished to prevent the expedition to Canada, fearing that the conquest should so exalt the minds of the people that they would not listen to the terms of reconciliation which they believed would be offered us. These conflicting views, hopes, and designs aroused opposition to many of the beneficial measures proposed to support that expedition, and caused obstructions, perplexities, and deliberate delays, which ultimately led to our losing that province.
But all the causes would not have combined to disappoint us, had it not been for a misfortune which we could not have foreseen, and perhaps could not have prevented, namely, the spread of small-pox among our troops. This deadly epidemic sealed our ruin. It is the wrath of God, and we ought to bear it in mind.
On the other hand, many great advantages attend the postponement of this Proclamation so far. The hopes of reconciliation, though shortsighted and erroneous, and full of sincerity and good intentions, have gradually, and at last, entirely vanished. Time has been given to the whole nation to consider with maturity the great question of Independence, to mature its judgment, to dissipate its fears, and to entertain its hopes. It has been discussed in newspapers and pamphlets, in assemblies, conventions, committees of safety and inspection, in town and country meetings, and even in private conversations. The result is that the whole people, in all the colonies, have now accepted it as their own act. This will strengthen the Union, and will avoid the agitations, and perhaps the disturbances, which might have been occasioned by the Proclamation of six months ago.
But that day is gone. The second day of July, 1776, will be one of the most memorable days in the history of America. I believe that it will be celebrated by posterity as a great jubilee. It should be commemorated as a day of emancipation, with a solemn act of faith in Almighty God. It should be solemnly celebrated from one end of the continent to the other, from this time forward and for all time, with pomp, shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations.
You will think I am enthusiastic, but I am not. I know well what toil and blood and treasure it will cost to maintain this declaration, to support and defend these states. But in the darkness, I can see rays of light and glory; I know that the cause is worth all means, and that our posterity will prevail. You and I may regret it, but I hope we will not.
