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Editorial
July 22, 1800
The New Hampshire Gazette
Portsmouth, Rockingham County, New Hampshire
What is this article about?
The Courier Gazette reprints a July 5, 1776, letter from John Adams to a Mr., celebrating the unanimous passage of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, predicting its annual commemoration with festivities, and affirming its worth despite future costs.
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From the Courier Gazette
The following letter, written by our revered President, in those times which really tried men's souls, we conceive ought to be annually published as long as American Independence is considered deserving of celebration. It shows at once the soundness of his understanding and the ardor of his patriotism. May his country continue to realize the happiness, and arrive at the greatness which he then saw in vision-and her gratitude continue to repay his labours and services :
"PHILADELPHIA, JULY 5, 1776.
"YESTERDAY the greatest question was decided, which was ever debated in America; and a greater perhaps never was, or will be decided among men. A resolution was passed, without one dissenting colony, "THAT THESE UNITED COLONIES ARE, & OF RIGHT OUGHT TO BE FREE AND INDEPENDENT STATES."
"The day is passed-The Fourth day of July, 1776, will be a memorable epocha in the history of America. I am apt to believe 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 Almighty God. It ought to be solemnized with pomp, shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward and forever.
You will think me transported with enthusiasm ; but I am not. I am well aware of the toil and blood, and treasure, that will cost us to maintain this declaration, and support and defend these states ; yet through all the gloom, I can see the rays of light and glory-I can see that the end is more than worth all the means; and that posterity will triumph, although, you and I may rue, which I hope we shall not.
I am, &c.
JOHN ADAMS.
To Mr.
The following letter, written by our revered President, in those times which really tried men's souls, we conceive ought to be annually published as long as American Independence is considered deserving of celebration. It shows at once the soundness of his understanding and the ardor of his patriotism. May his country continue to realize the happiness, and arrive at the greatness which he then saw in vision-and her gratitude continue to repay his labours and services :
"PHILADELPHIA, JULY 5, 1776.
"YESTERDAY the greatest question was decided, which was ever debated in America; and a greater perhaps never was, or will be decided among men. A resolution was passed, without one dissenting colony, "THAT THESE UNITED COLONIES ARE, & OF RIGHT OUGHT TO BE FREE AND INDEPENDENT STATES."
"The day is passed-The Fourth day of July, 1776, will be a memorable epocha in the history of America. I am apt to believe 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 Almighty God. It ought to be solemnized with pomp, shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward and forever.
You will think me transported with enthusiasm ; but I am not. I am well aware of the toil and blood, and treasure, that will cost us to maintain this declaration, and support and defend these states ; yet through all the gloom, I can see the rays of light and glory-I can see that the end is more than worth all the means; and that posterity will triumph, although, you and I may rue, which I hope we shall not.
I am, &c.
JOHN ADAMS.
To Mr.
What sub-type of article is it?
Constitutional
War Or Peace
What keywords are associated?
American Independence
Declaration Of Independence
John Adams
Fourth Of July
Patriotic Celebration
What entities or persons were involved?
John Adams
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
John Adams Letter On The Declaration Of Independence
Stance / Tone
Patriotic Enthusiasm
Key Figures
John Adams
Key Arguments
Resolution Passed Declaring United Colonies Free And Independent States
July 4, 1776, Will Be A Memorable Epoch Celebrated As Anniversary Festival
Commemorate With Solemn Devotion, Pomp, Shows, Guns, Bells, Bonfires
Aware Of Toil, Blood, Treasure To Maintain Declaration
End Worth All Means, Posterity Will Triumph