From The Letters of John & Abigail Adams
From a letter to Abigail dated July 3 1776, Philadelphia
"......Yesterday, the greatest question was decided which ever was debated in America, and a greater, perhaps, never was nor will be decided among men. A Resolution was passed without one dissenting Colony "that these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, and as such they have, and of right ought to have, full power to make war, conclude peace, establish commerce, and do all other acts and things which other States may rightfully do." You will see, in a few days, a Declaration setting forth the causes which have impelled us to this mighty revolution, and the reasons which will justify it in the sight of God and man. A plan of confederation will be taken up in a few days.
When I look back to the year 1761 and recollect the argument concerning writs of assistance in the superior court, which I have hitherto considered as the commencement of this controversy between Great Britain and America, and run through the whole period from that time to this, and recollect the series of political events, the chain of causes and effects, I am surprised at the suddenness as well as greatness of this revolution.
Britain has been filled with folly, and America with wisdom; at least, this is my judgment. Time must determine. It is the will of Heaven that the two countries should be sundered forever. It may be the will of Heaven that America shall suffer calamities still more wasting, and distresses yet more dreadful. If this the to be the case, it will have this good effect at least. It will inspire us with many virtues which we have not, and correct many errors, follies, and vices which threaten to disturb, dishonor, and destroy us. The furnace of affliction produces refinement in states as well as individuals. And the new Governments we are assuming in every part will require a purification from our vices, and an augmentation of our virtues, or they will be no blessings. The people will have unbounded power, and the people are extremely addicted to corruption and venality, as well as the great. But I must submit all my hopes and fears to an overruling Providence, in which, unfashionable as the faith may be, I firmly believe."
Hope you all have a Happy and Safe 4th.
Laurie
NorCal22Gal
Thanks Laurie...great post. I especially like the last line. Kind of says it all.
Happy Independence Day to all. a special thanks to our forefathers AND veterans.
Ron
like.
Happy Independence day.
Thanks for that inspiring tidbit. O0
I'd post on FB but it's probably too long. :(
Very inspiring, thank you.
Happy Independence Day! ^:)^
Thank you very much for the inspiring tidbit of history.
I hope all of you have a great Independence Day weekend, and remember what it means.
Roland
Cal, i thought about doing the same thing but didn't for the same reason..... :D
Glad you all are enjoying it. i sure did when i read it. Would like to put it in my Appleseeds but haven't figured out just the right spot for it yet.
NorCal22Gal
At church this morning a tribute to the founders. Awesome! O0
It helps that our pastor was a fighter pilot during the Vietnam war. He always recognizes the veterans role in America.
Little tidbit I did not know...Isaiah 33:22 was the inspiration for our 3 branches of government.
For the Lord is our Judge (Judiciary)
The Lord is our Lawgiver (Legislative)
The Lord is our King ( Executive)
Thank you for posting this. Happy Independence Day!!!
Thanks for posting.
I put this up as a "note" on the Northwest Region Project Appleseed. Feel free to share it.
FB home page: https://www.facebook.com/NorthwestRegionProjectAppleseed
Note: https://www.facebook.com/notes/northwest-region-project-appleseed/dear-abigail-july-3-1776-philadelphia/235999029752757