The Massachusetts spy, and Worcester County advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1825-1831, 1826-07-12

dependence. 1t is believed that the
motion was made by member from
Virginia at his suggesiion-that he sec
onded the motion and sustained II by
most powerful and ressless argument.
By his influence also, MIR. Jefferson was
placed at the head Of the Committee
who framed the declaration. His real
son for procuring the motion to come
from Virginia, and of placing one OF her
delegation at the head of The Commit
tee, was to engage the hearty co-oPe-
ration Of that great State in the work
of independence. By the Committee
who were appointed on the subject OF
separation from the mother country,
Mr.. Jefferson and Mr.. Adams were APP |
pointed subcommittee to frame De-
claration Of independence. The draf!
reported, was that Of Mr.. Jefferson, and
he has deseryedly received great credit
for il. But those who consider how
much easier il is to draft a report than
TO procure its passage and adoption
and who reflect, that Mr. Jefferson new
er spoke in public, and that John Adams
was the bold and daring split of the
Congress Of I776, and the eloquent ad-
vocate of its boIdest measures, cannot
fail to award him the highest honor
which the adoption of that declaration
could confer. From the declaration OF
Independence until the peace, Mr.. Adj
ans was employed in the same glorious
cause. Whilst Washington, at the head
Of our armies, was fighting the battles
Of liberty, and defending our country
from the ravages of the enemy, Adams
was employed in service less brilliant,
e but scarcely less important. Through
: the whole war, he was exerting his tal-'
:. eets at the various Courts of Europe, to
q obtain loans and alliances, and every
, succor 10 sustain our armies, and the
J: cause of Liberty and our Independence.
: Nor did his labors cease until he had
J.. sealed our independence by treaty of
: peace, which he signed with Great Brit
), ain.
: Immediately after the treaty Of reace,
:; he was appointed Ambassador to Great
9 Britain. On the adoption Of the Con-
=, stituton, he was elected first Vice-Pres-
t ident OF the United States. During the
h whole period of the Presidency of
!, Washngto Mr.. Adams was Vice.Pres-
Y ident He was az uniformly consulted
: by Washington as though he had been a
e member Of his cabinet, Oh all important
: questions. Ga the death of Washing
>, ton, Mr.. Adams was elected his success
! sor.
During the administration Of Mr.. Adj
ans, party spirit ragged without restraint.
Too independent himself to wear the
trammels Of either party, he was warm-
ly supported by neither. Too open
i. for concealment, and perfectly void Of
f guile and intrigue, he practised no arts
. to secure himself in power. At the ex-
, piratiou Of the first term, Mr.. Jefferson,
the candidate OF the Republican party,
: and his successful competitor, received
four votes more than Mr.. Adams Mr..
Adams then retired TO private life al his
, seat in Quincy.
He was one Of the Electors, and
: President OF the Electoral College,
when Mr.. Monroe was elected President
Of The United States. Having been the
, principal craftsman Of the Constitution
of this State, when the Convention was
called to amend ii in 1920, he was unan-
, imoasy elected their President. On
his declining this honor, unanimous res
olulions we're passed by this great as
: sembly of five hundred, selected from
all parties, expressive of their exalted
: sense Of his merits and public services.
The private character Of President
Adams was perfectly pure, unsnllied,
and unstained. There was no Chris
tan or moral duty which he did not full
fiji; the kindest of husbands and the best
of fathers. To the cxcellect precepis
and education which he gave his chill
dren, The nation are undoubtedly indebt-
ed for having at this time ut their head
his eldest son.
! President Adams was serene and tran
quill to the last. Conscious Of having |
performed his duty, and of life well
spent and devoted to his country, the
blasts of calumny which assailed his de-
cining years, never ruffled the serenity
of his mind. He regarded them as lit
lie as the troubled elements; for he
knew that like them they would soon
suhside, and that then every thing
would be like his own bosom, peace and
sunshine, To gay that he had weak
poiots and foibles, is but TO say tina! be
was a man. But his defects were those
Of bold and daring spirit, an open gen.
erous and confding heart. lie knew
20 guile and he feared none. Haying1
no selfish purposes TO answer, he prac-
| tsed no arts 10 effect them. AT the age