Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1826-08-01
DOMESTIC.
From the Boston Patriot,


The attention Of the citizens was called TO the
dongs of their committee of arrangements, relative
TO the invitation given to their venersted towns
man, JOHN ADAMS: they listened with profound
silence to the following letters:--
Quincy, I'd June, 1926.
Hon. JOHN ADAMS:
Honored Sir-Wnh the profoundest reverence
ofrespect, it has again fallen TO my happy lot, in
behalf OF the committee of arrangements for the
approaching celebration of our National Irdcpen
dence, on the fourth OF July next to solicit the
pleasure OF your company TO dine with the citizens
Of Quincy, at the Town Hall, on that day. That
your health and strength may be such that you will
be enabled to comply with this request, is the ar
dent wish OF the citizens OF this place, and in par
',icular of him who supplicates in their behalf.
The approaching anniversary is one big with the
grateful recollection Of those patriots and states
men, who, fifty years since, dared, in the then in
fancy of country, 10 proclaim TO the lrOrld these
United States 10 be Free and Independent
Wilton; among that august band ii is the pride
and boast OF this town TO recognize the names OF
Hancock and Adams, and in particular the last,
Who, thank God, still survives, and whose brilliant
talents shone with peculiar lus,re, and was made
the instrument, under Providence, in small de-
gree, OF producing that Revolution, which has re
bounded 10 the glory and happiness of this nation,
and trust its benign influence is destined to be
felt and enjoyed, by al! the other nations on the
globe. Your presence, on that day, cannot fail OF
producing the highest qualification in the minds OF
those who may then assemble The sight of one
who has done so much for our beloved country, and
IN particular for this town, will greatly heishten
the pleasures OF that day.
AN, with much respect,
Your obedeut and humble servant,
By order OF the Committee OF Arrangements.
JOHN WHITNEY, Chairrnon
Capt JoHN WHITNEY, Chairman of the Com
mittee of Arrangements for celebrating the ap-
preaching anniversary OF the ilh July in the
town Of Quincy.
QUIHcY, June Z, 1926.
Sir Your letter OF the 81 inst. written on be-
half OF the committee oil arrangements, Tor the APP
qroaching celebration of our National Indepen-
dence; inviting me TO dine, on the 18th of July
newt, with the citizens OF Quincy. at the Town
Hall, has been received with the kindest emotions
The very respectful language with which the wishss
OF my fellow-ownsmen, have been conveyed to
me, by your committee, and the terms Of afTec-
tona.e regard towards me, Individually, 6smand
my grateful thanks which yon will please TO ac-
cept AMI 10 communicate 70 your colleagues OF tie
committee.
The present feeble state OF my healti will not
permit me 10 indulge the hope OF participating with
more than my best wishes in the joys and iestivi-
ties and the solemn services OF that day, on which
will be completed the fitch year from It's birth,
the Independence Of tie United States. \ me-
Dorabe epoch in the annals OF the human race des-
lined, In future history, to form the BRIGHTEST or
the blacklist page according the use CT the abuse
OF those political institutions by which they shall
IN time 70 come, be shaped By the human nriaA
pray you sir, 10 tender, in my BEHALF 10 our
feilow-ciiilens, my cordial thanks Tor their aec-
nona'e good wishes, and TO be assured that am
very truly and asctiOna,ely yours and their friend
and ieiiow-townsnan, JOHN ADAMS.
This was the last signature traced by the trem-
uious hand of this aged man. and it il unusually
distinct and natural. The good wishes of his letter
were greeted by abundant cheers; when the Orator
OF the Day being called uron for toast rose and
said
Gentlemen, I hold in my hand paper contain
ing toast from the Hon. JoI,N ApAA1s-with
permission to present it as from him this day, tes-
tliylng thereby that inasnuch By the intirmities
Of age, his presence here is denied him, his soul is
get with us-vou will perceive that the spirit of
his earlier days is yet living within him. % will
give you," says he, lNpEPENDEHcE FoR-
EVER" Asths was among his last expressions,
.nay be considered az the dying exclamation OF
The sansiine patriot; and i, strkingly shows tina,
the h'me which burned 20 intensely in his youth
iIl bosom, quIckened aud warmed him in the de
crepItude OF age and The hour ofdeath. When this
sentiment was dictated by him. he was asked if he
should add any thing to it /? mot a ,rord" he
replied. The toast was drank by us about fifty
Hl'hu'So uSIOIc Its paulOtc author expired.
leaving the Hall at an early hour, it was no,
long before the even;ful ,ilIngs flew through the
town that the President pGs no more The
shock TO many was dreadful, and to most sudden
~ his real situation since the morning had been
known only 10 few of US Having i'm prrted al
most inspiration 10 the town while he has lived in
- the inhabitants felt that in his death, the great
centre OF interest was removed forever, and the
ne that bound them to former generations was
nglp ,,aI,-
though all could say, that he was taken from them
a; the very moment when the best consultations
conld be left
In The morning, when asked, if he knew what
DAY IT was, he answered Yes-n e0o9-n o,cot
ady During the morning he was unable TO
speak except in tremulous and indsiinct wills
pers, though every sentence showed his mind to
pe as clear and yigilant ever That he was
perfectly conscious OF his situation appeared from
Ms parental benedictions and from the frequent
broken accents OF prayer. AZ some minutes afte;
e"eive O'CLOCK, he made great effort 20 inter
these words" Thomas Jefferson s1rpipes. -
1t twenty minutes before six o'clock he eypireJ
without struggle, surrounded by those who part
Gu from nm with sorrow, and who will remember
aim forever with gratitude and venerstion. II s
Dut expressing the sentiments Of the whole town IN
say, that he veneraied as the fearless and faith
iul patriot; admired the profound and counnni
ca'Ve scholar; honored as the exemplary and the
muniheent citizen; valued as the firm and consistent
christian; belovnd as the friendly and attentive
Asigh6of; and most Of all, deyoutly cherished as
ne anxious and alfec,onate parent But to do JUS
zee 70 ms distinguished individual, belongs to
aoler hands; yet remembering as do. with neyso,
al gratitude his restless wish 10 benefit ,bs risine
generation, and to advance learning, social or,st
and Christianity, may be allowed this brief and
passing tribute.
twas deemed Efficiently remarkable, By our