American watchman and Delaware advertiser. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1822-1828, 1826-07-18

We canno, at this moment paw more appropriate
homage TO the memory Of JOHN ADAMS, than
by re publishing the letter written by him on the
day succeeding that on which the Declaration was
Signed. 1t breathes the spirit OF ptophet--lbe
confidence OF patriot, and the determination Of ore
ready at any moment TO lay down his life for The
cause he had espuused. Its predictions have become
history, and on his head have besmed and will beam
the unfading "rays OF light and Of glory p"
Boston Courier.
PHILADELPHIA. July, s, l-76--Yesterday
the greatest question was decided which was ever
decided among men. resolution was passed unan
mously," That these United States are, and IF right
ought to be free ard Independent States.''
The day is passed.-The 4th OF July, 1-76, will
be memorable epoch in the history of America. /
am apt to believe it wiu be celebrated BY succeeding
generations, as the GREAT ANNIVERSARY
FESTIVAL! 1t ought TO he cominemorated as the
day Of deliuerance, by solemn acts OF devotion to
the Almighty God. Ii ough, to be soemniIed with
pomp. shows games, sports, guns BELLS bonhres
and iIlumina,ionsfrom one end Of the continent to
the other, from this time forever! You will think
me transported with enthusiasm but am not. !
am we'll aware Of the toll, and blood and treasure 1t
will cost to maintain this declaration and support
and defend these states yet through all the gloom
can see ray OF light and glory. can see that
the end is worth more than all the means; and that
poserity will triumph, although you and may rue
which hope we shall not.
Yours, sc. JOHN ADAMS.
The Democratic Press says hat the above letter
OF MIR. Adams has, by some means, had The date
changed. 1t was written aud dated July 8, l770
Reference 10 page s27 of the second volume OF the
Journals OF the Old Congress, will show that il was
the Cd of July, that the Resolution in favor OF
independence was adopted, although the Declara'
ton was not agreed on until the 4th. The Heart
and Soul, The Joy and Gadness, which pervades
every line Of Mr. Adams letter. may in part be &C.
counted for, from the circumstance that the Reso'
luton declaring the right TO be free and indepen'
dent states," had been before Congress on the ISL
o! July, and could not be carried. 1t" was at the
request Of colony, postponed ill to morrow" the
I'd, when it was adopted That day, the next day.
and Thursday, the 9TH Of July, Congress had under
consideration the Declaration respecting lndepen
dence: :" on the last day, il was adopted, signed py
a goody number Of the Members, and {" Resolved
Tina. copies Of the Declaraonb b. sent to the seVera
assemblies, conventions or c6sRFnttees, OF COUNCILS
OF safety, and to the several commanding officers Oh
the continental troops; that be proclaimed In eac
OF the United States, ard at the head OF the Army
Z This brief historical Uote shows that Mr.. Adams
letter was written the third, and not on the o''
OF July and happen to know that particular iao''
on the best authority independent Of the statement
we have given. The date of the letter is OF value III
many points of light, but in more than ID inc
evidence which it carries with it Of the ardor ane
enthusiasm in the good caMse which in the 4iS yea