The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-03-18
From the ", o. Pieayuns.

Our readers will find below an interesting relic
of the past II is letter, never before published
written in June, l776, just before the Declaration
of Independence, by the elder Adams. II was adj
dressed to DIR. winthrop, Of Boston, one of the pa
triots of that day, and has been religiously pre-
served in the family of his descendants, one Of
whom Colonel John Winthrop, OF this city-has
furnished it to us for publication. The original is
at our office, and is well worthy of the inspection Of
the curious. II is neatly written, in small, firm
hand, without interlineation, accurately
punctuated, and is still neat and clean, though yell
low with age.
The letter is full of the fire of patriotism which
made the writer one of the foremost friends of lib
orty-thc special champion of independence in the
Congress which declared it, and the most hated
enemy of tyrants. II would be almost superfuous
in us TO repeat that he ardent lover Of his
country, and would have sacrificed every personal
aim and interest to secure her happiness. Happy
would il be for us now If all among us were ac-
tuated by half of his fcrvent and sincere love of
country.
To the Editors Of Tie Picayuae;
GENTLEMEN: At time when the harsh and start
ling cry of disunion is banded about in the halls OF
Congress, amid the ominous silence OF those who
were wont Indignantly TO denounce its mere agita-
ton as constructive treason; at time "when fools
prevail and infdels bear sway" and when the bale
full spectres of suspicion dscord, and dstrust are
stalking with portentous strides over our hitherto
happy and united country, it may, perhaps, prove
interesting toyourseves and readers to cast retro
spective glance upon one OF that noble band OF
spirits who, from amidst the Earring and discordant
elements by which they were surrounded, looked
forward with calm hope and confidence to the glo-
rous contamination OF their wishcs-the foundation
of our beloved Republic
hand you herewith an original letter from the
elder Adams, ''who had no prejudice except in fla
of his country, to an ancestor Of mine, advo-
ting the necessity of immediate declaration.
Listen to the pure and patriotic strains! How adj
mirably does it apply to the present state of af-
fairs! f
Compared with the polluted streams flowing
so darkly and treacherously through the bosoms OF
many of our most eminent public men, the perusal
of sentiments like these seems like drawing deep
and refreshing waters from the great well of truth,
'pure and undefled."
am, gentlemen, your obedent servant,
JNO. WINTHROP.
New ORLEANs, March I, 1850.
PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 90, l776.
DEAR SIR Your favor of June the lst is now be-
fore me. II is now universally acknowledged that
we and must be independent States. But still
objections made to declaration of it. II is said
that such declaration will arouse and unite Great
| Britain But are they not already aroused and
| united as much as they will be? Will not such a
declaration the friends of liberty, the few
such who are left, in opposition to the present sys
tenn? Ii is also said that such declaration will put
| US in the power of foreign States. That France
will take advantage of when they see we can't
| reccde, and demand severe terms of us. That she
| and Spain, too, will rejoice to see Britain and
| America wasting each other. But this reasoning
| has weight with me, because am not for soli-
citing any political connection, military assist
| ance, or indeed naval, from France. wish for
nothing but commerce, a mere marine treaty with
| them, and this they will never grant, until we
make the declaration, and this, think, they can
not refuse after we have made it.
The advantages which will result from such a
declaration are in my opinion, very numerous and
| very great. After that event, the colonies will
| hesitate no longer to complete their government
They will establish tests and ascertain the crimi-
| nality OF Toryism. The presses will produce no
| more seditious or traitorous specuations Slander
| upon public men and measures will be lessened
Our civil government will feel vigor hitherto
| known. Foreign courts will not disdain to treat
with us upon equal terms. Nay, further, in my
opinion, such declaration, instead of uniting the
people of Great Britain against u.s. will raise such
| storm against the measures Of administration al
will obstruct the war and throw the kingdom into
confusion.
/ am grieved 10 hear, as do from various quar-
ters, of that rage for innovation which appears, in
so many mild shapes, IN our province. Are moi
| these ridiculous pro- ects prompted, excited, and
encouraged by dssffected persons, in order to di-
vide, dissipate, and distract the attention of the
people at time when every thought should be en-
| poyed, and every sinew cxcrted for the defence Of
the country? Many Of the projects that have heard
| Of are not repairing, but pulling down the building
when il il fire. instead of aboring 10 extinguisl
| the fiames.@ They are founded in narrow notions
sordid stnginess and profound ignorance, and tend
directly TO barbarian. ! am not socitous who
takes offence at this language blush TO see such
stuff in public papers, which used to breathe
| spirit much more liberal.
rejoice 10 sec in the list Of both houses 80 many
names respectable for parts and learning. hope
their fortitude and zeal will be in proportion, and
then am sure their country will have great cau.,
| TO bless them. am, sir, with every sentiment o
| friendship and generation, your affectonate anc
humble servant, JOHN ADAMS.
| To DIR. JOHN WISTBRoP, +. r. s.
| Nashville Convention, Frec-Soil meetings, &c
| &c.
| Tur UsIoS roRyvrR-A funny exhibition IA 4,