Litchfield enquirer. [volume] (Litchfield, Conn.) 1829-current, 1860-07-05
Old John Adams, Letter ON the 4th
Of July.

Oh Ou1ys-
The elder ADAMS though he lived in times
that are denominated nowadays as the age Of
fogyism, only because they are by-gone days.
was by NO means specimen or representative
of the venerable fossil sometimes seen. he was
participation and sharer in the scenes that
"tried mems souls y he was the emendator, II
not the originator, of that Declaration OF indie
pendence which proclaimed to the world in
general and Great Britain in particular, the de-
termination of this country to be thereafter free
and independent. He was among the first and
readiest to af6x his signature to that instrument
which he had superintendent in its formation and
to pledge his life, his fortune and his sacred hon
or to the fullment of all its provisions and he is
to-day, venerated and esteemed, as among the
noblest heroes of the day we celebrate and
the first among the Representatives in that Co
lonial body of Legislators from New England.
And he had very correct idea, and almost pre-
scient foreknowledge of how that day would be
celebrated in after-times in this country by all
patriotic Americans. Realizing as he did the
risks and responsibilities that attached them
selves to the signatures Of himself and his fel-
low-legislators in that brave body of men, and
presuming rightly that the day became an epoch
in the history of this nation, and-if successfully
attended by after events-an era which would be
but the beginning of aftergreatness,h he could not
but feel impressed with the hope and expecta-
ton that this day Of the date Of our Independ-
ence would be celebrated by his countrymen as
season of joy, and festivity and Thanksgiving,
with "pomps, and games, and shows"
Fifty years to day from the date when
he affixed his name to the righteous but defiant
paper, his spirit, with that Of another Trainer of
the bill-took its fight from earth-and full of
age and full Of honors, amid the Understanding
boomings of cannon, and the ringing of bells,
testifying in the height Of poetry, to nations
Joy and a nations gratitude-he assembled from
the scene Of his earthly labors and rewards, to
tread the courts of the blessed. And it is not
too much to suppose, that from those heavenly
heights, Adams, and Washington, and Franklin,
and all those who have gone before, the long list
of these brave, patriotic men, still look down
with an interest mistaken and answering upon
this favored land, watch eagerly every NANTES.
tation of its increasing power and grandeur, and
lament every occasion of dissatisfaction, discon
tent or dissolution. as.ss -|-J.
Eightyfour years ago to-day, July 5th) Adams
penned the following letter to friend from the
city where the Declaration hsa just Rfea ad sft
boom of cannon. It is overlooking with exult
ant patriotism and triumphant gratitude. We
commend it to all our readers. who would keep
the fame of nationality alive in their own bo-
SONS, and who would celebrate the day Alright.
Green be the memory of BRAVE JOHN ADAMS
PHILADELPHIA, July 9Th, 1776.
SIR Yesterday the greatest question was
decided which was ever debated in America
and greater, perhaps, never was or will be deci
ded among men. A resolution was passed, with
out one dissenting colony, that THEsE UNITED
STATES ARE, AND OF RIGHT OUGHT TO BE- FREE
AND INDEPENDENT STATES. l
The day is passed. The 4th of July, l776
will be memorable epoch in the history OF
America. am apt to believe ii aciH be celebra
Sed by succeeding generations as a great Anni
rersary Festival 1t ought to be common ora
ted as the Day OF DEL1vERANcE, by solemn acts
OF devotion to Almighty God. 1t ought to be
solemnized with pomps, sho,cs, games sports,
guys, bells, boyfres, Examinations
ONE END OF THE CONTINENT TO THE OTHER,
from tbs time teracard and .forecer. You
will think me transported with enthusiasm, but l
am not. am well aware of the toll, the blood,
and treasure, that it will cost to maintain this
Declaration, and support and defend these states
yet through all the gloom, can see the rays Of
Light and Glory-I can see that the end is
worth more than all the means, and that poster.
ity will TRIUMPH, although you and may rue it
which l hope we shall not.
lam, &c. JoHS ADAMS.