July 2, 1776 - Declaration of Independence Approved
The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epocha in the history of America. I am apt to believe it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forevermore.
You will think me transported with enthusiasm, but I am not. I am well aware of the toil and blood and treasure that it will cost us to maintain this Declaration and support and defend these states. Yet, through all the gloom, I can see the rays of ravishing light and glory. I can see that the end is more than worth all the means. And that posterity will triumph in that day's transaction, even although we should rue it, which I trust in God we shall not...
It may be the will of Heaven that America will suffer calamities still more wasting, and distress yet more dreadful. If this is to be the case, it will have this good effect at least. It will inspire us with many virtues which we have not, and correct many errors, follies and vices which threaten to disturb, dishonor and destroy us. The furnace of afflication produces refinement, in States as well as individuals...But I must submit all my hopes and fears to an overruling Providence, in which, unfashionable as the faith may be, I firmly believe.
-- John Adams
In a letter written to his wife Abigail after the Continental Congress approved the resolution for the Declaration of Independence, July 2, 1776 - it would be formally adopted on July 4, 1776.
Illuminations was the eighteen century term for fireworks!!!
2 comments:
Good post. For clarity's sake, it was the Lee Resolution declaring independence from Great Britain -- moved in June -- which was passed July 2, 1776 without dissent (12-0, NY abstaining). The Declaration of Independence was not itself presented to the Continental Congress until the 4th, when it was adopted as, essentially, the Nation's first Talking Points Memo.
Richard Henry Lee presented the resolution on June 7, 1776:
"Resolved: That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved."
I should have been more clear.
Still - today is anniversary of the birth of Independence in this country!
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