Quote Archive | The Wisdom of John Adams, American Founder

(Updated May 8, 2025)

John Adams (1735-1826) was an American Founder who played a key role in the writing of the Declaration of Independence, and served as the United States’ first Vice President, and second President.

Letters

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (May 12, 1774)

We live my dear Soul, in an Age of Trial. What will be the Consequence I know not. The Town of Boston, for ought I can see, must suffer Martyrdom: It must expire: And our principal Consolation is, that it dies in a noble Cause. The Cause of Truth, of Virtue, of Liberty and of Humanity: and that it will probably have a glorious Reformation, to greater Wealth, Splendor and Power than ever…

We must contrive as many Ways as we can, to save Expenses, for We may have Calls to contribute, very largely in Proportion to our Circumstances, to prevent other very honest, worthy People from suffering for Want, besides our own Loss in Point of Business and Profit.

I can truly say that I have felt more spirits and activity since the arrival of this news [the blockade of Boston] than I had done before for years. I look upon this as the last effort of Lord North’s [the British Prime Minister] despair. And he will as surely be defeated in it as he was in the project of tea.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (July 4, 1774)

Heard the minister again upon “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matt. 6:33). There is a great pleasure in hearing sermons so serious, so clear, so sensible and instructive as these.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (July 5, 1774)

I spent an Hour last Evening at Mr. Wyers with Judge Cushing. Wyers Father, who has a little Place in the Customs came in. He began, upon Politicks and told us, that Mr. Smith had a Fast last Week which he attended. Mr. Gillman preached, he said, Part of the Day and told them that the Judgments of God upon the Land, were in Consequence of the Mobbs and Riots, which had prevailed in the Country—and then turning to me, old Wyer said “What do you think of that Mr. Adams?”—I answered, I can’t say but Mobs and Violences may have been one Cause of our Calamities. I am inclined to think that they do come in for a share: But there are many other Causes; did not Mr. Gillman mention Bribery and Corruption, as another Cause?—He ought to have been impartial, and pointed out the Venality which prevails in the Land as a Cause, as well as Tumults—”I think he did” says Wyer.

I might have pursued my Enquiry, whether, he did not mention the Universal Pilfering, Robbery and Picking of Pockets, which prevails in the Land—as every Man’s Pocket upon the Continent is picked every Day, by taking from him Duties without his Consent.

I might have enquired whether he mentioned the universal Spirit of Debauchery, Dissipation, Luxury, Effeminacy and Gaming which the late ministerial Measures are introducing, etc. etc. etc. but I forbore.

How much Profaneness, Lewdness, Intemperance, &c. have been introduced by the Army and Navy, and Revenue—how much servility, Venality and Artifice and Hypocrisy, have been introduced among the Ambitious and Avaricious by the British Politics of the last 10 Years?

In short the original faulty Causes of all the Vices which have been introduced, these last 10 Years, are the Political Innovations of the last 10 Years. This is no Justification and a poor Excuse for the Girls who have been debauched, and for the Injustice which has been committed, in some Riots. But surely the Soldiers, Sailors, and Excisemen, who have occasioned these Vices ought not to reproach those they have corrupted. These Tories act the Part of the Devil—they tempt Men and Women into sin, and then reproach them for It, and become soon their Tormentors for it.

A Tempter and Tormentor, is the Character of the Devil—Hutchinson, Oliver, and others of their Circle, who for their own Ends of Ambition and Avarice, have procured, promoted, encouraged, counselled, aided and abetted the Taxation of America, have been the Real Tempters of their Countrymen and Women, into all the Vices, sins, Crimes and follies which that Taxation has occasioned: And now by [them]selves and their Friends, Dependents, and Votaries, they a[re] reproaching those very Men and Women, with those Vices and follies, Sins and Crimes.

There is not a Sin which prevails more universally and has prevailed longer, than Prodigality, in Furniture, Equipage, Apparel and Diet. And I believe that this Vice, this Sin has as large a Share in drawing down the Judgments of Heaven as any. And perhaps the Punishment that is inflicted, may work medicinally, and cure the Disease.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (July 6, 1774) [Letter I]

Mobs are the trite Topic of Declamation and Invective, among all the ministerial People, far and near. They are grown universally learned in the Nature, Tendency and Consequences of them, and very eloquent and pathetic in descanting upon them. They are Sources of all kinds of Evils, Vices, and Crimes, they say. They give Rise to Profaneness, Intemperance, Thefts, Robberies, Murders, and Treason. Cursing, Swearing, Drunkenness, Gluttony, Lewdness, Trespasses, Maims, are necessarily involved in them and occasioned by them. Besides, they render the Populace, the Rabble, the scum of the Earth, insolent, and disorderly, impudent, and abusive. They give Rise to Lying, Hypocrisy, Chicanery, and even Perjury among the People, who are driven to such Artifices, and Crimes, to conceal themselves and their Companions, from Prosecutions in Consequence of them.

This is the Picture drawn by the Tory Pencil: and it must be granted to be a Likeness; but this is Declamation. What Consequence is to be drawn from this Description? Shall We submit to Parliamentary Taxation, to avoid Mobs? Will not Parliamentary Taxation if established, occasion Vices, Crimes and Follies, infinitely more numerous, dangerous, and fatal to the Community? Will not parliamentary Taxation if established, raise a Revenue, unjustly and wrongfully? If this Revenue is scattered by the Hand of Corruption, among the public Officers, and Magistrates and Rulers, in the Community, will it not propagate Vices more numerous, more malignant and pestilential among them. Will it not render Magistrates servile, and fawning to their vicious Superiors? and insolent and Tyrannical to their Inferiors? Is Insolence, Abuse and Impudence more tolerable in a Magistrate than in a subject? Is it not more constantly and extensively, pernicious? And does not the Example of Vice and Folly, in Magistrates descend, and spread downwards among the People?…

Parties may go on declaiming: but it is not easy to say, which Party has excited most Riots, which has published most Libels, which have propagated most Slander, and Defamation.

Verbal Scandal has been propag[at]ed in great Abundance by both Parties. But there is this Difference, that one Party have enjoyed almost all public Offices, and therefore their Defamation has been spread among the People more secretly, more maliciously and more effectually. It has gone with greater Authority, and been scattered by Instruments more industrious…

These bickerings of opposite Parties, and their mutual Reproaches, their Declamations, their Sing Song, their Triumphs and defiances, their Dismals, and Prophecies, are all Delusion.

We very seldom hear any solid Reasoning. I wish always to discuss the Question, without all Painting, Pathos, Rhetoric, or Flourish of every Kind. And the Question seems to me to be, whether the American Colonies are to be considered, as a distinct Community so far as to have a Right to judge for themselves, when the fundamentals of their Government are destroyed or invaded? Or Whether they are to be considered as a Part of the whole British Empire, the whole English Nation, so far as to be bound in Honor, Conscience or Interest by the general Sense of the whole Nation?

However if this was the Rule, I believe it is very far from the general Sense of the whole Nation that America s[hould] be taxed by the British Parliament. If the Sense of [all] of the Empire, could be fairly and truly collected, it would appear, I believe, that a great Majority would be against taxing us, against or without our Consent. It is very certain that the Sense of Parliament is not the Sense of the Empire, nor a sure Indication of it.

But if all other Parts of the Empire were agreed unanimously in the Propriety and Rectitude of taxing us, this would not bind us. It is a fundamental, inherent, and unalienable Right of the People that they have some Check, Influence, or Control in their Supreme Legislature. If the Right of Taxation is conceded to Parliament, the Americans have no Check, or Influence at all left—This Reasoning never was nor can be answered.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (July 7, 1774)

A Notion prevails among all Parties that it is politest and genteelest to be on the Side of Administration, that the better Sort, the Wiser Few, are on one Side; and that the Multitude, the Vulgar, the Herd, the Rabble, the Mob only are on the other. So difficult it is for the frail feeble Mind of Man to shake itself loose from all Prejudices and Habits. However Andrew, or his Prompter is perfectly Right, in his Judgment, and will finally be proved to be so, that the lowest on the Tory Scale, will make it more for his Interest than the highest on the Whiggish. And as long as a Man Adheres immovably to his own Interest, and has Understanding or Luck enough to secure and promote it, he will have the Character of a Man of Sense And will be respected by a selfish World. I know of no better Reason for it than this—that most Men are conscious that they aim at their own Interest only, and that if they fail it is owing to short Sight or ill Luck, and therefore can’t blame, but secretly applaud, admire and sometimes envy those whose Capacities have proved greater and Fortunes more prosperous…

I am engaged in a famous Cause: The Cause of King, of Scarborough vs. a Mob, that broke into his House, and rifled his Papers, and terrified him, his Wife, Children and Servants in the Night. The Terror, and Distress, the Distraction and Horror of this Family cannot be described by Words or painted upon Canvass. It is enough to move a Statue, to melt an Heart of Stone, to read the Story. A Mind susceptible of the Feelings of Humanity, an Heart which can be touched with Sensibi[li]ty for human Misery and Wretchedness, must reluct [sic], must burn with Resentment and Indignation, at such outrageous Injuries. These private Mobs, I do and will detest. If Popular Commotions can be justified, in Opposition to Attacks upon the Constitution, it can be only when Fundamentals are invaded, nor then unless for absolute Necessity and with great Caution. But these Tarrings and Featherings, these breaking open Houses by rude and insolent Rabbles, in Resentment for private Wrongs or in pursuance of private Prejudices and Passions, must be discountenanced, cannot be even excused upon any Principle which can be entertained by a good Citizen—a worthy Member of Society…

I go mourning in my Heart, all the Day long, though I say nothing. I am melancholy for the Public, and anxious for my Family, as for myself a Frock and Trousers, an Hoe and Spade, would do for my Remaining Days.

For God Sake make your Children, hardy, active and industrious, for Strength, Activity and Industry will be their only Resource and Dependence.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (August 28, 1774)

Tomorrow We reach the Theatre of Action. God Almighty grant us Wisdom and Virtue sufficient for the high Trust that is devolved upon Us. The Spirit of the People wherever we have been seems to be very favorable. They universally consider our Cause as their own, and express the firmest Resolution, to abide the Determination of the Congress.

I am anxious for our perplexed, distressed Province—hope they will be directed into the right Path. Let me intreat you, my Dear, to make yourself as easy and quiet as possible. Resignation to the Will of Heaven is our only Resource in such dangerous Times. Prudence and Caution should be our Guides. I have the strongest Hopes, that We shall yet see a clearer Sky, and better Times…

Tell him [John Quincy Adams], if he devotes his Soul and Body to his Books, I hope, notwithstanding the Darkness of these Days, he will not find them unprofitable Sacrifices in future….

I hope our Husbandry is prudently and industriously managed. Frugality must be our Support. Our Expenses, in this Journey, will be very great—our only Reward will be the consolatory Reflection that We toil, spend our Time, and tempt Dangers for the public Good—happy indeed, if we do any good!

The Education of our Children is never out of my Mind. Train them to Virtue, habituate them to industry, activity, and Spirit. Make them consider every Vice, as shameful and unmanly: fire them with Ambition to be useful—make them disdain to be destitute of any useful, or ornamental Knowledge or Accomplishment. Fix their Ambition upon great and solid Objects, and their Contempt upon little, frivolous, and useless ones…Every Decency, Grace, and Honesty should be inculcated upon them.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (September 14, 1774)

I have written but once to you since I left you. This is to be imputed to a Variety of Causes, which I cannot explain for Want of Time. It would fill Volumes to give you an exact Idea of the whole Tour. My Time is to totally filled from the Moment I get out of Bed, until I return to it. Visits, Ceremonies, Company, Business, News Papers, Pamphlets etc. etc. etc.

The Congress will, to all present Appearance be well united and in such Measures I hope will give Satisfaction to the Friends of our Country.

A Tory here is the most despicable Animal in the Creation. Spiders, Toads, Snakes, are their only proper Emblems. The Massachusetts Councilors, and Addressers are held in curious Esteem here, as you will see.

The Spirit, the Firmness, the Prudence of our Province are vastly applauded, and We are universally acknowledged the Saviors and Defenders of American Liberty.

The Designs, and Plans of the Congress, must not be communicated, until completed, and We shall move with great Deliberation…

My Compliments, Love, Service where they are due. My Babes are never out of my Mind, nor absent from my Heart.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (September 16, 1774)

Psalm of the Revolution

When the Congress first met, Mr. Cushing made a Motion, that it should be opened with Prayer. It was opposed by Mr. Jay of N. York and Mr. Rutledge of South Carolina, because we were so divided in religious Sentiments, some Episcopalians, some Quakers, some Anabaptists, some Presbyterians and some Congregationalists, so that We could not join in the same Act of Worship—Mr. S[amuel] Adams arose and said he was no Bigot, and could hear a Prayer from a Gentleman of Piety and Virtue, who was at the same Time a Friend to his Country…

[H]e [Samuel Adams] moved that Mr. Duché, an episcopal Clergyman, might be desired, to read Prayers to the Congress, tomorrow Morning. The Motion was seconded and passed in the Affirmative. Mr. Randolph our President, waited on Mr. Duchè, and received for Answer that if his Health would permit, he certainly would. Accordingly next Morning he appeared with his Clerk and in his Pontificallibus, and read several Prayers, in the established Form; and then read the Collect for the seventh day of September, which was the Thirty fifth Psalm—You must remember this was the next Morning after we heard the horrible Rumor, of the Cannonade of Boston—I never saw a greater Effect upon an Audience. It seemed as if Heaven had ordained that Psalm to be read on that Morning.

After this Mr. Duché, unexpected to everybody struck out into an extemporary Prayer, which filled the Bosom of every Man present. I must confess I never heard a better Prayer or one, so well pronounced. Episcopalian as he is, Dr. Cooper himself never prayed with such fervor, such Ardor, such Earnestness and Pathos, and in Language so elegant and sublime—for America, for the Congress, for The Province of Massachusetts Bay, and especially the Town of Boston. It has had an excellent Effect upon everybody here.

I must beg you to read that Psalm. If there was any Faith in the sortes Virgilianae, or sortes Homericae, or especially the Sortes biblicae, it would be thought providential.

It will amuse your Friends to read this Letter and the 35th. Psalm to them. Read it to your Father and Mr. Wibirt—I wonder what our Braintree Churchmen would think of this?—Mr. Duché is one of the most ingenious Men, and best Characters, and greatest orators in the Episcopal order, upon this Continent—Yet a Zealous Friend of Liberty and his Country.

I long to see my dear Family. God bless, preserve and prosper it. Adieu.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (September 18, 1774) [Letter I]

When the horrid News was brought here of the Bombardment of Boston, which made us completely miserable for two days, we saw Proofs both of the Sympathy and the Resolution, of the Continent.

War! War! War! was the Cry, and it was pronounced in a Tone, which would have done Honor to the Oratory of a Briton or a Roman. If it had proved true, you would have heard the Thunder of an American Congress.

I have not Time nor Language to express the Hospitality and Civility, the studied and expensive Respect with which we have been treated, in every Stage of our Progress.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (September 18, 1774) [Letter II]

The Proceedings of the Congress are all a profound Secret, as yet, except two Votes which were passed Yesterday, and ordered to be printed. You will see them from every Quarter. These Votes were passed in full Congress with perfect Unanimity.

The Esteem, the Affection, the Admiration, for the People of Boston and the Massachusetts, which were expressed Yesterday, And the fixed Determination that they should be supported, were enough to melt a Heart of Stone. I saw the Tears gush into the Eyes of the old, grave, pacific Quakers of Pennsylvania.

You cannot conceive my Dear, the Harry of Business, Visits and Ceremonies which we are obliged to go through.

We have a delicate Course to steer, between too much Activity and too much Insensibility, in our critical interested situation. I flatter myself however, that We shall conduct our Embassy in such a manner as to merit the Approbation of our Country…

There is No Idea of Submission, here in anybody’s head.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (September 29, 1774)

Patience, Forbearance, Long Suffering, are the Lessons taught here for our Province, and at the same Time absolute and open Resistance to the new Government. I wish I could convince Gentlemen, of the Danger, or Impracticability of this as fully as I believe it myself.

The Art and Address, of Ambassadors from a dozen belligerent Powers of Europe, nay of a Conclave of Cardinals at the Election of a Pope, or of the Princes in Germany at the Choice of an Emperor, would not exceed the Specimens We have seen.—Yet the Congress all profess the same political Principles.

They all profess to consider our Province as suffering in the common Cause, and indeed they seem to feel for Us, as if for themselves. We have had as great Questions to discuss as ever engaged the Attention of Men, and an infinite Multitude of them.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (October 7, 1774)

I wish I could write to you, much oftener than I do. I wish I could write to you, a Dozen Letters every day. But the Business before me, is so arduous and takes up my Time so entirely, that I cannot write often. I had the Characters and Tempers, the Principles and Views of fifty Gentlemen total Strangers to me to study, and the Trade, Policy, and whole Interest of a Dozen Provinces, to learn when I came here. I have Multitudes of Pamphlets, Newspapers, and private Letters to read. I have numberless Plans of Policy, and many Arguments to consider. I have many Visits to make and receive—much Ceremony to endure, which cannot be avoided, which you know I hate.

There is a great Spirit in the Congress. But our People must be peaceable. Let them exercise every day in the Week, if they Will, the more the better. Let them furnish themselves with Artillery, Arms and Ammunition. Let them follow the Maxim, which you say they have adopted “In Times of Peace, prepare for War.” But let them avoid War, if possible, if possible I say.

Mr. Revere will bring you the Doings of the Congress, who are now, all around me debating what Advice to give to Boston and the Massachusetts Bay.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (October 9, 1774)

Visiting a Catholic Church

I am wearied to Death with the Life I lead. The Business of the Congress is tedious, beyond Expression. This Assembly is like no other that ever existed. Every Man in it is a great Man—an orator, a Critic, a statesman, and therefore every Man upon every Question must shew his oratory, his Criticism and his Political Abilities.

The Consequence of this is, that Business is drawn and spun out to an immeasurable Length. I believe if it was moved and seconded that We should come to a Resolution that Three and two make five We should be entertained with Logic and Rhetoric, Law, History, Politics and Mathematics, concerning the Subject for two whole Days, and then We should pass the Resolution unanimously in the Affirmative. The perpetual Round of feasting too, which we are obliged to submit to, make the Pilgrimage more tedious to me.

This Day I went to Dr. Allison’s Meeting in the Forenoon and heard the Dr—a good Discourse upon the Lords Supper. This is a Presbyterian Meeting. I confess I am not fond of the Presbyterian Meetings in this Town. I had rather go to Church. We have better Sermons, better Prayers, better Speakers, softer, sweeter Music, and genteeler Company. And I must confess, that the Episcopal Church is quite as agreeable to my Taste as the Presbyterian. They are both Slaves to the Domination of the Priesthood. I like the Congregational Way best—next to that the Independent.

This afternoon, led by Curiosity and good Company I strolled away to Mother Church, or rather Grandmother Church, I mean the Romish Chappell. Heard a good, short, moral Essay upon the Duty of Parents to their Children, founded in Justice and Charity, to take care of their Interests temporal and spiritual. This Afternoons Entertainment was to me, most awful and affecting. The poor Wretches, fingering their Beads, chanting Latin, not a Word of which they understood, their Pater Nosters and Ave Maria’s. Their holy Water—their Crossing themselves perpetually—their Bowing to the Name of Jesus, wherever they hear it—their Bowings, and Kneelings, and Genuflections before the Altar. The Dress of the Priest was rich with Lace—his Pulpit was Velvet and Gold. The Altar Piece was very rich—little Images and Crucifixes about—Wax Candles lighted up. But how shall I describe the Picture of our Savior in a Frame of Marble over the Altar at full Length upon the Cross, in the Agonies, and the Blood dropping and streaming from his Wounds.

The Music consisting of an organ, and a Choir of singers, went all the Afternoon, excepting sermon Time, and the Assembly chanted—most sweetly and exquisitely.

Here is everything which can lay hold of the Eye, Ear, and Imagination. Everything which can charm and bewitch the simple and ignorant. I wonder how Luther ever broke the spell.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (April 30, 1775)

Keep your Spirits composed and calm, and don’t suffer yourself to be disturbed, by idle Reports, and frivolous Alarms. We shall see better Times yet.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (May 2, 1775) [Letter I]

Our Hearts are bleeding for the poor People of Boston. What will, or can be done for them I cant conceive. God preserve them.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (May 8, 1775)

It would take many Sheets of Paper, to give you a Description of the Reception, we found here. The Militia were all in Arms, and almost the whole City out to Meet us. The Tories are put to Flight here, as effectually as the Mandamus Council at Boston. They have associated, to stand by Continental and Provincial Congresses, etc. etc. etc. Such a Spirit was never seen in New York…

Let me caution you my Dear, to be upon your Guard against that Multitude of Affrights, and Alarms, which I fear, will surround you. Yet I hope the People with you, will grow more composed than they were.

Our Prospect of a Union of the Colonies is promising indeed. Never was there such a Spirit. Yet I feel anxious, because, there is always more Smoke than Fire—more Noise than Music.

Our Province is nowhere blamed. The Accounts of the Battle are exaggerated in our favor—My Love to all. I pray for you all, and hope to be prayed for. Certainly, There is a Providence—certainly, We must depend upon Providence or We fail. Certainly the sincere Prayers of good Men, avail much. [James 5:16] But Resignation is our Duty in all Events. I have this Day heard Mr. Livingston in the Morning and Dr. Rogers this afternoon—excellent Men, and excellent Prayers and sermons.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (June 2, 1775)

Our Debates and Deliberations are tedious, from Nine to four, five, and once near Six. Our Determinations very slow—I hope sure. The Congress will support Us, but in their own Way. Not precisely in that Way which I could wish, but in a better Way than We could well expect, considering what an heterogeneous Body it is…

Poor Bostonians! My Heart Bleeds for them, day and Night. God preserve and bless them…

My Dear Nabby, and Johnny and Charley and Tommy are never out of my Thoughts. God bless, preserve and prosper them.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (June 10, 1775) [Letter I]

I wish I could write freely to you my Dear, but I cannot. The Scene before me, is complicated enough. It requires better Eyes and better Nerves than mine. Yet I will not despond. I will lay all Difficulties prostrate at my feet. My Health and Life ought to be hazarded, in the Cause of my Country as well as yours, and all my friends.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (June 10, 1775) [Letter II]

I long to know, how you fare, and whether you are often discomposed with Alarms. Guard yourself against them my Dear. I think you are in no Danger—don’t let the groundless Fears, and fruitful Imaginations of others affect you.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (July 7, 1775)

It is not at all surprising to me that the wanton, cruel, and infamous Conflagration of Charlestown, the Place of your Fathers Nativity, should afflict him. Let him know that I sincerely condole with him, on that melancholy Event. It is a Method of conducting War long since become disreputable among civilized Nations: But every Year brings us fresh Evidence, that We have nothing to hope for from our loving Mother Country, but Cruelties more abominable than those which are practiced by the Savage Indians.

The account you give me of the Numbers slain on the side of our Enemies, is affecting to Humanity, although it is a glorious Proof of the Bravery of our Worthy Countrymen. Considering all the Disadvantages under which they fought, they really exhibited Prodigies of Valor.

Your Description of the Distresses of the worthy Inhabitants of Boston, and the other Sea Port Towns, is enough to melt a Heart of stone. Our Consolation must be this, my dear, that Cities may be rebuilt, and a People reduced to Poverty, may acquire fresh Property: But a Constitution of Government once changed from Freedom, can never be restored. Liberty once lost is lost forever. When the People once surrender their share in the Legislature, and their Right of defending the Limitations upon the Government, and of resisting every Encroachment upon them, they can never regain it…

Does Mr. Wibirt preach against Oppression, and the other Cardinal Vices of the Times? Tell him the Clergy here, of every Denomination, not excepting the Episcopalian, thunder and lighten every sabbath. They pray for Boston and the Massachusetts—they thank God most explicitly and fervently for our remarkable Successes—they pray for the American Army. They seem to feel as if they were among you.

You ask if every Member feels for Us? Every Member says he does—and most of them really do. But most of them feel more for themselves. In every Society of Men, in every Club, I ever yet saw, you find some who are timid, their Fears hurry them away upon every Alarm—some who are selfish and avaricious, on whose callous Hearts nothing but Interest and Money can make Impression. There are some Persons in New York and Philadelphia, to whom a ship is dearer than a City, and a few Barrels of flower, than a thousand Lives—other Men’s Lives I mean.

You ask, can they realize what We suffer? I answer No. They can’t, they don’t—and to excuse them as well as I can, I must confess I should not be able to do it, myself, if I was not more acquainted with it by Experience than they are…

It gives me more Pleasure than I can express to learn that you sustain with so much Fortitude, the Shocks and Terrors of the Times. You are really brave, my dear, you are a Heroine. And you have Reason to be. For the worst that can happen, can do you no Harm. A soul, as pure, as benevolent, as virtuous and pious as yours has nothing to fear, but everything to hope and expect from the last of human Evils. Am glad you have secured an Asylum, though I hope you will not have occasion for it…

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (July 23, 1775)

Dr. Franklin has been very constant in his Attendance on Congress from the Beginning. His Conduct has been composed and grave and in the Opinion of many Gentlemen very reserved. He has not assumed any Thing, nor affected to take the lead; but has seemed to choose that the Congress should pursue their own Principles and sentiments and adopt their own Plans: Yet he has not been backward: has been very useful, on many occasions, and discovered a Disposition entirely American. He does not hesitate at our boldest Measures, but rather seems to think us, too irresolute, and backward. He thinks us at present in an odd State, neither in Peace nor War, neither dependent nor independent. But he thinks that We shall soon assume a Character more decisive.

He thinks, that We have the Power of preserving ourselves, and that even if We should be driven to the disagreeable Necessity of assuming a total Independency, and set up a separate state, we could maintain it. The People of England, have thought that the Opposition in America, was wholly owing to Dr. Franklin: and I suppose their scribblers will attribute the Temper, and Proceedings of this Congress to him: but there cannot be a greater Mistake. He has had but little share farther than to cooperate and assist. He is however a great and good Man. I wish his Colleagues from this City were All like him, particularly one, whose Abilities and Virtues, formerly trumpeted so much in America, have been found wanting.

John Adams, Abigail Adams (July 24, 1775)

It is now almost three Months since I left you, in every Part of which my Anxiety about you and the Children, as well as our Country, has been extreme.

The Business I have had upon my Mind has been as great and important as can be entrusted to [One] Man, and the Difficulty and Intricacy of it is prodigious. When 50 or 60 Men have a Constitution to form for a great Empire, at the same Time that they have a Country of fifteen hundred Miles extent to fortify, Millions to arm and train, a Naval Power to begin, an extensive Commerce to regulate, numerous Tribes of Indians to negotiate with, a standing Army of Twenty seven Thousand Men to raise, pay, victual and officer, I really shall pity those 50 or 60 Men…

[PS] I wish I had given you a complete History from the Beginning to the End of the Journey, of the Behavior of my Compatriots—No Mortal Tale could equal it—I will tell you in Future, but you shall keep it secret—The Fidgets, the Whims, the Caprice, the Vanity, the Superstition, the Irritability of some of us, is enough to…

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (September 17, 1775)

Georgia is now fully represented, and united to the other Twelve.

Their Delegates are Dr. Zubly, a Clergyman of the independent Persuasion who has a Parish in that Colony and a good deal of Property. He is a Native of Switzerland, is a Man of Learning and Ingenuity. It is said he is Master of several Languages, Greek, Latin, French, Dutch and English. In the latter it is said, he writes tolerably. He is a Man of Zeal and Spirit, as We have already seen upon several occasions.

However, as he is the first Gentleman of the Cloth who has appeared in Congress, I cannot but wish he may be the last. Mixing the sacred Character, with that of the Statesman, as it is quite unnecessary at this Time of day, in these Colonies, is not attended with any good Effects. The Clergy are universally too little acquainted with the World, and the Modes of Business, to engage in civil affairs with any Advantage. Besides those of them, who are really Men of Learning, have conversed with Books so much more than Men, as to be too much loaded with Vanity, to be good Politicians.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (October 1, 1775)

You may easily conceive the State of Mind, in which I am at present—Uncertain and apprehensive, at first I suddenly thought of setting off, immediately, for Braintree, and I have not yet determined otherwise. Yet the State of public Affairs is so critical, that I am half afraid to leave my Station, Although my Presence here is of no great Consequence…

I rejoice to learn that Nabby and her Brothers have hitherto escaped and pray God that his Goodness may be still continued to them—Your Description of the distressed State of the Neighborhood is affecting indeed.

It is not uncommon for a Train of Calamities to come together. Fire, Sword, Pestilence, Famine, often keep Company, and visit a Country in a Flock.

At this Distance I can do no good to you nor yours. I pray God to support you—I hope our Friends and Neighbors are kind as usual. I feel for them, in the general Calamity.

I am so far from thinking you melancholy, that I am charmed with that Admirable Fortitude, and that divine Spirit of Resignation which appears in your Letters. I cannot express the Satisfaction it gives me, nor how much it contributes to support me…

As to Politics, we have nothing to expect but the whole Wrath and Force of G. Britain. But your Words are as true as an oracle “God helps them, who help themselves, and if We obtain the divine Aid by our own Virtue, Fortitude and Perseverance, we may be sure of Relief.”

It may amuse you to hear a Story. A few days ago, in Company with Dr. Zubly, somebody said, there was nobody on our side but the Almighty. The Dr. who is a Native of Switzerland, and speaks but broken English, quickly replied “Dat is enough—Dat is enough,” and turning to me, says he, it puts me in mind of a fellow who once said, The Catholics have on their side the Pope, and the K. of France and the K. of Spain, and the K. of Sardinia, and the K. of Poland and the Emperor of Germany etc. etc. etc. But as to them poor Devils the Protestants, they have nothing on their side but God Almighty.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (October 7, 1775)

However, our lives are not in our own power. It is our duty to submit. “The ways of Heaven are dark and intricate” [quoting Joseph Addison’s tragic play, Cato], its designs are often inscrutable, but are always wise and just and good…

The Situation of Things is so alarming, that it is our Duty to prepare our Minds and Hearts for every Event, even the Worst. From my earliest Entrance into Life, I have been engaged in the public Cause of America: and from first to last I have had upon my Mind, a strong Impression, that Things would be wrought up to their present Crisis. I saw from the Beginning that the Controversy was of such a Nature that it never would be settled, and every day convinces me more and more. This has been the source of all the Disquietude of my Life. It has lain down and rose up with me these twelve Years. The Thought that we might be driven to the sad Necessity of breaking our Connection with G.B. exclusive of the Carnage and Destruction which it was easy to see must attend the separation, always gave me a great deal of Grief. And even now, I would cheerfully retire from public life forever, renounce all Chance for Profits or Honors from the public, nay I would cheerfully contribute my little Property to obtain Peace and Liberty—But all these must go and my Life too before I can surrender the Right of my Country to a free Constitution. I dare not consent to it. I should be the most miserable of Mortals ever after, whatever Honors or Emoluments might surround me.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (October 13, 1775)

Amidst all your afflictions, I am rejoiced to find that you all along preserve so proper and so happy a temper; that you are sensible ‘the consolations of religion are the only sure comforters.’ It is the constitution under which we are born, that if we live long ourselves, we must bury our parents and all our elder relations, and many of those who are younger. I have lost a parent, a child, and a brother, and each of them left a lasting impression on my mind. But you and I have many more relations and very good friends to follow to the house appointed for all flesh, or else we must be followed by them…

I bewail more than I can express, the Loss of your excellent Mother. I mourn the Loss of so much Purity, and unaffected Piety and Virtue to the World. I know of no better Character left in it. I grieve for you, and your Brother, and sisters, I grieve for your Father, whose Age will need the Succor of so excellent a Companion. But I grieve for nobody more than my Children, and Brothers Smiths and Mr. Cranch’s. Her most amiable, and discreet Example, as well as her Kind Skill and Care I have ever relied upon in my own Mind, for the Education of these little Swarms. Not that I have not a proper Esteem for the Capacity and Disposition of the Mothers, but I know that the Efforts of the Grandmother, are of great Importance, when they second those of the Parent. And I am sure that my Children are the better for the forming Hand of their Grandmother.

It gives me great Joy to learn that ours are well—let us be thankful for this and many other Blessings yet granted us. Pray my dear cherish in the Minds of my Nabby and Johnny and Charly and Tommy the Remembrance of their Grand mamma, and remind them of her Precepts and Example. God almighty grant to you and to every Branch of the Family, all the Support that you want!

You and I, my dear, have Reason, if ever Mortals had, to be thoughtful—to look forward beyond the transitory Scene. Whatever is preparing for Us, let us be prepared to receive. It is Time for Us to subdue our Passions of every Kind. The Prospect before Us is an Ocean of Uncertainties, in which no pleasing objects appear. We have few Hopes, excepting that of preserving our Honor and our Consciences untainted and a free Constitution to our Country. Let me be sure of these, and amidst all my Weaknesses, I cannot be overcome. With these I can be happy, in extreme Poverty, in humble Insignificance, nay I hope and believe, in Death: without them I should be miserable, with a Crown upon my Head, Millions in my Coffers, and a gaping, idolizing Multitude at my Feet.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (October 19, 1775)

Really it is very painful to be 400 Miles from ones Family and Friends when We know they are in Affliction. It seems as if It would be a Joy to me to fly home, even to share with you your Burdens and Misfortunes. Surely, if I were with you, it would be my Study to allay your Griefs, to mitigate your Pains and to divert your melancholy Thoughts.

When I shall come home I know not. We have so much to do, and it is so difficult to do it right, that We must learn Patience. Upon my Word I think, if ever I were to come here again, I must bring you with me. I could live here pleasantly if I had you, with me. Will you come and have the smallpox here? I wish I could remove all the Family, our little Daughter and Sons, and all go through the Distemper here—What if We should? Let me please myself with the Thought however.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (October 29, 1775) [Letter I]

Mr. Cranch the Friend of my youth as well as of my riper Years, whose tender Heart sympathizes with his fellow Creatures in every Affliction and Distress, in this Case feels the Loss of a Friend, a fellow Christian, and a Mother.

But alas what avail these mournful Reflections. The best Thing We can do, the greatest Respect We can show to the Memory of our departed Friend, is to copy into Our own Lives, those Virtues which in her Lifetime rendered her the Object of our Esteem, Love and Admiration. I must confess I ever felt a Veneration for her, which seems increased by the News of her Translation.

Above all Things my dear, let us inculcate these great Virtues and bright Excellencies upon our Children.

My Opinion of the Duties of Religion and Morality comprehends a very extensive Connection with society at large, and the great Interest of the public. Does not natural Morality, and much more Christian Benevolence, make it our indispensable Duty to lay ourselves out, to serve our fellow Creatures to the Utmost of our Power, in promoting and supporting those great Political systems, and general Regulations upon which the Happiness of Multitudes depends. The Benevolence, Charity, Capacity and Industry which exerted in private Life, would make a family, a Parish or a Town Happy, employed upon a larger Scale, in Support of the great Principles of Virtue and Freedom of political Regulations might secure whole Nations and Generations from Misery, Want and Contempt. Public Virtues, and political Qualities therefore should be incessantly cherished in our Children.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (October 29, 1775) [Letter II]

Human nature with all its infirmities and depravation is still capable of great things. It is capable of attaining to degrees of wisdom and of goodness, which, we have reason to believe, appear respectable in the estimation of superior intelligences. Education makes a greater difference between man and man, than nature has made between man and brute. The virtues and powers to which men may be trained, by early education and constant discipline, are truly sublime and astonishing. Newton and Locke are examples of the deep sagacity which may be acquired by long habits of thinking and study. Nay, your common mechanics and artisans are proofs of the wonderful dexterity acquired by use; a watchmaker, in finishing his wheels and springs, a pin or needle maker, etc. I think there is a particular occupation in Europe, which is called a paper-stainer or linen-stainer. A man who has been long habituated to it, shall sit for a whole day, and draw upon paper fresh figures to be imprinted upon the papers for rooms, as fast as his eye can roll, and his fingers move, and no two of his draughts shall be alike. The Saracens, the Knights of Malta, the army and navy in the service of the English republic, among many others, are instances to show, to what an exalted height valor or bravery or courage may be raised, by artificial means.

It should be your care, therefore, and mine, to elevate the minds of our children and exalt their courage; to accelerate and animate their industry and activity; to excite in them an habitual contempt of meanness, abhorrence of injustice and inhumanity, and an ambition to excel in every capacity, faculty, and virtue. If we suffer their minds to grovel and creep in infancy, they will grovel all their lives.

But their bodies must be hardened, as well as their souls exalted. Without strength and activity and vigor of body, the brightest mental excellencies will be eclipsed and obscured.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (October 29, 1775) [Letter III]

There is, in the human Breast, a social Affection, which extends to our whole Species. Faintly indeed; but in some degree. The Nation, Kingdom, or Community to which We belong is embraced by it more vigorously. It is stronger still towards the Province to which we belong, and in which We had our Birth. It is stronger and stronger, as We descend to the County, Town, Parish, Neighborhood, and Family, which We call our own.—And here We find it often so powerful as to become partial, to blind our Eyes, to darken our Understandings and pervert our Wills.

It is to this Infirmity, in my own Heart, that I must perhaps attribute that local Attachment, that partial Fondness, that overweening Prejudice in favor of New England, which I feel very often and which I fear sometimes, leads me to expose myself to just Ridicule.

New England has in many Respects the Advantage of every other Colony in America, and indeed of every other Part of the World, that I know any Thing of.

1. The People are purer English Blood, less mixed with Scotch, Irish, Dutch, French, Danish, Swedish etc. than any other; and descended from Englishmen too who left Europe, in purer Times than the present and less tainted with Corruption than those they left behind them.
2. The Institutions in New England for the Support of Religion, Morals and Decency, exceed any other, obliging every Parish to have a Minister, and every Person to go to Meeting etc.
3. The public Institutions in New England for the Education of Youth, supporting Colleges at the public Expense and obliging Towns to maintain Grammar schools, is not equaled and never was in any Part of the World.
4. The Division of our Territory, that is our Counties into Townships, empowering Towns to assemble, choose officers, make Laws, mend roads, and twenty other Things, gives every Man an opportunity of shewing and improving that Education which he received at College or at school, and makes Knowledge and Dexterity at public Business common.
5. Our Laws for the Distribution of Intestate Estates occasions a frequent Division of landed Property and prevents Monopolies, of Land.

But in opposition to these We have labored under many Disadvantages. The exorbitant Prerogatives of our Governors etc. which would have overborn our Liberties, if it had not been opposed by the five preceding Particulars.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (December 3, 1775)¹

But I never will come here again [Philadelphia] without you, if I can persuade you to come with me. Whom God has joined together ought not to be put asunder so long, with their own consent…

Affairs are in a critical state, and important steps are now taking every day, so that I could not reconcile it to my own mind to be absent from this place at present…

But What can’t be cured must be endured.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (February 13, 1776)

I feel, upon some of these Occasions, a flow of Spirits, and an Effort of Imagination, very like an Ambition to be engaged in the more active, gay, and dangerous Scenes. (Dangerous I say but recall that Word, for there is no Course more dangerous than that which I am in.) I have felt such Passions all my Lifetime, particularly in the year 1757, when I longed more ardently to be a Soldier than I ever did to be a Lawyer. But I am too old, and too much worn, with Fatigues of Study in my youth, and there is too little need in my Province of such assistance, for me to assume an Uniform. Non tali Auxilio nec Defensoribus istis Tempus eget [“No such aid nor such defenders does the time require.” Virgil].

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (February 18, 1776)

Reconciliation if practicable and Peace if attainable, you very well know would be as agreeable to my Inclinations and as advantageous to my Interest, as to any Man’s. But I see no Prospect, no Probability, no Possibility. And I cannot but despise the Understanding, which sincerely expects an honorable Peace, for its Credulity, and detest the hypocritical Heart, which pretends to expect it, when in Truth it does not…

Dr. Franklin, Mr. Chase, and Mr. Charles Carroll of Carrollton in Maryland are chosen a Committee to go into Canada. The Characters of the two first you know. The last is not a Member of Congress, but a Gentleman of independent Fortune, perhaps the largest in America, 150 or 200, thousand Pounds sterling, educated in some University in France, though a Native of America, of great Abilities and Learning, complete Master of French Language and a Professor of the Roman catholic Religion, yet a warm, a firm, a zealous Supporter of the Rights of America, in whose Cause he has hazarded his all.

Mr. John Carroll of Maryland, a Roman Catholic Priest and a Jesuit, is to go with the Committee. The Priests in Canada having refused Baptism and Absolution to our Friends there.

John Adams, To Horatio Gates (March 23, 1776)

I agree with you, that in Politics the Middle Way is none at all. If We finally fail in this great and glorious Contest, it will be by bewildering ourselves in groping after this middle Way. We have hither to conducted half a War, acted upon the Line of Defense etc. etc. But you will See by tomorrows Paper, that for the future We are likely to wage three Quarters of a War…

Independency is an Hobgoblin, of So frightful Mein, that it would throw a delicate Person into Fits to look it in the Face.

I know not whether you have seen the Act of Parliament called the restraining Act, or prohibitory Act, or piratical Act, or plundering Act, or Act of Independency, for by all these Titles is it called. I think the most apposite is the Act of Independency, for King Lords and Commons have united in Sundering this Country and that I think forever. It is a complete Dismemberment of the British Empire. It throws thirteen Colonies out of the Royal Protection, levels all Distinctions and makes us independent in spite of all our supplications and Entreaties.

It may be fortunate that the Act of Independency should come from the British Parliament, rather than the American Congress: But it is very odd that Americans should hesitate at accepting Such a Gift from them.

However, my dear Friend Gates, all our Misfortunes arise from a Single Source, the Reluctance of the Southern Colonies to Republican Government. The success of this War depends upon a Skillful Steerage of the political Vessel. The Difficulty lies in forming Constitutions for particular Colonies, and a Continental Constitution for the whole, each Colony should establish its own Government, and then a League should be formed, between them all. This can be done only on popular Principles and Maxims which are so abhorrent to the Inclinations of the Barons of the south, and the Proprietary Interests in the Middle Colonies, as well as to that Avarice of Land, which has made upon this Continent so many Votaries to Mammon that I Sometimes dread the Consequences. However, Patience, Fortitude and Perseverance, with the Help of Time will get us over these obstructions.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (March 29, 1776) [Letter I]

You ask, what is thought of Common sense. Sensible Men think there are some Whims, some Sophisms, some artful Addresses to superstitious Notions, some keen attempts upon the Passions, in this Pamphlet. But all agree there is a great deal of good sense, delivered in a clear, simple, concise and nervous Style.

His Sentiments of the Abilities of America, and of the Difficulty of a Reconciliation with G.B. are generally approved. But his Notions, and Plans of Continental Government are not much applauded. Indeed this Writer has a better Hand at pulling down than building.

It has been very generally propagated through the Continent that I wrote this Pamphlet. But although I could not have written any Thing in so manly and striking a style, I flatter myself I should have made a more respectable Figure as an Architect, if I had undertaken such a Work. This Writer seems to have very inadequate Ideas of what is proper and necessary to be done, in order to form Constitutions for single Colonies, as well as a great Model of Union for the whole.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (March 29, 1776) [Letter II]

Mr. Stillman being the Anabaptist minister here [in Philadelphia], of which persuasion was the Governor, was desired by Congress to preach a sermon, which he did with great applause.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (April 14, 1776)

But let Us take Warning and give it to our Children. Whenever Vanity, and Gaiety, a Love of Pomp and Dress, Furniture, Equipage, Buildings, great Company, expensive Diversions, and elegant Entertainments get the better of the Principles and Judgments of Men or Women there is no knowing where they will stop, nor into what Evils, natural, moral, or political, they will lead us…

As to your extraordinary Code of Laws, I cannot but laugh. We have been told that our Struggle has loosened the bands of Government everywhere. That Children and Apprentices were disobedient—that schools and Colleges were grown turbulent—that Indians slighted their Guardians and Negroes grew insolent to their Masters. But your Letter was the first Intimation that another Tribe more numerous and powerful than all the rest [women] were grown discontented—This is rather too coarse a Compliment but you are so saucy, I won’t blot it out.

Depend upon it, we know better than to repeal our Masculine systems. Although they are in full Force, you know they are little more than Theory. We dare not exert our Power in its full Latitude. We are obliged to go fair, and softly, and in Practice you know We are the subjects. We have only the Name of Masters, and rather than give up this, which would completely subject Us to the Despotism of the Petticoat, I hope General Washington, and all our brave Heroes would fight. I am sure every good Politician would plot, as long as he would against Despotism, Empire, Monarchy, Aristocracy, Oligarchy, or Ochlocracy.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (April 23, 1776)

This is St. George’s Day, a Festival celebrated by the English, as Saint Patrick’s is by the Irish, St. David’s by the Welch, and St. Andrew’s by the Scotch. The Natives of old England in this City heretofore formed a Society, which they called Saint George’s Club, or Saint Georges Society. Upon the Twenty third of April annually, they had a great Feast. But The Times and Politics have made a schism in the society so that one Part of them are to meet and dine at the City Tavern, and the other at the Bunch of Grapes, Israel Jacobs’s, and a third Party go out of Town.

One set are staunch Americans, another staunch Britons I suppose, and a Third half Way Men, Neutral Beings, moderate Men, prudent Folks—for such is the Division among Men upon all Occasions and every Question. This is the Account, which I have from my Barber, who is one of the Society and zealous on the side of America, and one of the Philadelphia Associators.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (April 28, 1776)

Instead of domestic Felicity, I am destined to public Contentions. Instead of rural Felicity, I must reconcile myself to the Smoke and Noise of a city. In the Place of private Peace, I must be distracted with the Vexation of developing the deep Intrigues of Politicians and must assist in conducting the arduous Operations of War. And think myself, well rewarded, if my private Pleasure and Interest are sacrificed as they ever have been and will be, to the Happiness of others…

You will see an Account of the Fleet in some of the Papers I have sent you. Give you Joy of the Admirals Success. I have Vanity enough to take to myself, a share in the Merit of the American Navy. It was always a Measure that my Heart was much engaged in, and I pursued it, for a long Time, against the Wind and Tide. But at last obtained it.

Is there no Way for two friendly Souls, to converse together, although the Bodies are 400 Miles off?—Yes by Letter—But I want a better Communication. I want to hear you think, or to see your Thoughts.

The Conclusion of your Letter makes my Heart throb, more than a Cannonade would. You bid me burn your Letters. But I must forget you first…

The late Act of Parliament has made so deep an Impression upon People’s Minds throughout the Colonies, it is looked upon as the last Stretch of Oppression, that We are hastening rapidly to great Events. [American Prohibitory Act, passed December 22, 1775, which declared all American ships and goods subject to seizure and in effect outlawed the colonists] Governments will be up everywhere before Midsummer, and an End to Royal style, Titles and Authority. Such mighty Revolutions make a deep Impression on the Minds of Men and sett many violent Passions at Work. Hope, Fear, Joy, Sorrow, Love, Hatred, Malice, Envy, Revenge, Jealousy, Ambition, Avarice, Resentment, Gratitude, and every other Passion, Feeling, Sentiment, Principle and Imagination, were never in more lively Exercise than they are now, from Florida to Canada inclusively. May God in his Providence overrule the whole, for the good of Mankind. It requires more Serenity of Temper, a deeper Understanding and more Courage than fell to the Lott of Marlborough, to ride in this Whirlwind.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (May 17, 1776)

I have this Morning heard Mr. Duffil upon the Signs of the Times. He run a Parallel between the Case of Israel and that of America, and between the Conduct of Pharaoh and that of George…

Jealousy that the Israelites would throw off the Government of Egypt made him issue his Edict that the Midwives should cast the Children into the River, and the other Edict that the Men should make a large Revenue of Brick without Straw. He concluded that the Course of Events, indicated strongly the Design of Providence that We should be separated from G. Britain, etc…

Is it not a Saying of Moses, who am I, that I should go in and out before this great People [Ex. 3:11]? When I consider the great Events which are passed, and those greater which are rapidly advancing, and that I may have been instrumental of touching some Springs, and turning some small Wheels, which have had and will have such Effects, I feel an Awe upon my Mind, which is not easily described.

G[reat] B[ritain] has at last driven America, to the last Step, a complete Separation from her, a total absolute Independence, not only of her Parliament but of her Crown, for such is the Amount of the Resolve of the 15th [calling on colonies to establish their own governments].

Confederation among ourselves, or Alliances with foreign Nations are not necessary, to a perfect Separation from Britain. That is effected by extinguishing all Authority, under the Crown, Parliament and Nation as the Resolution for instituting Governments, has done, to all Intents and Purposes. Confederation will be necessary for our internal Concord, and Alliances may be so for our external Defense.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (May 22, 1776)

We have dismal Accounts from Europe, of the Preparations against Us. This Summer will be very important to Us. We shall have a severe Trial of our Patience, Fortitude and Perseverance. But I hope we shall do valiantly and tread down our Enemies…

It is a cruel Reflection, which very often comes across me, that I should be separated so far, from those Babes, whose Education And Welfare lies so near my Heart. But greater Misfortunes than these, must not divert Us from Superior Duties.

Your Sentiments of the Duties We owe to our Country, are such as become the best of Women, and the best of Men. Among all the Disappointments, and Perplexities, which have fallen to my share in Life, nothing has contributed so much to support my Mind, as the choice Blessing of a Wife, whose Capacity enabled her to comprehend, and whose pure Virtue obliged her to approve the Views of her Husband. This has been the cheering Consolation of my Heart, in my most solitary, gloomy and disconsolate Hours. In this remote Situation, I am deprived in a great Measure of this Comfort. Yet I read, and read again your charming Letters, and they serve me, in some faint degree as a substitute for the Company and Conversation of the Writer.

I want to take a Walk with you in the Garden—to go over to the Common—the Plain—the Meadow. I want to take Charles in one Hand and Tom in the other, and Walk with you, Nabby on your Right Hand and John upon my left, to view the Corn Fields, the orchards, etc.

Alas poor Imagination! how faintly and imperfectly do you supply the Want of original and Reality!

But instead of these pleasing Scenes of domestic Life, I hope you will not be disturbed with the Alarms of War. I hope yet I fear.

John Adams, To Archibald Bulloch (July 1, 1776)

There Seems to have been a great Change in the sentiments of the Colonies, since you left us, and I hope that a few Months will bring Us all to the Same Way of thinking.

This Morning is assigned for the greatest Debate of all. A Declaration that these Colonies are free and independent States, has been reported by a Committee appointed Some Weeks ago for that Purpose, and this day or Tomorrow is to determine its Fate. May Heaven prosper, the newborn Republic—and make it more glorious than any former Republic has been…

…The Object is great which We have in View, and We must expect a great Expense of Blood to obtain it. But We should always remember, that a free Constitution of civil Government cannot be purchased at too dear a Rate; as there is nothing on this Side of the new Jerusalem, of equal Importance to Mankind…

Present my Compliments to Mr. [John] Houston. Tell him the Colonies will have Republics, for their Government, let us Lawyers and your Divine Say what We will.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (July 7, 1776) [Letter II]

It is worth the while of a Person, obliged to write as much as I do, to consider the Varieties of Style…The Epistolary, is essentially different from the oratorical, and the Historical Style…Oratory abounds with Figures. History is simple, but grave, majestic and formal. Letters, like Conversation, should be free, easy, and familiar.

Simplicity and Familiarity, are the Characteristics of this Kind of Writing. Affectation is as disagreeable, in a Letter, as in Conversation, and therefore, studied Language, premeditated Method, and sublime Sentiments are not expected in a Letter. Notwithstanding which, the Sublime, as well as the beautiful, and the Novel, may naturally enough, appear, in familiar Letters among Friends—Among the ancients there are two illustrious Examples of the Epistolary Style, Cicero and Pliny, whose Letters present you with Models of fine Writing, which has borne the Criticism of almost two thousand Years. In these, you see the Sublime, the beautiful, the Novell, and the Pathetic, conveyed in as much Simplicity, Ease, Freedom, and Familiarity, as Language is capable of…

Early Youth is the Time, to learn the Arts and Sciences, and especially to correct the Ear, and the Imagination, by forming a Style. I wish you would think of forming the Taste, and Judgment of your Children, now, before any unchaste Sounds have fastened on their Ears, and before any Affectation, or Vanity, is settled on their Minds, upon the pure Principles of Nature…Music is a great Advantage, for Style depends in Part upon a delicate Ear.

The Faculty of Writing is attainable, by Art, Practice, and Habit only. The sooner, therefore the Practice begins, the more likely it will be to succeed. Have no Mercy upon an affected Phrase, any more than an affected Air, Gate, Dress, or Manners.

Your Children have Capacities equal to any Thing. There is a Vigor in the Understanding, and a Spirit and Fire in the Temper of every one of them, which is capable of ascending the Heights of Art, Science, Trade, War, or Politics.

They should be set to compose Descriptions of Scenes and Objects, and Narrations of Facts and Events, Declamations upon Topics, and other Exercises of various sorts, should be prescribed to them.

Set a Child to form a Description of a Battle, a Storm, a siege, a Cloud, a Mountain, a Lake, a City, an Harbor, a Country seat, a Meadow, a Forrest, or almost any Thing, that may occur to your Thoughts.

Set him to compose a Narration of all the little Incidents and Events of a Day, a Journey, a Ride, or a Walk. In this Way, a Taste will be formed, and a Facility of Writing acquired.

For myself, as I never had a regular Tutor, I never studied any Thing methodically, and consequently never was completely accomplished in any Thing. But as I am conscious of my own Deficiency, in these Respects, I should be the less pardonable, if I neglected the Education of my Children.

In Grammar, Rhetoric, Logic, my Education was imperfect, because unmethodical. Yet I have perhaps read more upon these Arts, and considered them in a more extensive View than some others.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (July 10, 1776)

You will see by the Newspapers, which I from time to time enclose, with what Rapidity, the Colonies proceed in their political Maneuvers. How many Calamities might have been avoided if these Measures had been taken twelve Months ago, or even no longer ago than last December?

The Colonies to the South, are pursuing the same Maxims, which have heretofore governed those to the North. In constituting their new Governments, their Plans are remarkably popular, more so than I could ever have imagined, even more popular than the “Thoughts on Government.” And in the Choice of their Rulers, Capacity, Spirit and Zeal in the Cause, supply the Place of Fortune, Family, and every other Consideration, which used to have Weight with Mankind…

I wish I were at perfect Liberty, to portray before you, all those Characters, in their genuine Lights, and to explain to you the Course of political Changes in this Province. It would give you a great Idea of the Spirit and Resolution of the People, and shew you, in a striking Point of View, the deep Roots of American Independence in all the Colonies. But it is not prudent, to commit to Writing such free Speculations, in the present State of Things.

Time which takes away the Veil, may lay open the secret Springs of this surprising Revolution…But I find, although the Colonies have differed in Religion, Laws, Customs, and Manners, yet in the great Essentials of Society and Government, they are all alike.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (July 29, 1776)

I am at this present Writing perplexed and plagued with two knotty Problems in Politics. You love to pick a political Bone, so I will even throw it to you.

If a Confederation should take Place, one great Question is how We shall vote. Whether each Colony shall count one? or whether each shall have a Weight in Proportion to its Numbers, or Wealth, or Exports and Imports, or a compound Ratio of all?

Another is whether Congress shall have Authority to limit the Dimensions of each Colony, to prevent those which claim, by Charter, or Proclamation, or Commission to the South Sea, from growing too great and powerful, so as to be dangerous to the rest.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (August 14, 1776)

A New National Seal

This is the Anniversary of a memorable day, in the History of America: a day when the Principle of American Resistance and Independence, was first asserted, and carried into Action. [Events in Boston August 14, 1765, detailed in Adams’ Diary, and put an end to the possibility of enforcing the Stamp Act in Boston] The Stamp Office fell before the rising Spirit of our Countrymen—It is not impossible that the two grateful Brothers may make their grand Attack this very day: if they should, it is possible it may be more glorious for this Country, than ever: it is certain it will become more memorable…

I am put upon a Committee to prepare a Device for a Golden Medal to commemorate the Surrender of Boston to the American Arms, and upon another to prepare Devices for a Great Seal for the confederated States…Dr. F[ranklin] proposes a Device for a seal. Moses lifting up his Wand, and dividing the Red Sea, and Pharaoh, in his Chariot overwhelmed with the water—This motto. Rebellion to Tyrants is obedience to God.

Mr. Jefferson proposed. The Children of Israel in the Wilderness, led by a Cloud by day, and a Pillar of Fire by night; and on the other side, Hengist and Horsa, the Saxon chiefs from whom we claim the honor of being descended, and whose political principles and form of government we have assumed.

I proposed the Choice of Hercules, as engraved by Gribeline in some Editions of Lord Shaftsbury’s Works. The Hero resting on his Club. Virtue pointing to her rugged Mountain, on one Hand, and persuading him to ascend. Sloth, glancing at her flowery Paths of Pleasure, wantonly reclining on the Ground, displaying the Charms both of her Eloquence and Person, to seduce him into Vice. But this is too complicated a Group for a Seal or Medal, and it is not original.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (August 18, 1776)

I have a very tender feeling Heart. This Country knows not, and never can know the Torments, I have endured for its sake. I am glad they never can know, for it would give more Pain to the benevolent and humane, than I could wish, even the wicked and malicious to feel.

I have seen in this World, but a little of that pure flame of Patriotism, which certainly burns in some Breasts. There is much of the Ostentation and Affectation of it. I have known a few who could not bear to entertain a selfish design, nor to be suspected by others of such a Meanness. But these are not the most respected by the World. A Man must be selfish, even to acquire great Popularity. He must grasp for himself, under specious Pretenses, for the public Good, and he must attach himself to his Relations, Connections and Friends, by becoming a Champion for their Interests, in order to form a Phalanx, about him for his own defense; to make them Trumpeters of his Praise, and sticklers for his Fame, Fortune, and Honor…

Let me have my Farm, Family and Goose Quill, and all the Honors and Offices this World has to bestow, may go to those who deserve them better, and desire them more. I covet them not.

There are very few People in this World, with whom I can bear to converse. I can treat all with Decency and Civility, and converse with them, when it is necessary, on Points of Business. But I am never happy in their Company. This has made me a Recluse, and will one day, make me an Hermit.

I had rather build stone Wall upon Penn’s Hill, than be the first Prince in Europe, the first General, or first senator in America.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (August 25, 1776)

We are now approaching rapidly to the autumnal Equinox, and no great Blow has yet been struck, in the martial Way, by our Enemies nor by Us. If We should be blessed this Year, with a few Storms as happy as those which fell out last Year, in the Beginning of September, they will do much for Us. The British Fleet, where they now lie, have not an Harbor, so convenient, or safe, as they had last Year. Another Winter will do much for Us too. We shall have more and better Soldiers. We shall be better armed. We shall have a greater Force at Sea. We shall have more Trade. Our Artillery will be greatly increased, our Officers will have more Experience, and our Soldiers more Discipline—our Politicians more Courage and Confidence, and our Enemies less Hopes. Our American Commonwealths will be all completely formed and organized, and everything, I hope, will go on, with greater Vigor…

Your Sentiments of the Importance of Education in Women, are exactly agreeable to my own. Yet the Femmes Scavans, are contemptible Characters. So is that of a Pedant, universally, how much soever of a male he may be. In reading History you will generally observe, when you light upon a great Character, whether a General, a Statesman, or Philosopher, some female about him either in the Character of a Mother, Wife, or Sister, who has Knowledge and Ambition above the ordinary Level of Women, and that much of his Eminence is owing to her Precepts, Example, or Instigation, in some shape or other.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (September 5, 1776)

Affairs are too delicate and critical—The Panic may seize whom it will, it shall not seize me. I will stay here, until the public Countenance is better, or much worse. It must and will be better. I think it is not now bad. Lies by the Million will be told you. Don’t believe any of them. There is no danger of the Communication being cut off, between the northern and southern Colonies. I can go home, when I please, in spite of all the Fleet and Army of Great Britain.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (September 6, 1776)

This day, I think, has been the most remarkable of all. Sullivan came here from Lord Howe, five days ago with a Message that his Lordship desired a half an Hours Conversation with some of the Members of Congress, in their private Capacities. We have spent three or four days in debating whether We should take any Notice of it. I have, to the Utmost of my Abilities during the whole Time, opposed our taking any Notice of it. But at last it was determined by a Majority “that the Congress being the Representatives of the free and independent states of America, it was improper to appoint any of their Members to confer, in their private Characters with his Lordship. But they would appoint a Committee of their Body, to wait on him, to know whether he had Power, to treat with Congress upon Terms of Peace and to hear any Propositions, that his Lordship may think proper to make.”

When the Committee came to be balloted for, Dr. Franklin and your humble servant, were unanimously chosen. Coll. R. H. Lee and Mr. [Edward] Rutledge, had an equal Number: but upon a second Vote Mr. R. was chosen. I requested to be excused, but was desired to consider of it until tomorrow. My Friends here Advise me to go. All the stanch and intrepid, are very earnest with me to go, and the timid and wavering, if any such there are, agree in the request. So I believe I shall undertake the Journey. I doubt whether his Lordship will see Us, but the same Committee will be directed to inquire into the State of the Army, at New York, so that there will be Business enough, if his Lordship makes none—It would fill this Letter Book, to give you all the Arguments, for and against this Measure, if I had Liberty to attempt it—His Lordship seems to have been playing off a Number of Machiavellian Maneuvers, in order to throw upon Us the Odium of continuing this War.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (September 14, 1776)

Yesterday Morning I returned with Dr. F. and Mr. R. from Staten Island where We met L[ord]H[owe] and had about three Hours Conversation with him. The Result of this Interview, will do no disservice to Us. It is now plain that his L[ordshi]p has no Power, but what is given him in the Act of P[arliament]. His Commission authorizes him to grant Pardons upon Submission, and to converse, confer, consult and advise with such Persons as he may think proper, upon American Grievances, upon the Instructions to Governors and the Acts of Parliament, and if any Errors should be found to have crept in, his Majesty and the Ministry were willing they should be rectified…

His L[ordshi]p is about fifty Years of Age. He is a well-bred Man, but his Address is not so irresistible, as it has been represented. I could name you many Americans, in your own Neighborhood, whose Art, Address, and Abilities are greatly superior. His head is rather confused, I think.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (September 22, 1776)

Unfaithfulness in public Stations, is deeply criminal. But there is no Encouragement to be faithful. Neither Profit, nor Honor, nor Applause is acquired by faithfulness. But I know by what. There is too much Corruption, even in this infant Age of our Republic. Virtue is not in Fashion. Vice is not infamous.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (October 1, 1776)

From four O Clock in the Morning until ten at Night, I have not a single Moment, which I can call my own. I will not say that I expect to run distracted, to grow melancholy, to drop in an Apoplexy, or fall into a Consumption. But I do say, it is little less than a Miracle, that one or other of these Misfortunes has not befallen me before now…

There is one Thing which excites my utmost Indignation and Contempt, I mean the Brutality, with which People talk to you, of my Death. I beg you would openly affront every Man, Woman or Child, for the future who mentions any such Thing to you, except your Relations, and Friends whose Affections you cannot doubt. I expect it of all my Friends, that they resent, as Affronts to me, every Repetition of such Reports.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (February 7, 1777) [Letter II]

The Society of Widows is very similar. Industry and Economy are remarkable in all these Institutions.

They shewed Us their Church which is hung round with Pictures of our Savior from his Birth to his Death, Resurrection and Ascension. It is done with very strong Colors, and very violent Passions, but not in a very elegant Taste. The Painter who is still living in Bethlehem, but very old—he has formerly been in Italy, the school of Paints. They have a very good organ in their Church of their own make. They have a public Building, on Purpose for the Reception of the dead, to which the Corps is carried as soon as it expires, where it lies until the Time of Sepulture.

Christian Love is their professed Object, but it is said they love Money and make their public Institutions subservient to the Gratification of that Passion.

They suffer no Lawsuits with one another, and as few as possible with other Men. It is said that they now profess to be against War.

They have a Custom, peculiar, respecting Courtship and Marriage. The Elders pick out Pairs to be coupled together, who have no Opportunity of Conversing together, more than once or twice, before the Knot is tied. The Youth of the two sexes have very little Conversation with one another, before Marriage.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (February 10, 1777)

What shall I say of or to my children? What will they say to me for leaving them, their Education and Fortune so much to the Disposal of Chance?—May almighty and all-gracious Providence protect, and bless them.

I have this Day sent my Resignation of a certain mighty office. It has relieved me from a Burden, which has a long Time oppressed me. But I am determined, that, while I am ruining my Constitution of Mind and Body, and running daily risks of my Life and Fortune in Defense of the Independency of my Country, I will not knowingly resign my own.

John Adams, To James Warren (February 12, 1777) | See Quote Archive | The Founders’ Warnings About Banks and Finance

A depreciating [decreasing in value] Currency, we must not have. It will ruin Us. The Medium of Trade ought to be as unchangeable as Truth; as immutable as Morality. The least Variation in its Value does Injustice to Multitudes, and in Proportion it injures the Morals of the People, a Point of the last Importance in a Republican Government.

John Adams, To Abigail Adams (February 17, 1777)

I am as well as can be expected. How it happens I don’t know nor how long it will last. My Disposition was naturally gay and cheerful, but the Prospects I have ever had before me, and these cruel Times will make me melancholy. I who would not hurt the Hair of the Head of any Animal, I who am always made miserable by the Misery of every sensible being, that comes to my Knowledge, am obliged to hear continual Accounts of the Barbarities, the cruel Murders in cold Blood, even by the most tormenting Ways of starving and freezing, committed by our Enemies, and continual Accounts of the Deaths and Diseases contracted by our People by their own Imprudence.

These Accounts harrow me beyond Description.

These incarnate Daemons say in great Composure, [“that] Humanity is a Yankey Virtue—But that they [are] governed by Policy.”—Is there any Policy on this side of Hell, that is inconsistent with Humanity? I have no Idea of it. I know of no Policy, God is my Witness but this—Piety, Humanity and Honesty are the best Policy.

Blasphemy, Cruelty, and Villainy have prevailed and may again. But they won’t prevail against America, in this Contest, because I find the more of them are employed the less they succeed.

John Adams, To Thomas Jefferson (August 25, 1787) | See Quote Archive | The Founders’ Warnings About Banks and Finance

All the perplexities, confusions, and distresses in America arise, not from defects in their constitution or confederation, not from a want of honor or virtue, so much as from downright ignorance of the nature of coin, credit, and circulation.

John Adams, To Benjamin Rush (September 19, 1806) | See Quote Archive | The Founders’ Warnings About Banks and Finance

But oh my Country, how I mourn over thy follies and Vices, thine ignorance and imbecility, Thy contempt of Wisdom and Virtue and overweening Admiration of fools and Knaves! the never failing effects of democracy. I once thought our Constitution was quasi a mixed Government, but they have now made it, to all intents and purposes, in Virtue, Spirit and effect a democracy. We are left without resources but in our prayers and tears, and have nothing that We can do or Say but the Lord have mercy upon us.

John Adams, To F.A. Van der Kemp (February 16, 1809) | See Quote Archive | The Founders’ Warnings About Banks and Finance

Our Medium is depreciated by the Multitude of Swindling Banks which have emitted bank Bills to an immense amount beyond the Deposits of Gold and Silver in their Vaults, by which means the Price of Labor and Land and Merchandise and Produce is doubled, trebled and quadrupled in many Instances. Every dollar of a bank Bill that is issued beyond the quantity of Gold and Silver in the Vaults represents nothing and is therefore a cheat upon Somebody.

John Adams, To Benjamin Rush (October 13, 1810) | See Quote Archive | The Founders’ Warnings About Banks and Finance

Our Financial System and our Banks are a Species of fraudulent oppression upon the Community: But you would think me mad enough for your Tranquillizing Chair if I Should Say There is no Remedy but to return to a circulating Medium of Gold and Silver only.

Commerce has in all times made wild work with elections, but it never invented so artful a scheme of corruption for that purpose as our American banks.

John Adams, To Benjamin Rush (December 27, 1810) | See Quote Archive | The Founders’ Warnings About Banks and Finance

The Banking Infatuation pervades all America. Our whole System of Banks is a violation of every honest Principle of Banks. There is no honest Bank but a Bank of Deposit. A Bank that issues Paper at Interest is a Pickpocket or a Robber. But the Delusion will have its Course. You may as well Reason with a Hurricane. An Aristocracy is growing out of them, that will be as fatal as The Feudal Barons, if unchecked in Time…

Paper Money was better than this Bank Money, because the Public reaped the Benefit of the Depreciation: but the Depreciation of Bank Money accrues wholly to the Profit of Individuals. There is no honest Money but Silver and Gold.

Think of the Number, the Offices, Stations, Wealth, Piety and Reputations of the Persons in all the States, who have made Fortunes by these Banks, and then you will See, how deeply rooted the Evil is. The Number of Debtors who hope to pay their debts by this Paper united with the Creditors who build Palaces in our Cities and Castles for Country Seats, by issuing this Paper form too impregnable a Phalanx to be attacked by anything less disciplined than Roman Legions.

John Adams, To John Adams II (February 2, 1812) | See Quote Archive | The Founders’ Warnings About Banks and Finance

Have you considered the Meaning of that Word “worthy”? Weigh it well. I had rather you Should be worthy Sergeants, than Unworthy, though conquering Generals, Worthy Midshipmen than unworthy though conquering Admirals, Worthy Attorneys or Solicitors than Unworthy Serjeants or Judges or Lords Chief Justices, Worthy Ministers of a petty Parish, than Unworthy Popes Cardinals Archbishops or Bishops, Worthy Country Shopkeepers in America than unworthy Medici, Hopes, or Wheelwrights. I had rather you should be the worthy Possessors of one Thousand Pounds, honestly acquired by your own Labor and Industry, than of Ten Millions by Banks and Funding Tricks. I had rather you Should be worthy shoemakers than Secretaries of State or Treasury acquired by Libels in Newspapers. I had rather you Should be worthy Makers of Brooms and Baskets than unworthy Presidents of the United States procured by Intrigue Faction Slander and Corruption.

John Adams, To John Taylor (March 12, 1819) | See Quote Archive | The Founders’ Warnings About Banks and Finance

I have never had but one opinion concerning banking from the institution of the first in Philadelphia by Mr. Robert Morris and Mr. Governeur Morris—and that opinion has uniformly been that the banks have done more injury to the religion, morality, tranquility, prosperity, and even wealth of the nation, than they ever have done or ever will do good; they are like party spirit the delusion of the many for the interest of a few.

Silver and gold are but the commodities as much as wheat and lumber—the merchants who study the necessity and feel out the wants of the community can always import enough to supply the necessary circulating currency as they can broadcloths or sugar—the trinkets of Birmingham and Manchester—or the hemp of Liberia. I am old enough to have seen a paper currency annihilated at a blow in Massachusetts in 1750, and a silver currency taking its place immediately and supplying every necessity and every convenience…

It has always been incomprehensible to me that a people so jealous of their liberty and property as the Americans should so long have borne impositions with patience and submission which would have been trampled underfoot in the meanest village in Holland or undergone the fate of Woods half pence in Ireland.

I beg leave to refer you to a work which Mr. Jefferson has sent me translated by himself from a French Manuscript of the Count Destutt Tracy. His Chapter “Of Money” contains the sentiments that I have entertained all my life time. I will quote only a few lines from the analytical table page 21—“It is to be desired that coins had never borne other names than those of their weights and that the arbitrary denominations are called monies of account as £—S—d. etc. had never been used but when these denominations are admitted and employed in transactions to diminish the quantity of metal to which they answer by an alteration of the real coins is to steal and it is a theft which even injures him who commits it—A theft of a greater magnitude and still more ruinous is the making of paper-money it is greater because in this money there is absolutely no real value it is more ruinous because by its gradual depreciation during all this time of its existence it produces the effect which would be produced by an infinity of successive deteriorations of the coins; all these iniquities are founded on the false idea that money is but a sign.” Permit me to recommend this volume to your attentive perusal.

Diary

John Adams, Diary (March 29, 1756)²

We find ourselves capable of comprehending many things, of acquiring considerable degrees of knowledge by our slender and contracted faculties. Now may we not suppose our minds strengthened, and capacities dilated, so as fully to comprehend this globe of earth with its numerous appendages? May we not suppose them further enlarged to take in the solar system in all its relations? Nay why may we not go further and suppose them increased to comprehend the whole created universe with all its inhabitants, their various relations, dependencies, duties, and necessities? If this is supposeable [sic], then a Being of such great capacity, endowed with sufficient power, would be an accomplished Judge of all rational beings…would be fit to dispense rewards to virtue and punishments to vice.

John Adams, Diary (April 30, 1756)³

The stupendous plan of operation [of the universe] was projected by him who rules the universe, and a part assigned to every particle of matter to act in this great and complicated drama. The Creator looked into the remotest futurity, and saw his great designs accomplished by this inextricable, this mysterious complication of causes.

John Adams, Diary (May 28, 1756)⁴

[W]e find ourselves lost and swallowed up in this incomprehensible I had almost said infinite magnificence of nature. Our imaginations after a few feint efforts sink down into a profound admiration of what they cannot comprehend. God, whose almighty fiat first produced this amazing universe, had the whole plan in view from all eternity, intimately and perfectly knew the nature and all the properties of all these his creatures. He looked forward through all duration and perfectly knew all the effects, all the events and revolutions, that could possibly, and would actually take place throughout eternity.

John Adams, Diary (May 29, 1756)⁵

What is the proper business of mankind in this life? We come into the world naked and destitute of all the conveniences and necessaries of life. And if we were not provided for and nourished by our parents or others should inevitably perish as soon as born. We increase in strength of body and mind by slow and insensible degrees. One-third of our time is consumed in sleep, and three-fourths of the remainder is spent in procuring a mere animal sustenance. And if we live to the age of three score and ten and then set down to make an estimate in our minds of the happiness we have enjoyed and the misery we have suffered, we shall find, I am apt to think, that the overbalance of happiness is quite inconsiderable. We shall find that we have been through the greatest part of our lives pursuing shadows, and empty but glittering phantoms rather than substances. We shall find that we have applied our whole vigor, all our faculties, in the pursuit of honor or wealth or learning or some other such delusive trifle instead of the real and everlasting excellences of piety and virtue. Habits of contemplating the Deity and his transcendent excellences, and correspondent habits of complacency in and dependence upon him, habits of reverence and gratitude to God, and habits of love and compassion to our fellow men, and habits of temperance, recollection and self-government will afford us a real and substantial pleasure. We may then exult in a consciousness of the favor of God, and the prospect of everlasting felicity.

John Adams, Diary (June 14, 1756)⁶

He is not a wise man and is unfit to fill any important station in society that has left one passion in his soul unsubdued…These passions should be bound fast and brought under the yoke. Untamed, they are lawless bulls, they roar and bluster, defy all control, and sometimes murder their proper owner. But properly inured to obedience, they take their places under the yoke without noise and labor vigorously in their master’s service. From a sense of the government of God, and a regard to the laws established by his Providence, should all our actions for ourselves or for other men primarily originate. And this master, passion, in a good man’s soul, like the larger fishes of prey, will swallow up and destroy all the rest.

John Adams, Diary (July 21, 1756)⁷

I am resolved not to neglect my time as I did last year. I am resolved to rise with the sun and study the Scriptures.

John Adams, Diary (August 1, 1761)⁸

No man either King or Subject, Clergyman or Layman has any Right to dictate to me the Person I shall choose for my Legislator and Ruler. I must judge for myself, but how can I judge, how can any Man judge, unless his Mind has been opened and enlarged by Reading. A Man who can read, will find in his Bible, in the common sermon Books that common People have by them and even in the Almanack and News Papers, Rules and observations, that will enlarge his Range of Thought, and enable him the better to judge who has and who has not that Integrity of Heart, and that Compass of Knowledge and Understanding, which form the Statesman.

John Adams, Diary (February, 1765)

I always consider the settlement of America with Reverence and Wonder—as the Opening of a grand scene and Design in Providence, for the Illumination of the Ignorant and the Emancipation of the slavish Part of Mankind all over the Earth.

John Adams, Diary (July 24, 1766)

Thanksgiving for the Repeal of the Stamp-Act. Mr. Smiths Text was “The Lord reigneth, let the Earth rejoice, and the Multitude of the Isles be glad thereof” (Ps. 97:1). Mr. Wibirts was Genesis 50th. 20th.—“But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this Day, to save much People alive” (Gen. 50:20).—America is Joseph, the King Lords and Commons—Josephs Father and Brothers. Our Forefathers sold into Egypt, i.e. Persecuted into America, etc. Wibirt shone, they say.

John Adams, Diary (December 24, 1766)⁹

Who are to be understood by the better sort of people? There is in the sight of God, and indeed in the consideration of a sincere Xtian [Christian], or even of a good philosopher, no difference between one man and another but what real merit creates. And I mean, by real merit, that I may be as well understood as my adversary, nothing more nor less than the compound ratio of virtue and knowledge.

John Adams, Diary (July 26, 1796)¹⁰

The Christian religion is, above all the religions that ever prevailed or existed in ancient or modern times, the religion of wisdom, virtue, equity and humanity, let the blackguard Paine say what he will. It is resignation to God—it is goodness itself to man.

John Adams, Diary (August 14, 1796)¹¹

The Importance of Christianity to Society

One great advantage of the Christian religion is, that it brings the great principle of the law of nature and nation—Love your neighbor as yourself, and do to others as you would that others should do to you—to the knowledge, belief, and veneration of the whole people. Children, servants, women, and men, are all professors in the science of public and private morality. No other institution for education, no kind of political discipline, could diffuse this kind of necessary information, so universally among all ranks and descriptions of citizens. The duties and rights of the man and the citizen are thus taught from early infancy to every creature. The sanctions of a future life are thus added to the observance of civil and political, as well as domestic and private duties. Prudence, justice, temperance, 423 | 424 and fortitude, are thus taught to be the means and conditions of future as well as present happiness.

Other Documents

John Adams, Autobiography (June 2, 1778)

The Importance of Family and Women to National Morality

From all that I had read of History and Government, of human Life and manners, I had drawn this Conclusion, that the manners of Women were the most infallible Barometer, to ascertain the degree of Morality and Virtue in a Nation. All that I have since read and all the observations I have made in different Nations, have confirmed me in this opinion. The Manners of Women are the surest Criterion by which to determine whether a Republican Government is practicable, in a Nation or not. The Jews, the Greeks, the Romans, the Swiss, the Dutch, all lost their public Spirit, their Republican Principles and habits, and their Republican Forms of Government, when they lost the Modesty and Domestic Virtues of their Women.

What havoc said I to myself, would these manners make in America? Our Governors, our Judges, our Senators, or Representatives and even our Ministers would be appointed by Harlots for Money, and their Judgments, Decrees and decisions be sold to repay themselves, or perhaps to procure the smiles of profligate Females.

The foundations of national morality must be laid in private families. In vain are schools, academies, and universities instituted, if loose principles and licentious habits are impressed upon children in their earliest years. The mothers are the earliest and most important instructors of youth…The vices and examples of the parents cannot be concealed from the children. How is it possible that children can have any just sense of the sacred obligations of morality or religion if, from their earliest infancy, they learn that their mothers live in habitual infidelity to their fathers, and their fathers in as constant infidelity to their mothers.

Besides the Catholic Doctrine is, that the Contract of marriage is not only a civil and moral Engagement, but a Sacrament, one of the most solemn Vows and Oaths of Religious devotion. Can they then believe Religion and Morality too anything more than a Veil, a Cloak, an hypocritical Pretext, for political purposes of decency and Conveniency?

Footnotes

1. John Adams, Frank Shuffelton, ed., The Letters of John and Abigail Adams (New York: Penguin Books, 2004), 127. ↩︎
2. John Adams, Gordon Wood, ed., John Adams: Revolutionary Writings 1755-1775 (New York: The Library of America, 2011), 10. ↩︎
3. John Adams, Gordon Wood, ed., John Adams: Revolutionary Writings 1755-1775 (New York: The Library of America, 2011), 13. ↩︎
4. John Adams, Gordon Wood, ed., John Adams: Revolutionary Writings 1755-1775 (New York: The Library of America, 2011), 16. ↩︎
5. John Adams, Gordon Wood, ed., John Adams: Revolutionary Writings 1755-1775 (New York: The Library of America, 2011), 16-17. ↩︎
6. John Adams, Gordon Wood, ed., John Adams: Revolutionary Writings 1755-1775 (New York: The Library of America, 2011), 18. ↩︎
7. John Adams, Gordon Wood, ed., John Adams: Revolutionary Writings 1755-1775 (New York: The Library of America, 2011), 19. ↩︎
8. John Adams, Gordon Wood, ed., John Adams: Revolutionary Writings 1755-1775 (New York: The Library of America, 2011), 64. ↩︎
9. John Adams, Gordon Wood, ed., John Adams: Revolutionary Writings 1755-1775 (New York: The Library of America, 2011), 162. ↩︎
10. John Adams, Gordon S. Wood, ed., John Adams: Writings from the New Nation, 1784-1826 (New York: Library of America, 2016), 320. ↩︎
11. John Adams, Charles Francis Adams, ed., The Works of John Adams, Vol. III (Boston: Charles C. Little and James Brown, 1851), 423-24. ↩︎