John Adams writes about the growing grievances that the Colonies have against the British crown. We'll see that Adams is strategic in organizing a structure for revolution.
This excerpt is from his collection around the time of Britain's Writs of Assistance, those “instruments of slavery,” as the colonists called them:
The Views of the English Government towards the Collonies and the Views of the Collonies towards the English Government, from the first of our History to that time, appeared to me to have been directly in Opposition to each other, and were now by the imprudence of Administration, brought todash a Collision. England proud of its power and holding Us in Contempt would never give up its pretentions. The Americans devoutly attached to their Liberties, would never submit, at least without an entire devastation of the Country and a general destruction of their Lives. A Contest appeared to me to be opened, to which I could foresee no End, and which would render my Life a Burden and Property, Industry and every Thing insecure. There was no Alternative left, but to take the Side, which appeared to be just, to march intrepidly forward in the right path, to trust in providence for the Protection of Truth and right, and to die with a good Conscience and a decent grace, if that Tryal should become indispensible.
Friday, June 12, 2009
From John Adams
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John Adams recognized the choices to be made with regards to the colonies relationship to Britain. He forsees an inevitable military contest since each side was uncompromising in their position. The Colonists were determined to be independent from Britain; the British saw no circunstances under which they would release the Colonists from their authority. John Adams concluded that he would trust in God (Providence) and fight for freedom.
ReplyDeleteAubrey Duncan
John Adams some difficult decisions in his time. At the risk of losing some colonist relations, he chose God. Even today, we wrestle with the fight for freedom. Slavery had issues of religious rights and freedom. Once the slaves were freedom, the country brought about change.
ReplyDeleteAngela Webb
It seems to me John Adams was put in a position that we are put in daily choosing what side to be on. For John Adams he choose the one which appeared to be just, to march intrepidly forward in the right path, to trust in providence for the Protection of Truth and right, and to die with a good Conscience and a decent grace, if that Tryal should become indispensible.
ReplyDeleteDaphne Dumas
John Adams made a decision based on his religious beliefs and what was best for the people in the colonies. He wanted the colonist to be removed from the authority of the crown and become independent. He conducted and presented his position with pride and determenation.
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