Show The First Fourth of July A Letter Written by John Adams to a Friend the Day After the Declaration of Independence Reproduced from a Newspaper in the Possession of W. W S. S McCrea of Chicago Philadelphia July 5 1776 II Yesterday the greatest question was decided which was ever decided among among men A resolution w was s pass passed d unanimously That these ese Untied United le States Stales are an and of right ought to io be he free and independent in ep n States cc The The day is passed The of July 1776 will b be p a memorable mem mem- epoch in the history of America I am am apt to believe if 11 will be he celebrated by succeeding generations as the GREAT ANNIVERSARY FESTIVAL I It ought to be commemorated commemorate as the day y of deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to the Almighty God It ought to be solemnized with pomps shows games ames sports guns bells bonfires and illuminations from one en end of the continent to fo the fIe other from this time lime forever J You will think me transported with enthusiasm but I am not I am well aware of the toil and blood and treasure it will cost to maintain this declaration and support and defend these States yet all the gloom I can see a a ray of light and glory I can see see that the end is worth more than all the means and that posterity will triumph although you and I IS Imay S may rue which rue which I hope we shall not Yours Yours mc Cc JOHN ADAMS |