Show the first fourth of july A letter written by bv john adams to a friend the day after the declaration of independence reproduced from a newspaper in the possession of W S mccrea of chicago P hi ladelphia july 5 1776 yesterday the greatest question was decided which was ever decided among men A resolution was passed unanimously that these united states are and of right ought ou to be free and independent states the day is passed the ath of july 1776 will be a mem arable epoch in the history of america I 1 am apt to believe it will le be celebrated by succeeding generations as the GREAT anniversary FESTIVAL it ought to be commemorated as the day of deM deliverance verance by solemn acts of devotion to the almighty god it ought to be solemnized with pomps shows games sports guns bells bonfires and illuminations from froin 0 one ne end of the continent to the other from this time fore erl you will think me transported with enthusiasm but I 1 am not I 1 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 1 can see sec a ray of light and glory I 1 can see that the end is worth more than all the means and that posterity will triumph although you and I 1 may rue which I 1 hope we shall not yours tac JOHN ADAMS |