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 in the possession of IV S mccrea of chicago philadelphia july 5 1776 yesterday the greatest question was decided which was ever decided among men A resolution was passed unanimously that these untied united slates are and of right ought to be le free and independent states the day is passed the ath of july 1776 will be a mem oriale epoch in the history of america I 1 am apt to believe it will wilt be ke celebrated by succeeding generations as the GREAT A anniversary VERSA R Y FES FESTIVAL TI VA L I 1 it ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance 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 one end of the continent to the other from this time forever you will think me transported with enthusiasm enthus imm but I 1 am not I 1 am well aware of the and blood and treasure it will cost to maintain thil declaration and support and defend these states yet all the gloom I 1 can see a ray of light and glory I 1 can sec 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 CU cJOHN cue JOHN ADAMS |