Independence Day

When John Adams was elected a representative from Massachusetts to the congress, Which was in session in Philadelphia, it required his first prolonged separation from Abigail, his wife of 10 years. The Adams had four children and lived outside of Boston, in Braintree, from where Abigail wrote the following letter on August 19, 1774

The great distance between us, makes the time appear very long to me. It seems already a month since you left me. The great anxiety I feel for my Country, for you and for our family renders the day tedious, and the night unpleasent. The Rocks and quick Sands appear upon every Side. What course you can or will take is all wrapt in the Bosom of futurity. Uncertainty and expectation leave the mind great Scope. Did ever any Kingdom or State regain their Liberty, when once it was invaded without Blood shed? I cannot think of it without horror.

Yet we are told that all the Misfortunes of Sparta were occasiond by their too great Sollisitude for present tranquility, and by an excessive love of peace they neglected the means of making it sure and lasting. They ought to have reflected says Polibius that as there is nothing more desirable, or advantages than peace, when founded in justice and honour, so there is nothing more shameful and at the same time more pernicious when attained by bad measures, and purchased at the price of liberty.

I want much to hear from you. I long impatiently to have you upon the Stage of action. The first of September or the month of September, perhaps may be of as much importance to Great Britan as the Ides of March were to Ceaser. I wish you every Publick as well, as private blessing, and that wisdom which is profitable both for instruction and edification to conduct you in this difficult day.-The little flock remember Pappa, and kindly wish to see him. So does your most affectionate

Abigail Adams

We would do well in this day and age to take to heart what Publius said about peace. How easy it might be to love peace to the point of neglecting any means to make it lasting and to unknowingly slip into servitude to a government that wishes to take away our precious liberties. Thank God for our founding fathers who being convinced that liberty was our God given right took the steps to make it lasting. How blessed we are to live in a country where our liberty is secure, yet we must still be vigilant to protect that freedom.