1851John Adams to Abigail Adams, 29 March 1776 (Adams Papers)
I give you Joy of Boston and Charlestown, once more the Habitations of Americans. Am waiting with great Impatience for Letters from you, which I know will contain many Particulars. We are taking Precautions to defend every Place that is in Danger—The Carolinas, Virginia, N. York, Canada. I can think of nothing but fortifying Boston Harbour. I want more Cannon than are to be had, I want a...
1852John Adams to Cotton Tufts, 29 March 1776 (Adams Papers)
We are impatiently waiting for Intelligence of further Particulars from Boston. We have only heard that General How and his Army have left it, and that General Washington with a Part of his, has taken Possession of it. How shall I express my Joy to you at this great Event! As we are in Possession of Dorchester Heights, Charlestown Heights and Noddles Island, I think there can be no Danger of...
1853From John Adams to James Warren, 29 March 1776 (Adams Papers)
Since the joyfull News of the Reduction of Boston by the Forces of the united Colonies, my Mind has been constantly engaged with Plans and Schemes for the Fortification of the Islands and Channells in Boston Harbour. I think that if Cannon and Ammunition, in the necessary Quantities can possibly be obtained, Fortifications ought to be erected upon Point Alderton, Lovells Island, Georges...
1854To John Adams from James Warren, 30 March – 3 April 1776 (Adams Papers)
When I wrote you last I was at Plymouth sick, and Confined. I did not return to this place till three days ago. In my way Mrs. Warren and I lodged at Braintree, and had the pleasure of finding Mrs. Adams, and Family well. Here I find the world turned Topsy Turvy to such A degree that I can scarcely realize the present Appearances of things. The Enemies Army fled, and our own marching into...
1855[Saturday March 30. 1776.] (Adams Papers)
Saturday March 30. 1776. Ditto.
1856John Adams to Norton Quincy, 30 March 1776 (Adams Papers)
The Acquisition of Boston, and its Harbour is of such vast Importance to the Province of Massachusetts Bay and New England in general, and indeed to all the confederated Colonies; that the Utmost Wisdom and public Spirit of our Countrymen ought to be employed in order to preserve it by such Fortifications as will make it impregnable for the future by any hostile Fleet. There is not in the...
1857Abigail Adams to John Adams, 31 March 1776 (Adams Papers)
I wish you would ever write me a Letter half as long as I write you; and tell me if you may where your Fleet are gone? What sort of Defence Virginia can make against our common Enemy? Whether it is so situated as to make an able Defence? Are not the Gentery Lords and the common people vassals, are they not like the uncivilized Natives Brittain represents us to be? I hope their Riffel Men who...
1858To John Adams from Hugh Hughes, 31 March 1776 (Adams Papers)
Your Favour by ’the reputed Author of Common Sense’ I have not yet answered, as I was not then, nor for some Time afterward, quite clear how Matters would be carried on. But now, I confess our Affairs begin to wear a very different Aspect, as you will perceive by the inclos’d Return to General Thomson. Indeed our Citizens seem determin’d to work out their Salvation not only on Earth, but in...
1859[April 1776] (Adams Papers)
Coll. Whipple lodges at Mrs. in Walnut Street. Mr. Hancock, Messrs. Adams’s, Paine and Gerry at Mrs. Yards in 2d Street. Mr. Hopkins at Mr. Sherman, Coll. Wolcott and Coll. Huntington at Mr. Duncans in 3d. Mr. Duane at the Collectors in Markett Street, next door to Coll. Reads. Gen. Livingston, Mr. De Hart in Second Street. Mr. Serjeant at Dr. Ewing’s. Mr. Moreton at Mr. Wilson at Mr. Johnson...
1860[Residences of Delegates in Philadelphia, April? 1776.] (Adams Papers)
Coll. Whipple lodges at Mrs. in Walnut Street. Mr. Hancock, Messrs. Adams’s, Paine and Gerry at Mrs. Yards in 2d Street. Mr. Hopkins at Mr. Sherman, Coll. Wolcott and Coll. Huntington at Mr. Duncans in 3d. Mr. Duane at the Collectors in Markett Street, next door to Coll. Reads. Gen. Livingston, Mr. De Hart in Second Street. Mr. Serjeant at Dr. Ewing’s. Mr. Moreton at Mr. Wilson at Mr. Johnson...
1861III. Thoughts on Government, April 1776 (Adams Papers)
If I was equal to the task of forming a plan for the government of a colony, I should be flattered with your request, and very happy to comply with it; because as the divine science of politicks is the science of social happiness, and the blessings of society depend entirely on the constitutions of government, which are generally institutions that last for many generations, there can be no...
1862To John Adams from John Winthrop, April 1776 (Adams Papers)
I wrote you the 5th instant by my son William who was going to Philadelphia; but as he was to stay some time at New York, being employed by Col. Warren as Paymaster, I suppose you have not yet received that letter. In it I took the liberty to request your influence, that either my brother might be appointed sole Clerk of the Superior Court; or, if it should be thought best to have two, my son...
1863[Monday April 1st.] (Adams Papers)
Monday April 1st. A Measure of Great Importance was adopted—a Treasury Office with an Auditor and a sufficient Number of Clerks. On the 17th. of February 1776 Congress had Resolved that a standing Committee of five be appointed for superintending the Treasury. Their duties pointed out and Mr. Duane, Mr. Nelson, Mr. Gerry, Mr. Smith and Mr. Willing were chosen on the Committee. On this day...
1864From John Adams to George Washington, 1 April 1776 (Adams Papers)
The Bearer of this Letter Francis Dana Esqr. of Cambridge, is a Gentleman of Family, Fortune and Education, returned in the last Packett from London where he has been about a Year. He has ever maintained an excellent Character in his Country, and a warm Friendship for the American Cause. He returns to share with his Friends in their Dangers, and their Triumphs. I have done myself the Honour to...
1865To George Washington from John Adams, 1 April 1776 (Washington Papers)
The Bearer of this Letter Francis Dana Esqr. of Cambridge, is a Gentleman of Family, Fortune and Education, returned in the last Packett from London where he has been about a Year. He has ever maintained an excellent Character in his Country, and a warm Friendship for the American Cause. He returns to share with his Friends in their Dangers, and their Triumphs. I have done myself the Honour to...
1866[April 2. 1776.] (Adams Papers)
April 2. 1776. The Committee appointed to prepare a Letter of Thanks to General Washington, and the Officers and Soldiers under his command brought in a draught which was read and agreed to: Ordered that it be transcribed, signed by the President and forwarded. —But the Letter a great part of the Compliment of which would have lain in the Insertion of it in the Journal, was carefully secluded....
1867IV. John Hancock to George Washington, 2 April 1776 (Adams Papers)
It gives me the most sensible Pleasure to convey to you, by Order of Congress, the only Tribute, which a free People will ever consent to Pay; the Tribute of Thanks and Gratitude to their Friends and Benefactors. The disinterested and patriotic Principles which led you to the Field, have also led you to Glory: and it affords no little Consolation to your Countrymen to reflect, that, as a...
1868From John Adams to Joseph Palmer, 2 April 1776 (Adams Papers)
This will go by my worthy Brother Dana who, is returned, as he went a very good Whigg and much more abundantly. I hope he will be appointed a Judge or Attorney General immediately, as he is extreamly well qualified for Either. Since my return to this Place, I have lived in tolerable good Humour with our old Friend, notwithstanding the rash Anger he expressed in certain Letters. I have had two...
1869[April 3. 1776] (Adams Papers)
April 3. 1776 great Things were done. The Naval System made great Progress. See JCC Worthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789, Washington, 1904–1937; 34 vols. , 4:251–254.
1870From John Adams to James Warren, 3 April 1776 (Adams Papers)
As foreign Affairs become every day more interesting to Us no Pains should be spared to acquire a thorough Knowledge of them, and as the inclosed Extract contains some observations which are new to me, I thought it might not be uninteresting to you. Howe has put 3000 Troops on board of Transports, which lie or at least lay last saturday at Staten Island. Whether this is a Feint, or a Serious...
1871The Massachusetts Delegates to the President of the Council, 3 April 1776 (Adams Papers)
The Congress being Inform’d by a Letter from Genl. Washington, that two Thousand of the Continental Troops at Cambridge and Roxbury are deficient in Fire Arms, and that he has not been able to Purchase the Same from the Inhabitants or Obtain them from the Assemblies of the New England Colonies, have directed the General to make Returns to the Assemblies of the Numbers of men Inlisted from...
1872To John Adams from Joseph Ward, 3 April 1776 (Adams Papers)
As the Ships of War now building in this and other Colonies for the Continental Service, will want Commanders, who will I conclude be appointed by Congress, I beg leave to mention to you a Capt. Fellows, late of Boston, who was bred to the Sea and is recommended as a very good Man for a Commander, and I have been desired to mention him to you. He appears to me to be a Man of activity and...
1873To John Adams from Mercy Otis Warren, 3 April 1776 (Adams Papers)
The sudden departure of the plunderers of Boston and the removal of the Continental troops from Cambridge occasions a temporary calm in the eastern region; but if the storm should again burst upon this quarter, I fear we shall be too destitute of skillful navigators, to oppose its fury with success: though we have still a few left among us whose tried courage and experience has set danger at...
1874[April 4. 1776.] (Adams Papers)
April 4. 1776. We did great Things again. Agreable to the order of the Day, the Congress resolved itself into a Committee of the whole to take into Consideration the Trade of the United Colonies, and after some time spent thereon, the President resumed the Chair and Mr. Harrison reported that the Committee had taken into Consideration the matters referred to them and had come to sundry...
1875Peter Boylston Adams to John Adams, 4 April 1776 (Adams Papers)
So far Sincable of my duty to Comply with your Dissier to write to you I now Take my pen in hand to give you a narative of the Evelotions thats hapned Since you Left us. Before the Taking Posseseon of Dorchester hills the Militia of Braintree Was Called Upon to go to the Lines at Dorchester Neck to be in Readiness of an Atack from the Regulors. What makes me Relate this is I was one of these...
1876[April 5. 1776.] (Adams Papers)
April 5. 1776. Good Fryday.
1877To John Adams from John Winthrop, 5 April 1776 (Adams Papers)
I cannot omit so good an opportunity as now offers, of paying my respects to you. Nothing remarkable has occurred among us since the disgraceful flight of the British troops on the 17th ultimo. Tis generally believed they are bound to Halifax. General Washington set off yesterday. His conduct has met with universal approbation, and has gained him the highest applause. Saltpetre is made and...
1878[April 6. 1776.] (Adams Papers)
April 6. 1776. Congress resumed the consideration of the Report, from the Committee of the whole, and the same being twice read, and debated by paragraphs, was agreed to. These Resolutions are on the Journal, and amount to something. They opened the Ports and sett our Commerce at Liberty: But they were far short of what had been moved by Members from Massachusetts, Maryland and Virginia. There...
1879Isaac Smith Sr. to John Adams, 6 April 1776 (Adams Papers)
I wrote you a post or two Ago, of being informd Mr. Gearey had wrote his brother to procure a Cargo or two of fish, to ship to Europe and had Applyed to me for some I have by me, but as I have sundry Vessells of my Own lying by should be glad to have them imployed, and iff the Congress wants to purchase I would let them have mine and would see to the loading of her and to follow there...
1880To John Adams from Jonathan Dickinson Sergeant, 6 April 1776 (Adams Papers)
I arrived here last Evening in a very indifferent State of Health and shall return or not return according as I have Reason to believe I may be more useful here or there. So then! I am told You have a Report that Cato’s Commissioners are coming at last, 46,000 strong. Mr. ——, I suppose, will tell us that he never expected the Commissioners to come without a strong Force to back them. O for the...
1881Abigail Adams to John Adams, 7 April 1776 (Adams Papers)
I Received two Letters from you this week one of the 13 and the other the 19 of March. I know not where one of my Letters is gone, unless you have since Received it. I certainly wrote you in Febry. and the first Letter I wrote I mention that I had not wrote before. I have write four Letters before this. Believe I have Received all yours Except one you mention writing from Framingham which I...
1882[Tuesday April 9th. 1776.] (Adams Papers)
Tuesday April 9th. 1776. No Committee of the whole.
1883[Wednesday April 10. 1776.] (Adams Papers)
Wednesday April 10. 1776. Resolved that the Letters from General Washington be referred to a Committee of the whole Congress. These were two additional letters, both dated 1 April ( JCC Worthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789, Washington, 1904–1937; 34 vols. , 4:266); they are printed in Washington, Writings , ed. Fitzpatrick The Writings of George...
1884To John Adams from Jonathan Dickinson Sergeant, 11 – 12 April 1776 (Adams Papers)
Your late worthy Governor Hutchinson used to mark some of his Letters confidential . You will give me Leave to use this Hint and at the same Time to take the Liberty of adding that, I believe, You know pretty well whom I can confide in, among our Acquaintances in Congress. The Jersey-Delegates (will You believe it) are not in the sweetest Disposition with one another. Mr. D’ Hart has gone home...
1885[April 11. 1776.] (Adams Papers)
April 11. 1776. Resolved that a Committee of three be appointed to enquire into the Truth of the Report respecting Governor Tryons exacting an Oath from Persons going by the Packet, and to ascertain the Fact, by Affidavits taken before a Chief Justice, or other Chief Magistrate. The Members chosen Mr. Jay, Mr. Wythe and Mr. Wilson. This helped forward our designs a little. Resolved That it be...
1886[April 12th. 1776.] (Adams Papers)
April 12th. 1776. No Committee of the whole.
1887John Adams to Abigail Adams, 12 April 1776 (Adams Papers)
Inclose a few Sheets of Paper, and will send more as fast as Opportunities present. Chesterfields Letters are a chequered sett. You would not choose to have them in your Library, they are like Congreeves Plays, stained with libertine Morals and base Principles. You will see by the Papers, the News, the Speculations and the Political Plans of the Day. The Ports are opened wide enough at last,...
1888From John Adams to Joseph Palmer, 12 April 1776 (Adams Papers)
We begin to make some little Figure here in the Naval Way. Captn. Barry was fitted out here a few days ago in a sixteen Gun Brig, and put to sea by the Roebuck Man of War which lies in Delaware River, and after he got without the Capes fell in with a Tender belonging to the Liverpool Man of War, and took her after an Engagement of two Glasses. She had 8 Cariage Guns and a Number of Swivells....
1889From John Adams to William Tudor, 12 April 1776 (Adams Papers)
I wish you Joy, sir, of your new Abode. I hope you found, the Houses, Wharves &c. &c., in the Town of Boston which are hereafter to contribute to your Satisfaction in Life, in good order. I Should be very happy to learn the Condition in which the Town appeared, the situation of the Buildings and the State and History of the Inhabitants, during the Seige, what Tories are left, and what is to be...
1890[April 13. 1776. and April 15.] (Adams Papers)
April 13. 1776. No Committee of the whole. April 15. No Committee of the whole.
1891Abigail Adams to John Adams, 14 April 1776 (Adams Papers)
I have misst my Good Friend Col. W arre n from Watertown in the conveyance of my Letters; you make no mention of more than one, write me how many you have had and what the dates were. I wrote you upon the 17 of March. Perticuliars it was not then posible to obtain; and after that I thought every pen would be imployed in writing to you a much more accurate account than I could give you. The...
1892John Adams to Abigail Adams, 14 April 1776 (Adams Papers)
You justly complain of my short Letters, but the critical State of Things and the Multiplicity of Avocations must plead my Excuse.—You ask where the Fleet is. The inclosed Papers will inform you. You ask what Sort of Defence Virginia can make. I believe they will make an able Defence. Their Militia and minute Men have been some time employed in training them selves, and they have Nine...
1893John Adams to Abigail Adams, 15 April 1776 (Adams Papers)
I send you every News Paper, that comes out, and I send you now and then a few sheets of Paper but this Article is as scarce here, as with you. I would send a Quire, if I could get a Conveyance. I write you, now and then a Line, as often as I can, but I can tell you no News, but what I send in the public Papers. We are Waiting it is said for Commissioners, a Messiah that will never come.—This...
1894From John Adams to William Heath, 15 April 1776 (Adams Papers)
Altho I never had the Pleasure and the Honour of so intimate an Acquaintance with you as I wished yet I have a long Time, been sufficiently acquainted with your Character, to have the Utmost Confidence in your Patriotism and your Judgment of the true Interest of our Country. The critical State of the Colonies, at this Time, is the Cause of my writing you, because Providence has now placed you...
1895From George Washington to John Adams, 15 April 1776 (Washington Papers)
This Morning your polite Letter of the 1st Instt, was delivered to me by Mr Dana. I am much obliged to you for your introduction of that Gentleman and you may rely on my shewing him every Civility in my power. I have ever thought, and am still of opinion that no terms of accomodation will be offer’d by the British Ministry, but such as cannot be accepted by America. We have nothing my Dear Sir...
1896[Tuesday April 16. 1776.] (Adams Papers)
Tuesday April 16. 1776. Whereas Information has been this day laid before Congress, from which there is great reason to believe that Robert Eden Esq. Governor of Maryland, has lately carried on a Correspondence with the British Ministry highly dangerous to the Liberties of America: Resolved therefore that the Council of Safety of Maryland be earnestly requested immediately to cause the Person...
1897From John Adams to James Warren, 16 April 1776 (Adams Papers)
I agree with you, in yours of the 30 March, in opinion that five Regiments are too Small a Force to be left with you, considering the Necessity of fortifying the Harbour, and the Danger there is that the Enemy may renew their Designs upon our Province. Am happy to learn that you have Sent a Committee to view the Harbour of Boston and report the best Method of Securing it. When this Report is...
1898From John Adams to Mercy Otis Warren, 16 April 1776 (Adams Papers)
Not untill Yesterdays Post, did your agreable Favour of March the Tenth, come to my Hands. It gave me great Pleasure and altho in the distracted Kind of Life, I am obliged to lead, I cannot promise to deserve a Continuance of So excellent a Correspondence yet I am determined by Scribbling Something or other, be it what it may, to provoke it. The Ladies I think are the greatest Politicians,...
1899To John Adams from Isaac Smith Sr., 16 April 1776 (Adams Papers)
Yours of the 4t. Instant, I have received which I received by Via Watertown but As the post is most certain would not have you be affraid of writing that way On Account of the postage. I Observe what you say about liberty of going to foreign ports which, there has been no Obstruction As to going in ballast. You say trade, you expect, will be Open very soon. We have little or nothing in this...
1900[Wednesday April 17. 1776. Thursday April 18.] (Adams Papers)
Wednesday April 17. 1776. Thursday April 18. No Committee of the whole.