Letter to Abigail

Yesterday, 244 years ago, we formally started a war, a great rebellion, one that had been going on for a while actually, and put together a resolution on independence. The vote was 13-0. (not to be confused - the signing was tomorrow the 4th and the document was agreed to yesterday - the 2nd) Adams, Jefferson, Franklin, Rutledge, Rodney, Livingston, Lee, Hancock, Chase, even a Witherspoon - a collection of great men and minds debating and crafting the bounds of a new country and way of life. Amazing. Simply amazing luck to have a nation launch from such great soil.

Thank you John Adams. Thank you very much for all you did for us. Here is part of his letter to Abigail.

John Adams' Letter to Abigail Adams, July 3, 1776

Yesterday the greatest question was decided, which ever was debated in America, and a greater, perhaps, never was or will be decided among Men. A resolution was passed without one dissenting colony "that these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states, and as such they have, and of right ought to have, full power to make war, conclude peace, establish commerce, and to do all the other acts and things which other states may rightfully do." You will see in a few days a declaration setting forth the causes which have impelled us to this mighty revolution and the reasons which will justify it in the sight of God and man. A plan of confederation will be taken up in a few days.