Jane Hampton Cook's Blog, page 7

“When I consider the great events which

“When I consider the great events which are passed, and those greater which are rapidly advancing, and that I may have been instrumental of touching some springs, and turning some small wheels . . . I feel an awe upon my mind, which is not easily described,” John Adams writes Abigail as he tries to grasp the gravity of the situation in one hand and hope for liberty in the other. “[Great Britain] has at last driven America, to the last step, a complete separation from her, a total absolute independence, not only of her Parliament but of her crown,” he adds, noting that there is something very “unnatural and odious” in a government that is “1000 leagues” away. http://www.revolution240.com http://ow.ly/i/en1iC

1776. John Witherspoon, president of Pri

1776. John Witherspoon, president of Princeton and a Presbyterian minister, gives a sermon on the meaning of Providence to his congregation. “There is not a greater evidence either of the reality or the power of religion, than a firm belief of God’s universal presence, and a constant attention to the influence and operation of his providence,” Witherspoon says. “It is by this means [Providence] that the Christian may be said, in the emphatical scripture language, ‘to walk with God, and to endure as seeing him who is invisible.” http://ow.ly/i/emYSQ

What if your boss was George Washington?

What if your boss was George Washington? Would you dare ask for a promotion? May 1776 “I wish my ability to deserve [a promotion] was equal to my inclination to merit. How far I have succeeded in my endeavors, I submit to your Excellency’s better judgment,” Brigadier General Nathanael Greene writes to George Washington in May 1776 after Washington had entrusted him to command Boston after the British military evacuated it.

“I feel myself strongly attached to the cause, to the Continental Congress, and to your Excellency’s person,” Greene concludes. #TBT http://www.revolution240.com http://ow.ly/i/emY0u

4-28-1776. John to Abigail. “We are has

4-28-1776. John to Abigail. “We are hastening rapidly to great events. Governments will be up everywhere before midsummer, and an end to Royal style, titles and authority. Such mighty revolutions make a deep Impression on the minds of me and set [many violent] passions at work. hope, fear, joy, sorrow, love, hatred, malice, envy, revenge, jealousy, ambition, avarice, resentment, gratitude, and every other passion, feeling, sentiment, principle and imagination, were never in more lively exercise than they are now, from Florida to Canada inclusively. May God in his Providence overrule the whole.” #TBT http://ow.ly/i/elDic

April 23 is St. George’s Day, started i

April 23 is St. George’s Day, started in 1222. In 1776, John Adams heard from his barber how the divisions of patriots and loyalists affected Philadelphia. “This is St. Georges Day, a festival celebrated by the English, as Saint Patrick’s is by the Irish, . . . The natives of old England formed a society . . & had a great feast. But the times and politics have made a schism so that part of them are to meet and dine at the City Tavern and the other at the Bunch of Grapes. One set are staunch Americans, another staunch Britons. I suppose, and a third neutral Beings — for such is the division among men upon all occasions and every question.” http://ow.ly/i/elCCr

“The 19 of April [1775 is] ever memorab

“The 19 of April [1775 is] ever memorable for America as the Ides of March to Rome and Caesar” Abigail Adams reflects on Lexington & Concord’s first anniversary, when the British marched to retrieve gun powder and other supplies of the American militia. Both sides claimed the other fired the first shot of the American Revolution on April 19, 1775. http://ow.ly/i/elBJ7

April 12, 1776 Independence is on the mi

April 12, 1776 Independence is on the mind of John Adams, who writes to Abigail, “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, and privateers are allowed to prey upon British trade. This is not Independency you know. — What is? Why government in every colony, a confederation among them all, and treaties with foreign nations, to acknowledge us a sovereign state, and all that. — When these things will be done, or any of them, time must discover. Perhaps the time is near, perhaps a great way off.” http://www.revolution240.com http://ow.ly/i/elzLR

3-31-1776 Abigail Adams to John Adams to

3-31-1776 Abigail Adams to John Adams to remember the ladies, “I long to hear that you have declared an independency — and by the way in the new code of laws which I suppose it will be necessary for you to make. I desire you would remember the ladies, and be more generous and favorable to them than your ancestors. . . If particular care and attention is not paid to the ladies we are determined to foment a rebellion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any laws in which we have no voice, or representation.” http://ow.ly/i/elwnK

1776 With the British out of Boston afte

1776 With the British out of Boston after 11 months, Abigail began to feel more optimistic. “I feel very differently at the approach of spring to what I did a month ago. We knew not then whether we could plant or sow with safety. . . but now we feel as if we might sit under our own vine. . . I think the sun looks brighter, the birds sing more melodiously. We feel a temporary peace.” #TBT Throwback Thursday http://www.revolution240.com http://ow.ly/i/elwTb

3-19-1776 Some people thought John Adams

3-19-1776 Some people thought John Adams wrote Common Sense. He didn’t but analyzes Common Sense at Abigail’s request.

“You ask, what is thought of Common Sense [in the Continental Congress]. Sensible men think there are some whims, some sophisms, some artful addresses to superstitious notions, some keen attempts upon the passions in this pamphlet. But all agree there is a great deal of good sense, delivered in a clear, simple, concise and nervous [courageous] style. His [whoever the author is] sentiments of the abilities of America, and of the difficulty of a reconciliation with Great Britain are generally approved.” revolution240.com http://ow.ly/i/elv2I