"The most memorable Epocha ... in the History of America"

--From letter by John Adams to Abigail Adams, July 3, 1776 regarding the nation's future celebrations of Independence Day, which Adams thought would be set on July 2 - the day that the Second Continental Congress approved a resolution of independence - rather than July 4, the date Congress approved a Declaration explaining the decision to seek independence. (Photograph: Fourth of July fireworks display, Washington Monument, District of Columbia.)

The Federal Evidence Blog returns
Monday, July 6th,
after the federal holiday celebrating
American Independence.

Excerpt From John Adam's Letter On The Celebration Of Independence Day

"The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more. You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will tryumph in that Days Transaction, even altho We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not."

From: The Book of Abigail and John: Selected Letters of the Adams Family, 1762-1784, Harvard University Press, 1975, p.142.

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