George Bancroft, History of the United States from the Discovery of the American Continent, Vol. 6, 10th edition.

‘ [524] of any who have figured in the last ten years,’¹

Chap. LII.} 1774. April.

is the contemporary record of John Adams. ‘I cannot sufficiently respect his integrity and abilities,’ said Clymer of Pennsylvania; ‘all good Americans should erect a statue to him in their hearts.’² Time proved that he had been right, even where his conduct had been questioned; and many in England ‘esteemed him the first politician in the world.’³ He saw clearly that ‘the rigorous measures of the British administration would the sooner bring to pass’ the first wish of his heart, ‘the entire separation and independence of the Colonies, which Providence would erect into a mighty empire.’⁴ Indefatigable in seeking for Massachusetts the countenance of her sister Colonies,⁵ he had no anxiety for himself; no doubt of the ultimate triumph of freedom; but as he thought of the calamities that hung over Boston, he raised the prayer, ‘that God would prepare that people for the event, by inspiring them with wisdom and fortitude.’

The members of the Committee knew how momentous was the revolution which they were accomplishing. ‘We have enlisted,’ they said, ‘in the cause of our country, and are resolved at all adventures to promote its welfare; should we succeed, our names will be held up by future generations with that unfeigned plaudit, with which we now recount the great deeds of our worthy ancestors.’⁶