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Subject Area: Political Theory
Topic: The American Revolution and Constitution

TO HUGH HUGHES. - John Adams, The Works of John Adams, vol. 9 (Letters and State Papers 1799-1811) [1854]

Edition used:

The Works of John Adams, Second President of the United States: with a Life of the Author, Notes and Illustrations, by his Grandson Charles Francis Adams (Boston: Little, Brown and Co., 1856). 10 volumes. Vol. 9.

Part of: The Works of John Adams, 10 vols.

About Liberty Fund:

Liberty Fund, Inc. is a private, educational foundation established to encourage the study of the ideal of a society of free and responsible individuals.


TO HUGH HUGHES.

Philadelphia, 4 June, 1776.

Yours of May 29, came safe to hand, and I am much pleased to find that your citizens have behaved with so much wisdom, unanimity, and spirit. Yet I was disappointed that you did not inclose their votes.1

I am very glad that Mr. J. is with you, and hope he will be of great service there; but will he not be for making your governor and counsellors for life, or during good behavior? I should dread such a Constitution in these perilous times, because however wise, and brave, and virtuous these rulers may be at their first appointment, their tempers and designs will be very apt to change, and then they may have it in their power to betray the people, who will have no means of redress. The people ought to have frequently the opportunity, especially in these dangerous times, of considering the conduct of their leaders, and of approving or disapproving. You will have no safety without it.

The province of Pennsylvania is in a good way, and will soon become an important branch of the Confederation. The large body of the people will be possessed of more power and importance, and a proud junto of less; and yet justice will, I hope, be done to all.

I wish you happiness, promotion, and reputation in the service.1

[1 ]Mr. Hughes announced in his letter, that the citizens of New York “had a meeting on Monday evening last, when it was agreed, without a dissenting voice, to instruct our Convention on that most important of all sublunary affairs, in order that application may be made to your honorable House.”

This probably refers to the vote of the General Committee of Mechanics in Union, of the city and county of New York, whose address is printed in Force’s American Archives, 4th series, vol. vi. c. 614.

[1 ]Mr. Hughes had been appointed by General Schuyler Assistant Quartermaster-General of his forces.