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

SAMUEL ADAMS TO JOHN ADAMS. - 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.

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SAMUEL ADAMS TO JOHN ADAMS.

Boston, 13 April, 1786.

Doctor Gordon is to deliver you this letter. He is going to the land of his nativity, wishing for the best happiness of his own country and ours, and hoping that mutual affection will be at length restored, as the only means of the prosperity of both. As he determines to spend the remainder of his days in the country where he was born, what rational man, who considers the ties of human nature, will wonder if “esto perpetua,” is his most ardent prayer for her? But the attachments he has made here, his private friendships, and the part he has taken in our public cause, afford reason to believe that his second wish is for us. I am afraid, however, that the Dr. builds too much upon the hopes of the return of mutual affection; for can this exist without forgiveness of injury, and can his country ever cordially forgive ours, whom she intended to injure so greatly? Her very disappointment will perpetually irritate her own feelings, and in spite of reason or religion, prevent her conceiving a sentiment of friendship for us. And, besides, she will never believe that there is a possibility that we can forgive her. We must, therefore, be content, at least for a great while to come, to live with her as a prudent man will with one who indeed has professed a friendship for him, but whose sincerity he has reason vehemently to suspect; guarding against injury from him, by making it his interest to do as little as possible. This is an arduous task our country has committed to you. Trade is a matter I have had so little to do with, that it is not in my power to aid you in this more than in any one thing else. May he who has endued you with a strength of understanding that your country confides in, afford you all that light which is necessary for so great an undertaking!

The child whom I led by the hand, with a particular design, I find is now become a promising youth. He brought me one of your letters. God bless the lad! If I was instrumental at that time of enkindling the sparks of patriotism in his tender heart, it will add to my consolation in the latest hour. Adieu, my friend. Mrs. Adams desires your lady and family may be assured of her cordial esteem and love. Believe me, &c.

S. Adams.