After his election, his friend Sewall, the King's Attorney General, labored earnestly to dissuade him from accepting the appointment.
The Attorney General told the delegate that Great Britain was determined on her system, that her power was irresistible, and that he, and those with him who should persist in their designs of resistance, would be involved in ruin.
John Adams replied, "I know Great Britain has determined on her system, and that very determination determines me on mine.

You know I have been constant and uniform in opposition to her measures.

The die is now cast.

I have passed the Rubicon.

Sink or swim, live or die, survive or perish with my country is my unalterable determination." It was these energetic and resolute expressions which Daniel Webster wrought into so magnificent an imaginary speech, in his glowing Eulogy on John Adams and Thomas Jefferson.
John Adams continued in Congress throughout the sessions of 1775 and 1776, and on all occasions was an intrepid and earnest advocate for Independence.