I am apt to believe it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as a great anniversary festival.

It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to Almighty God.

It ought to be solemnized with pomps, shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of the continent to the other, from this time forward, forever.

You may think me transported with enthusiasm, but I am not.

I am well aware of the toil, and blood, and treasure, that it will cost to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States: yet through all the gloom, I can see that the end is worth all the means; and that posterity will triumph, although you and I may rue, which I hope we shall not." From this time, until November 1777, John Adams was incessantly employed in public duties in Congress, during the session of that body; and during its recess, as a member of the State Council in Massachusetts.