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Spirits of the people. Had this decisive Measure been taken Nine Months ago, it is my opinion that Canada would at this time have been in our hands . . . We were more fortunate than I expected in having 12 of the 13 Colonies in favor of the all important QuestionThe Delegates of N. York were not empowered to give their Voice on either Side - Their Convention has acceded to the Declaration & published it even before7 they received it from Congress -So mighty a Change in so short a Time! . . . A Convention is now meeting in this City [Philadelphia] to form a Constitution for this Colony - They are empowered. gates for Congress I am told that there will be a Change of Men, and if so, I hope for the better[.]" Again, on the 16th, he writes, to Warren: "[SA] Our Declaration of Independence has already been attended with good effects - It is fortunate beyond our expectation to have the voice of every Colony in favor of so important a question—”

to chuse new Dele

A third letter of the 15th (Monday), from Dr. Samuel Cooper, at Boston, says: "[SA] Nothing could give greater Joy here than an unanimous Vote in Congress for Independence - We receiv'd last Saturday by the Post the Declaration. It is admir'd for it's Comprehensive & calm Dignity. But how came the Delegates of Maryland to happen to be out of the Way when so important a Question was to be decided? . . Is it not strange that at this Time of day N. York Delegates should not be empower'd to vote-The Declaration must give a new spring to all our Affairs."

On the same day (the 15th), John Adams writes, to his

wife: "[Qy] There is a most amiable, laudable and gallant Spirit prevailing, in these middle Colonies. The Militia turn out in great Numbers and in high Spirits, in New Jersey, Pensilvania, Maryland, and Delaware. So that We hope to resist Howe and his Mirmidons -"

Joseph Hawley, in acknowledging to Gerry the receipt of the copy which had been forwarded for him, writes, from Northampton, July 17th: "I have often said that I supposed a Declaration of Independence would be accompanied with a declaration of high treason. Most certainly it must immediately, and without the least delay, follow it . . . No one thing made the Declaration of Independence indispensably necessary more than cutting off traitors."

Another son of Massachusetts, Tristram Dalton, writing from Newburyport to Gerry, July 19th, says: "I wish you joy on the late full Declaration — an event so ardently desired by your good self and the people you particularly represent. We are no longer to be amused with delusive prospects. The die is cast. All is at stake. The way is made plain. No one can now doubt on which side it is his duty to act. . . We are not to fear what man or a multitude can do. We have put on the harness, and I trust it will not be put off until we see our land a land of security and freedom- the wonder of the other hemisphere — the asylum of all who pant for deliverance from bondage.”

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John Page, of Virginia, writes, to Jefferson, July 20th: "[S] I am highly pleased with your Declaration God preserve the united States - We know the Race is not to the swift nor the Battle to the strong-Do you not

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think an Angel rides in the Whirlwind & directs this Storm?

Bartlett writes, to Langdon, July 22d: "The Convention here have taken on them the government of this Colony [Pennsylvania], and have appointed Delegates for Congress, men who will forward, and not hinder, spirited measures. In short, there is a far greater harmony in carrying on spirited measures in Congress than heretofore. The Conventions even of Maryland and New-York seem now to be in earnest."

The next day, "An old Friend" (evidently Rush 9), writing from Philadelphia to General Lee, says: "The Declaration of Independence has produced a new era in this part of America. The Militia of Pennsylvania seem to be actuated with a spirit more than Roman The Tories are quiet, but very surly . . The spirit of liberty reigns triumphant in Pennsylvania. The Proprietary gentry have retired to their country seats, and honest men have taken the seats they abused so much in the government of our State. The papers will inform you that I have been thrust into Congress ... I think the Declaration of Independence will produce union and new exertions in England in the same ratio that they have done in this country."

Certainly, on the 30th, Rush writes, to Dr. Walter: [Mn] The influence of the declaration of independance upon the senate & the field is inconceivable."

Benjamin Kent writes, to Samuel Adams from Boston, August 4th: "[SA] It is GOD'S doing the bringing about this truly astonishing and unparallel'd union the declaration of Independence

Clark writes 10, to Colonel Dayton from Philadelphia, August 6th: "[Gz] Your favour of the 25 July & Mr Caldwells of the 26 from the German Flatts, I rec A few days ago . . As to my Title- I know not yet whether it will be honourable or dishonourable, the issue of the War must Settle it- Perhaps our Congress will be Exalted on a high Gallows-We were truly brought to the Case of the three Lepers - if we continued in the State we were in, it was evident we must Perish—if We declared Independence, we might be saved, we could but perish... Excepting my health I am as Agreably Situated as I could expect Doctor Witherspoon M1 Hart & my Self quarter together. quarter together . . . P. S. You'l please to Accept this on Plain Paper, our dignity don't afford Gilt, and our pay scarcely Any.-"

In The Essex Journal, etc., (C) for September 6th appears an article by "Philomathes" in praise of the Declaration.

Nor was the change wrought among the doubtful "only but even among many who had previously strongly favored reconciliation. Among the latter, John Adams has given us Dickinson, Jay, Duane and William Livingston.

Joseph Reed, writing to Robert Morris from New York City, July 18th, says: "[U] I fear the die is irrevocably cast, and that we must play out the game, however doubtful and desperate. My principles have been much misunderstood if they were supposed to militate against reconciliation My private judgment12

led me to think that if the two great cardinal points of exemption from British taxation and charge of internal government could have been secured, our happiness and prosperity would have been best promoted by preserving the dependence. The Declaration of Independence is a new and very strong objection to entering into any negotiation inconsistent with that idea. But I fancy there are numbers, and some of them firm in the interests of America, who would think an overture ought not to be rejected, and if it could be improved into a negotiation which could secure the two points I have mentioned. above, would think the blood and treasure expended well spent. I have no idea from anything I have seen or can learn that if we should give the General and Admiral a full and fair hearing, the proposition would amount to anything short of unconditional submission, but it may be worth considering whether that once known, and all prospect of securing American liberty in that way being closed, it would not have a happy effect to unite us into one chosen band, resolved to be free, or perish in the attempt . I trust and hope the publick will not lose your services in Congress."

Morris replies, "[NY] From the Hills on Schuylkill", July 21st13: "I received your obliging letter of the 18th yesterday in Congress . I am sorry to say there are some amongst us that cannot bear the thought of Reconciliation on any terms I cannot help Condemning this disposition as it must be founded in keen Resentment or on interested Views . . . I think with you that if the Commissioners have any propositions to make they ought to be heard . . . I am not for