Biography of the Signers to the Declaration of Independence Volume 5

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1828 edition. Excerpt: ... APPENDIX. VOLUME I. Page 40. Letttr from Samuel Adams to Elbridge Gerry. My Dear Sir, Boston, Nov. 5,1772. 1 received with pleasure your letter of the second instant. I was sure you could not but be of opinion that unanimity, in the measures taken by the friends of the country, is of the utmost importance. I must, with great deference to your judgment think, that even in our wretched state, the mode of petitioning the governor will have a good effect. I was aware that his answers would be in the same high tone in which we find them expressed; yet our requests have been so reasonable, that in refusing to comply with them, he must have put him self in the wrong-, in the opinion of every honest and sensible man; the consequence of which will be, that such measures as the people may determine upon to save themselves, if rational and manly, will be the more reconcilcable even to cautious minds, and thus we may expect that unanimity which we wish for. I have the satisfaction of enclosing the last proceedings of our townmeeting, in which I think you will perceive a coincidence with your own judgment, in a plan concerted for the whole to act upon. Our timid sort of people are disconcerted, when they are positively told that the sentiments of the country are different from those of the city: therefore a free communication with each town will serve to ascertain this matter; and when once it appears beyond contradiction, that we are united in sentiments, there will be a confidence in each other, and a plan of opposition will be easily formed, and executed with spirit. In such a case (to return, with entire approbation, your own language, ) those "who have virtue enough to oppose the wicked designs of the great, will have this for their boast, that...