Hello friends —
Skidompha will be closed this Saturday, in celebration of the Fourth of July. We wish you all a happy and safe holiday.
I must say, however, that it is fitting that this letter goes out to all of you on July 2nd. On this day, 250 years ago, the Second Continental Congress officially voted to pass The Resolution for Independence.
It had not been a quick or easy road to that decision. By that point, it had been over a year since the battles of Concord and Lexington had marked what we now consider to be the beginning of the American Revolution. While people across the colonies had grievances with the British crown over the high taxes imposed on America, with the abridgement of their rights and lack of representation in Parliament, with the quartering of soldiers in private homes, and a host of other woes; up until then, it had seemed largely a problem for New England.
Then, in the summer of 1776, Massachusetts delegates (and cousins) John and Samuel Adams entered into an informal agreement with Richard Henry Lee of Virginia to bring the question before the rest of Congress. Backed by the Virginia Convention in Williamsburg, Lee proposed American Independence on June 7th, with the bold words:
“Resolved, That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved.
That it is expedient forthwith to take the most effectual measures for forming foreign Alliances.
That a plan of confederation be prepared and transmitted to the respective Colonies for their consideration and approbation.”
A committee, made up of John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Robert Livingston, and Roger Sherman, was formed to codify what, exactly, America was asking for, and why. Armed with a host of ideals and injustices, they had a lot to say about the matter. They wanted to not only list all the reasons for leaving England (and there were many), but also to outline the hopes they had for what our country had the potential to be. The committee then tasked Thomas Jefferson with writing what has become one of our foundational documents: The Declaration of Independence. In it, he put forth, as both astounding ideal and simple fact, one of the most stirring sentences in our history.
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
When the Declaration was presented to Congress on June 28th, it was not immediately adopted. For one thing, the sheer gravity of what was being proposed – all-out war, and the founding of a new nation – was a terrifying prospect. For another, politics will always be based in a good deal of pedantry, and they spent several days arguing over points of policy and adjustments to the language. All of which came to an end on July 2nd, with the vote that made America.
In a letter home to his wife Abigal, John Adams wrote:
“But the Day is past. The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America.
I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.”
In many ways, he was right. We do continue to celebrate with fireworks and parades, and all manner of festivities – just two days later.
And why, you may ask, do we recognize the Fourth rather than the Second? For a very simple reason: it is the day it was printed. A small matter of logistics, with far-reaching effects.
The road forward was not easy, and the members of Congress knew what they were signing up for: a difficult war, and the equally difficult challenge of rebuilding after it. Nor was it perfect. The first document outlining the American government (The Articles of Confederation) remained in effect only until 1789, when it was replaced by the Constitution – which was almost immediately amended with the Bill of Rights, to cover things they had not put in the original document. We have further amended it many times, as our understanding of our rights grows, and to ensure that those rights and freedoms are given to our whole population. But, the legacy the Founders handed down to us over the last 250 years is that of idealism, of the urge to strive to do and be better, the ability to grow and change, and the resolve to follow through.
Happy 250th, friends.
In the meantime, a few extra notes: this week is quite hot and humid. We would like to remind everyone that the Library is air-conditioned and open to the public. Please make use of it. Also, be sure to drink plenty of water, take breaks, and check up on your friends, neighbors, and pets. Let’s go into the weekend as happy and healthy as the weather allows!
Cheers,
Meghan
Meghan Hawkes
Skidompha Public Library