细节
ADAMS, Samuel. Autograph letter signed ("S Adams") TO ELBRIDGE GERRY, Philadelphia, 27 November 1780. 3 pages, 4to, fold separations carefully repaired without loss, one small hole patched. Fine.
SAMUEL ADAMS' IDEALS FOR THE FUTURE GOVERNMENT OF AMERICA
A very revealing letter from Adams, an old revolutionary preparing to retire from Congress, to his much younger protégé, who had left Congress earlier that year. From their first meeting, Adams and Gerry shared strong patriotic convictions, suspicion of the concentration of power, and abhorrence of wealth and social hierarchy. After apologizing for not writing, he reports that next spring "I shall take my final leave from Congress, and that such retirement from publick Cares which my country seems to point out for me..." Then Adams advises Gerry: "I perceive it has been in your opinion to take a seat in either House of the General Assembly, or to return to Congress....More, in my opinion, is to be done than conquering our British enemies, in order to establish the Liberties of our Country on a solid Basis. " He cautions: "Human nature, I am afraid, is too much debased to relish the republican principles, in which the new Government...appears to be founded. Mankind is prone enough to political idolatry..." He expresses doubts regarding the depth of republican sentiments among the populace; his fears "proceed from a cordial Affection for that Country to the Service of which I have devoted the greatest Part of my life...If we look into the history of Governors, we shall find that their principles & manners have always had a mighty influence on the people. Should vanity and foppery ever be the ruling taste among the great, the body of the people would be in danger of catching the distemper and the ridiculous maxims of the one would become fashionable among the other." He concludes: "It requires council & sound judment, to render our country secure in a flourishing condition. If men of wisdom and knowledge, of moderation & temperance of patience, fortitude and perseverance, of sobriety & true republican simplicity of manners, of zeal for the honor of the supreme being & the welfare of the common wealth of men possessed of these and other excellent qualities are chosen to fill the seats of government, we may expect that our affairs will rest on a solid & permanent foundation." Gerry, in fact, returned to Congress at a later date, and went on to a long career of public service in Massachusetts and, ultimately, as Madison's Vice-President.
SAMUEL ADAMS' IDEALS FOR THE FUTURE GOVERNMENT OF AMERICA
A very revealing letter from Adams, an old revolutionary preparing to retire from Congress, to his much younger protégé, who had left Congress earlier that year. From their first meeting, Adams and Gerry shared strong patriotic convictions, suspicion of the concentration of power, and abhorrence of wealth and social hierarchy. After apologizing for not writing, he reports that next spring "I shall take my final leave from Congress, and that such retirement from publick Cares which my country seems to point out for me..." Then Adams advises Gerry: "I perceive it has been in your opinion to take a seat in either House of the General Assembly, or to return to Congress....More, in my opinion, is to be done than conquering our British enemies, in order to establish the Liberties of our Country on a solid Basis. " He cautions: "Human nature, I am afraid, is too much debased to relish the republican principles, in which the new Government...appears to be founded. Mankind is prone enough to political idolatry..." He expresses doubts regarding the depth of republican sentiments among the populace; his fears "proceed from a cordial Affection for that Country to the Service of which I have devoted the greatest Part of my life...If we look into the history of Governors, we shall find that their principles & manners have always had a mighty influence on the people. Should vanity and foppery ever be the ruling taste among the great, the body of the people would be in danger of catching the distemper and the ridiculous maxims of the one would become fashionable among the other." He concludes: "It requires council & sound judment, to render our country secure in a flourishing condition. If men of wisdom and knowledge, of moderation & temperance of patience, fortitude and perseverance, of sobriety & true republican simplicity of manners, of zeal for the honor of the supreme being & the welfare of the common wealth of men possessed of these and other excellent qualities are chosen to fill the seats of government, we may expect that our affairs will rest on a solid & permanent foundation." Gerry, in fact, returned to Congress at a later date, and went on to a long career of public service in Massachusetts and, ultimately, as Madison's Vice-President.