Page 50 - JM Book 9/2020

Adams’ service in the Continental Congress began on September 5, 1774, when he was chosen to represent the Province of Massachusetts Bay.
He had been calling attention to the abuses of the British government on the American colonies since 1772. During that time, Adams had become deeply involved in the independence movement. Some people nicknamed him “the firebrand of the revolution.”
Jefferson brought a copy of the Pennsylvania Magazine to read while Adams reviewed the declaration.
The sun had gone down by the time Adams finished reading. “I admire your peculiar felicity of expression,” he said as he looked up from the document. “This is further proof that you write ten times better than I do.”
Jefferson saw the approval in Adams’ face. He was pleased and relieved.
“I am delighted with its high tone and flights of oratory,” Adams continued. “However, I do not think your Southern brethren will approve of the clause concerning slavery. There are some phrases I would not have inserted, particularly where you call King George a tyrant. I think this is too personal. I have never believed the king to be a tyrant. I think his English and American advisors are misleading him. It sounds too much like scolding for a document of this type. But, since Franklin and Sherman will inspect it later, I am not going to suggest that you strike it out.”
Jefferson was surprised at Adams’ statement. “The king is a tyrant,” he thought, “no one can convince me otherwise . . . not even John Adams.”
Adams paused. Using the index finger on his right hand, his eyes and finger began to move across the document. “I am trying to find the places where I think some corrections should be made.”
“Of course,” Jefferson courteously replied. “I will change whatever you think necessary.”
After a brief discussion, the “minor corrections,” as Adams described them, were made.
“I am very pleased with the declaration,” Adams said. “If we are fortunate enough to get the Virginia Resolution and this declaration adopted,” Adams concluded, “the American people will have unbounded power under the new government that will follow.”
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