John Adams, the advocate and leader of the exasperated people, was solicited by the Government to act as counsel for the accused.  The people, in the heat of passion, would naturally identify the lawyer with his clients, and both with the odious cause in which they served.  John Adams did not hesitate.  His principle was fidelity to duty in all the relations of life.  Adams, together with Josiah Quincy, defended the accused with ability and firmness, and the result crowned not only the advocates, but the jury and the people of Boston with honor.  Distinguishing between the Government, upon whom the responsibility rested, and the troops who were its agents, the jury acquitted the accused.  The people sustained the verdict; affording to Great Britain and to the world a noble proof, that they had been well prepared by education for the trust of self-government.

The controversy between the Province of Massachusetts and the British Government continued, and the exasperation of the Colonies became more intense, until the destruction of the imported tea in the harbor, in December, 1773, incensed the Ministry so highly, that they procured an act closing the port of Boston.  This act was followed by the convention of the first American Congress at Philadelphia, on the 5th of September, 1774.  As John Adams had been the master spirit in the agitation in Massachusetts, he was appointed one of the Delegates to the General Congress.  After his election, his friend Sewall, the King’s Attorney General, labored earnestly to dissuade him from accepting the appointment.

The Attorney General told the delegate that Great Britain was determined on her system, that her power was irresistible, and that he, and those with him who should persist in their designs of resistance, would be involved in ruin.

John Adams replied, “I know Great Britain has determined on her system, and that very determination determines me on mine.  You know I have been constant and uniform in opposition to her measures.  The die is now cast.  I have passed the Rubicon.  Sink or swim, live or die, survive or perish with my country is my unalterable determination.”

It was these energetic and resolute expressions which Daniel Webster wrought into so magnificent an imaginary speech, in his glowing Eulogy on John Adams and Thomas Jefferson.

John Adams continued in Congress throughout the sessions of 1775 and 1776, and on all occasions was an intrepid and earnest advocate for Independence.  On his motion, George Washington was appointed Commander in Chief of the Army.

John Adams was the mover of Independence in the Congress.  On the 6th of May, 1776, he brought the subject before that body, by a resolution expressed as follows:—­