“Whereas it appears perfectly irreconcilable to reason and good conscience, for the people of these Colonies now to take the oaths and affirmations necessary for the support of any government under the crown of Great Britain, and it is necessary that the exercise of every kind of authority under the said crown should be totally suppressed, and all the powers of government exerted under the authority of the people of the Colonies for the preservation of internal peace, virtue, and good order, as well as for the defence of their lives, liberties, and properties, against the hostile invasion, and cruel depredations of their enemies:—­Therefore, it is recommended to the Colonies to adopt such a government as will, in the opinion of the representatives of the people, best conduce to the happiness and safety of their constituents, and of America.”

This resolution was adopted, and was followed by the appointment of a committee, on the motion of Richard Henry Lee, seconded by John Adams, to prepare a Declaration.  This committee consisted of Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston.  Jefferson and Adams were a sub-committee, and the former prepared the Declaration, at the urgent request of the latter.

Jefferson bore this testimony to the ability and power of John Adams.—­“The great pillar of support to the Declaration of Independence, and its ablest advocate and champion on the floor of the House, was John Adams.”

On the day after the Declaration of Independence was adopted, he wrote the memorable letter in which he said with prophetic unction,—­“Yesterday the greatest question was decided that ever was debated in America; and greater, perhaps, never was or will be decided among men.  A resolution was passed without one dissenting Colony, ’That the United States are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States.’  The day is passed.  The fourth day of July, 1776, will be a memorable epoch in the history of America.  I am apt to believe it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as a great anniversary festival.  It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to Almighty God.  It ought to be solemnized with pomps, shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of the continent to the other, from this time forward, forever.  You may think me transported with enthusiasm, but I am not.  I am well aware of the toil, and blood, and treasure, that it will cost to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States:  yet through all the gloom, I can see that the end is worth all the means; and that posterity will triumph, although you and I may rue, which I hope we shall not.”