The one virtually the mover, the other the framer, of the immortal Declaration of Independence—­they had together shared the dangers and the honors of the revolution—­had served their country in various important and responsible capacities—­had both received the highest honors in the gift of their fellow-citizens—­had lived to see the nation to which they assisted in giving birth assume a proud stand among the nations of the earth—­her free institutions framed, consolidated, tried, and matured—­her commerce hovering over all seas—­respected abroad, united, prosperous, happy at home—­what more had earth in store for them?  Together they had counselled—­together they had dared the power of a proud and powerful Government—­together they had toiled to build up a great and prosperous people—­together they rejoiced in the success with which a wise and good Providence had crowned their labors—­and together, on their country’s natal day, amid the loud-swelling acclamations of the “national jubilee,” their freed spirits soared to light and glory above!

The venerable ex-President Adams had been failing for several days before the 4th of July.  In reply to an invitation from a committee of the citizens of Quincy, to unite with them in celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of American independence, he had written a note, from which the following is an extract:—­

“The present feeble state of my health will not permit me to indulge the hope of participating with more than my best wishes, in the joys, and festivities, and the solemn services of that day on which will be completed the fiftieth year from its birth, of the independence of the United States:  a memorable epoch in the annals of the human race, destined in future history to form the brightest or the blackest page, according to the use or the abuse of those political institutions by which they shall, in time to come, be shaped by the human mind.”

Being solicited for a toast, to accompany the letter, he gave—­“Independence forever!!” He was asked if anything should be added to it.  Immediately he replied—­“Not a word!” This toast was drank at the celebration in Quincy, about fifty minutes before the departure of the venerated statesman from earth.

On the morning of the 4th, which was ushered in by the ringing of bells and firing of cannon, he was asked if he knew what day it was?—­“O yes,” he replied, “it is the glorious fourth of July—­God bless it!—­God bless you all!!” In the course of the day he said, “It is a great and glorious day.”  The last words he uttered were, “Jefferson survives!” But the spirit of Jefferson had already left the body, and was hovering over the earth, to accompany his to higher and brighter scenes of existence!!