The Writings of Samuel Adams [Volume 4 of 4: 1778-1802]

by Samuel Adams

Writings of the chief Massachusetts leader of the Patriot cause, leading to the American Revolution

Genres: History, American History

ebook

First published March 1, 2000

About the author

Agitations of American revolutionary leader Samuel Adams spurred Bostonians toward rebellion against British occupation and rule; he, a member of the first and second Continental congresses, signed the Declaration of Independence, and served as governor of Massachusetts from 1794 to 1797.

People came to hold this colonial political philosopher of the movement among the Founding Fathers of the United States. They count this second cousin to John Adams, later president of United States, among the architects of the principles of republicanism that shaped the culture.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samuel_...

Reviews

[Al Lock · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are many more letters to Mrs. Adams in this volume than in the previous volumes, but the writings of Samuel Adams continue to provide us with information on how Sam Adams looked at his peers and companions in the fight for liberty - a fight he seems to always have a positive view of, as well as his continued concern for standing armies and gratitude to the French for their assistance. Some parts that I found very interesting was his opinion that Newfoundland and the Grand Banks should have become part of the United States as well as his views on the workings of the Articles of Confederation. Strikingly, there is absolutely no correspondence during the summer of 1787 - when the Constitution was being written - but in December of that year, a letter to Richard Henry Lee notes his clear concerns regarding a national government as impractical as well as dangerous to the cause of liberty and prone to despotism. His letters of 1789 continue to voice his concerns regarding the Constitution.

In 1790 (November 25), Sam needs to correct his cousin, the Vice-President - by pointing out that "the People have an essential share in the sovereignty" is a flawed statement - that the people are the whole of the sovereignty. The letter he writes is long, and well worth reading.

In 1801, Sam Adams writes two letters to Thomas Jefferson, hoping he can return the Republic to the vision of liberty. A striking commentary on the administrations of Washington and Adams.

Not the easiest of works to read, but well worth it for the treasure trove it contains.