Letter of Hon. Saml. Adams to Saml. Freeman, Esqr., 1777 THE SPIRIT OF AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE FROM FOREIGN NATIONS WHICH ANIMATED OUR FORE- FATHERS Sprague's Journal of Maine History Vol. 9 July, August, September, 1921 No. 3 page 148-149 My dear Sir: I have had the Pleasure of receiving several letters from you, and I thank you for the Intelligence therein communicated to me. I beg you to continue your favors, although it may not be in my Power to balance the Account. Our Affairs are now in a very critical Situation. There is strong Reason however to promise ourselves a favorable Issue. Men of virtue throughout Europe heartily wish well for our Cause. They look upon it as indeed it is the Cause of mankind. Liberty seems to be driven from every other Part of the Globe. The Prospect of our affording for it Friends an Asylum in this new World, giving them universal joy. France & Spain are in Reality, though not yet openly yielding us Aid. Nevertheless, it is my opinion that it would be more for the future Safety, as well as the Honor of the united States of America if they could establish their Liberty and Independence, with as little foreign Aid as possible. If we can struggle thro our Difficulties alone and establish ourselves, we shall value our Liberties as dearly bought the more, and be less obliged, and consequently the more independent on others. Much depends on the Efforts of this year. Let us therefore lay aside the consideration of every Subject which may tend to a Disunion. The Reasons of the late Conduct of our General officers at Tycon- daroga must endure a strict Scrutiny. Congress have ordered an Inquiry, and for this Purpose Genl Schuyler & St. Clair are or- dered to Head Quarters. Gates immediately take the Command of the Northern Army. He gains the Esteem of the Soldiers, and his Success in restoring the Army there the last year, from a state of Confusion & Sickness to Health and good order affords a flattering Prospect. In my opinion he is an honest and able officer. Bad as our Affairs in that Quarter appear to be, they are not ruinous. Reinforcements of regular Troops are already gone, & I hope the brave N. England melitia will joyn in sufficient Numbers to damp the Spirits of Burgoyn. One grand Effort mow may put an end to the Conflict. I am Your affectionate Friend SAMUEL ADAMS. To Samuel Freeman, Postmaster at Falmouth, Me. (c) 1998 Courtesy of the Androscoggin Historical Society ************************************************* * * * * NOTICE: Printing the files within by non-commercial individuals and libraries is encouraged, as long as all notices and submitter information is included. Any other use, including copying files to other sites requires permission from the submitters PRIOR to uploading to any other sites. We encourage links to the state and county table of contents. * * * * The USGenWeb Project makes no claims or estimates of the validity of the information submitted and reminds you that each new piece of information must be researched and proved or disproved by weight of evidence. It is always best to consult the original material for verification.