John Adams came home from the First Congress in late October. He was home for only 6 months before being summoned to the Second Continental Congress, which convened in May 1775.
Meanwhile, Massachusetts was erupting. Bloodshed, battles – General Gage’s forces were under siege. British soldiers would shack themselves up in local people’s homes (the Adams home was one of them) – the situation was reaching a breaking point. So John was in Philadelphia with the Congress, Abigail and her children were living in a war zone.
John to Abigail: Hartford May 2d 1775 – on his way down to Philadelphia. Adams is hoping that the disaster growing in Boston will bind the colonies together. That’s eventually what happened, but at the time, he wasn’t sure if it were a done deal.
It is Arrogance and Presumption in human Sagacity to pretend to penetrate far into the Designs of Heaven. The most perfect Reverence and Resignation becomes us. But, I can’t help depending upon this, that the present dreadfull Calamity of that beloved Town is intended to bind the Colonies together in more indissoluble Bands, and to animate their Exertions, at this great Crisis in the Affairs of Mankind. It has this Effect, in a most remarkable Degree, as far as I have yet seen or heard. It will plead, with all America, with more irresistible Perswasion, than Angells trumpet tongued.
In a Cause which interests the whole Globe, at a Time, when my Friends and Country are in such keen Distress, I am scarecely ever interrupted, in the least Degree, by Apprehensions for my Personal Safety. I am often concerned for you and our dear Babes…
In case of real Danger, of which you cannot fail to have previous Intimations, fly to the Woods with our Children.
