John to Abigail June 17 1775 — Interesting. At this point, the hope still was that they could reconcile with England. “Independency” hadn’t come into it yet.
I have found this Congress like the last. When We first came together, I found a strong Jealousy of Us, from New England, and the Massachusetts in particular. Suspicions were entertained of Designs of Independency — an American Republic — Presbyterian Principles — and twenty other things. Our Sentiments were heard in Congress, with great Caution — and seemed to make but little Impression: but the longer We sat, the more clearly they saw the Necessity of pursuing vigorous Measures. It has been so now. Every Day We sit, the more We are convinced that the Designs against Us, are hostile and sanguinary, and that nothing but Fortitude, Vigour, and Perseverance can save Us.
But America is a great, unwieldy Body. Its Progress must be slow. [He is writing this on June 17, 1775 – the day of the Battle of Bunker Hill – which, of course, word hadn’t reached him about yet. He has no idea how quickly, how spontaneously, this “great unwieldy Body” called America is about to start moving.] It is like a large Fleet sailing under Convoy. The fleetest Sailors must wait for the dullest and slowest. Like a Coach and six — the swiftest Horses must be slackened and the slowest quickened, that all may keep an even Pace.
It is long since I heard from you. I fear you have been kept in continual Alarms.
