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Bloggers row here at Carpenters Hall is beginning to resemble the Congress. Even though its 10:00 AM - the time appointed for Congress to open deliberations most bloggers and delegates are nowhere to be found. Im sure some bloggers (and no doubt some delegates) are recovering from having tasted a wee bit too much of the creature as my grandmother would say. There was a big celebration at City Tavern last night in honor of Mr. Adams and independence. I was there for a while but bowed out early to walk the streets and try and gauge the reaction among the population to the news that the American colonies had cut the apron strings and were no longer part of England.
There were many who appeared extremely pleased at the news. There was also a considerable number of people who appeared uncertain or even fearful. And there were some Tories who were already packing and preparing to leave the city. Judging by the rumblings Ive heard from some patriots, it may not be safe for those whose loyalties still lie with King George.
For those who were happy at the prospect of independence, a giddy sort of confidence seemed to capture them and the thought of what lies ahead didnt seem to faze them. This was not, I hasten to add, some kind of raw hysteria but rather a belief in themselves and their abilities to overcome the numerous obstacles that lie in our path.
I have noticed this trait in many of my fellow colonists Americans (!). When faced with a daunting challenge, they seem to have a supreme sense of being able to face the trial with a stout heart and clear eye. I suppose some of that comes from the fact that just a few short decades ago, this city was a dense wilderness full of savage beasts and even more savage men. Having hacked civilization from the primeval forests, perhaps we Americans feel that we can accomplish anything we set our minds to.
A Frenchman of my acquaintance commented on this very thing and not very favorably I might add. He thought this confidence was insufferable arrogance. I suppose thats one way to look at it. But I feel that if this is indeed, an American way of looking at the world, it will hold us in good stead during the tests we will have to face in the next few years.
My sojourn among the people of Philadelphia last night impressed upon me the unique character of the American race and convinced me even more of the worthiness of our cause. And that cause will be shouted to the world when Congress gets finished with rifling through Mr. Jeffersons declaration proclaiming our independence. As I mentioned yesterday, I was able to get a brief glimpse of the secret document and from what I saw, it seemed a fair piece of writing and thinking by the Virginian.
You may recall that Mr. Jefferson was charged with drafting the document by the so-called Committee of Five Mssrs. Jefferson, Franklin, Adams, Livingston (NY) and Sherman (CT) even though all were supposed to have a hand in creating the document. My understanding (and Ill have more on this later in an update) was that Jeffersons draft has already undergone some minor revisions by Franklin and Adams so that a fair copy was now in the hands of Congress. I may have some specifics later on the kinds of edits made by the Committee but that depends on whether I can get my hands on a copy or not.
Make sure you check back for updates later.
