Letter from John Adams to General Washington

v5:747

Philadelphia, April 1, 1776.

DERA SIR: The bearer of this letter (Francis Dana, Esq˙, of Cambridge) is a gentleman of family, fortune, and education, returned in the last packet from London, where he has been about a year. He has ever maintained an excellent character in his country, and a warm friendship for the American cause. He returns to share with his friends in their dangers and their triumphs. I have done myself the honour to give him this letter for the sake of introducing him to your acquaintance, as he has frequently expressed to me a desire to embrace the first opportunity of paying his respects to a character so highly esteemed, and so justly admired throughout all Europe as well as America. Mr˙ Dana will satisfy you that we have no reason to expect peace from Britain.

I congratulate you, sir, as well as all the friends of mankind, on the reduction of Boston — an event which appeared to me of so great and decisive importance, that the next morning after the arrival of the news; I did myself the honour to move for the thanks of Congress to your Excellency, and that a medal of gold should be struck in commemoration of it. Congress have been pleased to appoint me, with two other gentlemen, to prepare a device. I should be very happy to have your Excellency' s sentiments concerning a proper one.

I have the honour to be, with very great respect, sir, your most obedient and affectionate servant,

JOHN ADAMS.

To General Washington.