The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epocha in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forevermore.
- John Adams
As promised, something lighter: "From the Diary of John Adams." Is it odd that, considering the essay clearly has little basis in fact, I still feel the need to point out that Sally Hemings was not born until around 1773, and thus clearly Thomas Jefferson was not having an affair with her in Philadelphia? Everything else I can take to be funny, yet I am too nerdy to let that slide.
Since I am on the subject of history, I might as well take the opportunity to be the millionth person in the world to recommend John Adams by David McCullough. I read it a couple of years ago and it was completely absorbing. Despite my college minor in history, my knowledge of the man had been largely gleaned from my repeated viewings of 1776 (which is actually remarkably accurate in many little details). John Adams really made me love him - for all his crotchetiness and bluster, he was just so human, so smart, and so true in his love for Abigail. Theirs is truly a story for the ages. The HBO miniseries is also pretty great, though the book is still superior.
In conclusion: Happy 2nd, Happy 4th, whichever you prefer. I'm almost finished with Blackwater, so I expect to be back to review that within the next couple of days as well.
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