The writings of James Madison, comprising his public papers and his private correspondence, including numerous letters and documents now for the first time printed. |
 |
TO JOHN ADAMS |
 | The writings of James Madison, |  |
TO JOHN ADAMS
Dear Sir,—On my return two days ago from
a meeting appointed to report to the Legislature
of the State a proper Site for a University, I found
your obliging favor of the 25, Ult: with its inclosed
copies of Dr. Mayhews sermon. I have read with
pleasure this symbol of the political tone of thinking
at the period of its original publication. The Author
felt the strength of his argument, and has given a
proof of his own.
Your remark is very just on the subject of Independence.
It was not the offspring of a particular
man or a particular moment. If Mr. Wirt
be otherwise understood in his life of Mr. Henry,
I cannot but suppose that his intention has been
not clearly expressed, or not sufficiently scrutinized.
Our forefathers brought with them the germ of
Independence, in the principle of self-taxation.
Circumstances unfolded & perfected it.
The first occasion which aroused this principle,
was, if I can trust my recollection, the projected
Union at Albany in 1754, when the proposal of the
British Govt. to reimburse its advances for the
Colonies by a Parliamentary tax on them was met
by the letter from Dr. Franklin to Governor Shirley,
pointing out the unconstitutionality, the injustice,
and the impolicy of such a tax.
The opposition & discussions produced by the
Stamp & subsequent Acts of Parliament, make
another stage in the growth of Independence. The
attempts to distinguish between legislation on the
subject of taxes, and on other subjects, terminated
in the disclosure that no such distinction existed.
And these combats against the arrogated Authority
of the British Legislature paved the way for
burying in the same grave with it, the forfeited
Authority of the British King.
If the merit of Independence as declared in 1776
is to be traced to Individuals, it belongs to those
who first meditated the glorious measure, who were
the ablest in contending for it, & who were the most
decided in supporting it. Future times will be
disposed to apportion this merit justly, and the
present times ought to bequeath the means for
doing it, unstained with the unworthy feelings
which you so properly deprecate.
Be pleased Sir to accept renewed assurances of
my great esteem & best wishes.
| The writings of James Madison, | |