Today in Johnson City History, Wednesday, July 23, 2025

John Adams writes to his wife, a train tragedy, Dayton is different, a "Get Involved!" follow up and more

July 23, 1775: Two hundred and fifty years ago today, John Adams wrote a letter to his wife. The original punctuation and spellings have been preserved.

“July 23 1775

“My Dear

“You have more than once in your Letters mentioned Dr. Franklin, and in one intimated a Desire that I should write you something concerning him.

“Dr. Franklin has been very constant in his Attendance on Congress from the Beginning. His Conduct has been composed and grave and in the Opinion of many Gentlemen very reserved. He has not assumed any Thing, nor affected to take the lead; but has seemed to choose that the Congress should pursue their own Principles and sentiments and adopt their own Plans: Yet he has not been backward: has been very usefull, on many occasions, and discovered a Disposition entirely American. He does not hesitate at our boldest Measures, but rather seems to think us, too irresolute, and backward. He thinks us at present in an odd State, neither in Peace nor War, neither dependent nor independent. But he thinks that We shall soon assume a Character more decisive.