Adams, John, 1735-1826 to Benjamin Rush re: support for US in War of 1812
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06742 Author/Creator: Adams, John, 1735-1826 Place Written: Quincy, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1812/07/07 Pagination: 2 p. : Height: 25.7 cm, Width: 20.3 cm Order a Copy
Writing from retirement, Adams writes to his friend Rush on a variety of topics, especially the War of 1812. This letter was written one month after the United States declared war on Great Britain. "I believe with you that Wars are the natural and unavoidable Effect of the constitution of human Nature and the fabric of the globe is destined to inhabit and to rule. I believe further that wars, at times, are as necessary to the preservation and perfection, the Prosperity, Liberty, Happiness, Virtue and independence of Nations as Gales of Winds to the Salubrity of the Atmosphere...." Adams also suggests that projects for universal peace are little better than "Short Sighted frivolous Romances." Adams supported the war.
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