"We may please ourselves with the prospects of free and popular governments. But there is great danger that those governments will not make us happy. God grant they may. But I fear that in every assembly, members will obtain an influence by noise not sense. By meanness, not greatness. By ignorance, not learning. By contracted hearts, not large souls....

There is one thing, my dear sir, that must be attempted and most sacredly observed or we are all undone. There must be decency and respect, and veneration introduced for persons of authority of every rank, or we are undone. In a popular government, this is our only way."

-- John Adams

In 1776 many eyes were on the Continental Congress. Patience was wearing thin. Adams's constituents in Massachusetts were demanding a declaration of independency and couldn't understand why this was delayed for so long. Adams wrote to James Warren in April, 1776. Part of his reply to Warren's call for action and independence is included above........
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