[Philadelphia] Saturday Feb. 17. 1776.
This Measure of Opening the Ports, &c. laboured exceedingly, because it was considered as a bold step to Independence. Indeed I urged it expressly with that View and as connected with the Institutions of Government in all the States and a Declaration of National Independence. The Party against me had Art and Influence as yet, to evade, retard and delay every Motion that We made. 2
1. L. H. Butterfield, ed., The Adams Papers, Series 1, Diary and Autobiography of John Adams (Cambridge, 1961), III, 364-65.
2. The subject of opening the ports had been referred to a committee which reported on February 6, 1776. Debate upon it was postponed daily thereafter. The action which displeased Adams had been a further postponement.
