Fourth Concert of the 72nd Season

Program Notes by James R. C. Adams

Scene 1 - May 8, 1776
It's a sweltering day in Philadelphia and John Adams (Delegate from Massachusetts) is fuming about the lack of action by the 2nd Continental Congress to make any decisive steps toward independence from England, even while enduring oppressive policies from King George III and acts of violence from the British military. The Congress, exhausted from the heat and concerned about appearing treasonous, request the Adams calm down and lower his voice. Enraged, Adams stomps out of the congressional chamber and writes to his wife, Abigail. Their correspondence, as usual, is filled with affectionate banter and updates about the "goings on" in each of their respective locations: Adams in congress, and Abigail with their children, at their farm in Braintree. Adams closes by requesting that Abigail organize the women in her community to make saltpeter for gun powder. Abigail explains that, due to the war, none of the ladies can find pins for sewing -- and makes the condition that she will only send saltpeter to John if he will first send pins to her.

Scene 2 -- May 9, 1776
Adams returns to the congressional chamber to find Franklin sitting for yet another portrait. They discuss the congress' inaction on any of Adams' proposals on independence and Franklin suggests that perhaps someone besides John should do the proposing. Richard Henry Lee of Virginia enters and volunteers for the mission, much to Adams' chagrin. The scene concludes with an enthusiastic march as Lee heads for home, intent on convincing his legislature to send him back with a formal proposal.

Scene 3 -- June 7, 1776
Delegates slowly enter the chamber, ready for another long, warm day in congress. Lee returns and offers Virginia's official proposal for independence. A vociferous debate follows regarding whether or not the matter should be post-poned, or even discussed. It is decided that any vote for independence must be unanimous, so that no colony "will be torn from its mother country without its own consent." This puts even more pressure on Adams and his liberal cohorts to convince the entire congress to vote their way. Finally, it is decided that a declaration should be written to explain this unprecendented action and to help garner international support for their cause. A declaration committee is formed which includes a most reluctant Thomas Jefferson.

Scene 4 -- June 14, 1776
Adams and Franklin pay a visit to Jefferson's apartment one week after he's accepted the task of writing the important document. They find that he has completed nothing. As Adams begins scolding Jefferson, Martha Jefferson arrives, surprising her husband. Adams reveals that he sent for her, in order to ease Jefferson's loneliness and despondency. Adams, lonely for his own family, write affectionately to his wife, Abigail.

Scene 5 -- June 22, 1776
The congressional doldrums continue when Washington's courier delivers a dispatch summoning the war committee to visit New Brunswick to see for themselves the poor condition of the military. Adams, chair of the war committee, departs with his fellow committee members, leaving mainly the Conservatives alone in the chambers. Dickinson points out the pleasantness of the situation, owing to Adams' absence. As the conservatives join him in celebrating this contentedness, the courier brings in another dispatch from Washington. The letter informs congress that the British have taken control of New York harbor and he fears they may be heading for Philadelphia soon. The self-absorbed conservatives ignore the foreboding message and eventually depart the chamber, leaving the Courier, McNair (congressional custodian) and the Leather Apron alone. The Courier describes a recent battle in which two of his friends were killed, and the sound of their voices as they called out for their mothers to come find them before they die.

Scene 6 -- June 28, 1776
Jefferson nervously stands outside the congressional chamber as the secretary reads his declaration to the delegates. Adams and Franklin noisily appear, boasting about the shooting accuracy they witnessed from Washington's Army during the war committee's visit to New Brunswick. Jefferson tells them the declaration is being read, and the three of them consider together what their new nation might look like.

Scene 7 -- July 2, 1776
The reading of the declaration is complete. It then endures multiple changes, deletions, and additions before it will be acceptable to all the delegates. Many of the changes are minor, but one change is highly significant -- Edward Rutledge's demand that the clause abolishing slavery be omitted. Another heated debate ensues which stops abruptly when all the southern delegates walk out of the chamber together. Just when the idea of independence seems to be near complete collapse, Adams again writes to Abigail -- this time, asking her advice on the matter. She encourages him to continue his diligent pursuit of what he believes is right for all the colonies. He returns to the chamber and convinces Franklin and Jefferson to go talk to the opposition and convince them that independence is the right course. Jefferson agrees to scratch the slavery clause in order to secure the votes of the southern delegations and the motion finally passes, unanimously. The revised declaration is prepared and signed with a mix of emotions -- hope for a better life in their new nation, but also trepidation as they set foot in uncharted territory, which some will consider treasonous. The scene ends with each man considering his own personal situiation, the safety of his family, and the future of his nation.

Manchester Symphony Orchestra Personnel