Politicks is the science of human happiness—and the Felicity of Societies depends entirely on the Constitutions of Government under which they live. John Adams
RALEIGH – One of the most important documents authored by John Adams, second president of the United States, was penned following questions from two North Carolinians about governance. That document became “Thoughts on Government, 1776,” and first came to North Carolina as a letter. That handwritten letter will be displayed in a case at the State Capitol July 21-Sept. 8.
William Hooper and John Penn were North Carolina delegates to the First Continental Congress and were directed to seek ideas on state government from John Adams. Each approached Adams separately, and he composed a similar response letter for the two. Hooper’s was the first letter and was delivered to Thomas Burke, chairman of the committee to frame a state constitution. Adams refined his thoughts into a document later published as a pamphlet entitled “Thoughts on Government, 1776.”
Hooper’s letter ended up in Burke’s private papers and was given to the State Archives. For additional information on the document call (919) 807-7290. For information on the State Capitol call (919) 733-4994. The State Archives and State Capitol are administered by the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources, the state agency dedicated to the promotion and protection of North Carolina’s arts, history and culture. Now podcasting 24/7 with information about the Department of Cultural Resources, all available at www.ncculture.com.