The Irony of “Philosophy and Christian Resignation”
John Adams elucidates, “I NEVER enjoyed a better health in any of my journeys, but this has been the most irksome, the most gloomy and melancholy I ever made. I cannot with all my philosophy and Christian resignation keep up my spirits. The dismal prospect before me, my family, and my country, is too much for my fortitude.” A Christian outlook would not blind Adams to the reality of the circumstances which touch on his family and the country at large. Moreover, his philosophy becomes ineffective in diminishing his melancholy for the wistfulness is extreme.
The Irony of “John Adams’ Death”
Abigail Adams writes, “I have felt uneasy to hear from you. The report of your being dead has no doubt reached you by Bass, who heard enough of it before he came away. It took its rise among the Tories, who, as Swift said to himself, “By their fears betray their hopes.” How they should ever take it into their heads that you was poisoned at New York, a fortnight before we heard anything of that villain Zedwitz’s plan of poisoning waters of the city, I cannot tell.” If John Adams were precisely dead, he would not respond to his wife's letters. Therefore, the news reading his death is ironic. Perhaps they are propagated by the Tories to alarm Adams’ followers and to discourage Adams from continuing with his agenda.
The Irony of ‘Tied hands”
John Adams notes, “One (rumours) was that Congress, the last summer, had tied the hands of general Washington, and would not let him fight, particularly on the White Plains.” The Congress would not restrain the general because he is instrumental in leadership and the war. The rumor of tying his hands is, probably, spread to depict him as a weakling leader. However, Adams confirms that the rumor is false.
The Irony of Dictator
Adams writes, "Another report which has been industriously circulated is that the General has been made by the Congress Dictator…Congress, it is true upon removing to Baltimore, gave the General power to raise fifteen battalions, in addition to those which were ordered to be raised before, and to appoint the officers." The Congress's move is intended to bolster the army rather than to encourage Washington's dictatorship. The general is empowered to ensure that the army will not be imperiled as a result of poor equipment. Changes implemented in the army are not dictatorial because they are endorsed by Congress for the benefit of the country.
The Irony of “the passion of liberty”
Abigail Adams explains, “I have sometimes been ready to think that the passion for liberty cannot be equally strong in the breast of those who have been accustomed to deprive their fellow creatures theirs.” An individual who undermines other people’s property would not be expected to be enthusiastic about liberty. However, some hypocritical individuals yearn to enjoy their liberty while denying others theirs. The hypocrisy demonstrates how selfishness hinders people from realizing the harm of suppressing others’ liberty.
