1777 Samuel Adams on Thanksgiving at the Continental Congress

As the nation was forming, Samuel Adams proposed at the Continental Congress on November 1, 1777, "It is therefore recommended - to set apart (a day) for the solemn thanksgiving and praise: That with one heart and one voice the good people may express the grateful feelings of their hearts and consecrate themselves to the service of their Divine Benefactor..."

When writing of his cousin Samuel Adams(1722-1803), John Adams professed that he had “the most thorough understanding of liberty;” was “zealous and keen in the cause;” & that Samuel embodied “steadfast integrity” & “universal good character.” Royal Governor, Thomas Hutchinson had a different perspective of Samuel Adams, claiming there existed no “greater incendiary in the King’s dominion or a man of greater malignity of heart who has less scruples any measure however criminal to accomplish his purposes.” 

At the time Samuel Adams stood as, above all else, an ardent Patriot for Independence. In 1765, he was elected to the Massachusetts Assembly where he served as clerk for many years. It was there that he was the first to propose a Continental Congress.