On this day 250 years ago in Philadelphia, Massachusetts delegates John Adams and Sam Adams dined with Joseph Reed, who was one of the leading Patriots of Pennsylvania, albeit not a delegate in Congress. Adams recorded in his diary that Reed “says the Sentiments of People here, are growing more and more favourable every day.” Also on that day in Philadelphia, Silas Deane, one of the Delegates from Connecticut to the Continental Congress, wrote to his wife Elizabeth about his impressions of George Washington. Deane said that Washington had “an easy Soldierlike Air,” and spoke “very modestly, & in cool but determined Style & Accent.”

Sources: https://founders.archives.gov/?q=adams%20diary%20Dates-From%3A1774-09-01&s=1111311111&r=1&sr=; https://allthingsliberty.com/2017/10/wannabe-redcoat-rebel-george-washingtons-journey-revolution/#_ednref34

And on this day 250 years ago in London, William Lee wrote to his brother Richard Henry Lee, one of the delegates from Virginia in the Continental Congress in Philadelphia. William Lee advised his brother to persuade Congress “to engage the Body of the people” and form “a Federal Union with all the Colonies.”

Source: Norton, Mary Beth, 1774 the Long Year of Revolution at p. 190.

[Also on that day, Charity Clarke of New York City wrote to her cousin in England in defense of American rights saying:

You cannot deprive us, the Arms that support my family shall defend it. Though this body is not clad with silken Garments, these limbs are armed with strength, the soul is fortified by Virtue, and the love of Liberty is cherished within the bosom.

Source: Norton, Mary Beth, 1774 the Long Year of Revolution at p. 223.]