On this day 250 years ago in Philadelphia, John Adams wrote to Col. Hugh Hughes of New York regarding a proposed constitution for New York that would create a
Governor and Councillors for Life or during good Behaviour[.] I should dread Such a Constitution, in these perilous Times, because however wise and brave, and virtuous these Rulers may be at their first appointment, their Tempers, and Designs will be very apt to change, and then they may have it in their Power to betray the People, who will have no Means of Redress. The People ought to have frequently the opportunity, especially in these dangerous Times, of considering the Conduct of their Leaders, and of approving or disapproving. You will have no safety without it.
Source: “John Adams to Hugh Hughes, 4 June 1776,” Founders Online, National Archives, https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Adams/06-04-02-0104. [Original source: The Adams Papers, Papers of John Adams, vol. 4, February–August 1776, ed. Robert J. Taylor. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1979, pp. 238–239.]
On This Day In The Revolution 
3 responses to “On this day 250 years ago in the Revolution — June 4, 1776”
It appears the people were still looking for some form of a king. People who choose lifetime executive appointments deny their responsibility to choose.
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Ron, I don’t think the “People” of New York were proposing a lifetime appointment of the governor. Some of the conservative New York leaders of the Patriots, I think including John Jay, were pushing the proposal.
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I need to read more. I know Jay helped write the Federalist Papers. I have a copy but I’ve never read it. Thanks for the clarification.
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