Our Declaration of Independency has given Vigor to the Spirits of the People. Had this decisive Measure been taken Nine Months ago, it is my opinion that Canada would at this time have been in our hands. But what does it avail to find fault with what is past. Let us do better for the future. We were more fortunate than expected in having 12 of the 13 Colonies in favor of the all important Question. The Delegates of N York were not impowered to give their Voice on either Side. Their Convention has since acceeded to the Declaration & publishd it even before they receivd it from Congress. So mighty a Change in so short a Time! N Jersey has finishd their Form of Government, a Copy of which I inclose. They have sent us five new Delegates, among whom are Dr Witherspoon & judge Stockden.1 All of them appear to be attachd to the American Cause. A Convention is now meeting in this City to form a Constitution for this Colony. They are empowerd by their Constituents to appoint a new Committee of Safety to act for the present & to chuse new Delegates for Congress. I am told there will be a Change of Men, and if so, I hope for the better. A Plan for Confederation has been brot into Congress wch I hope will be speedily digested and made ready to be laid before the several States for their approbation. A Committee has now under Consideration the Business of foreign Alliance. It is high time for us to have Ambassadors in foreign Courts. I fear we have already sufferd too much by Delay. You know upon whom our Thoughts were turnd when you was with us. I am greatly obligd to you for favoring me with the Form of Governt agreed upon by your Countrymen. I have not yet had time to peruse it, but dare say it will be a Feast to our little Circle. The Device on your great Seal pleases me much. Pray hasten your journey hither. Your Country most pressingly sollicits, or will you allow me to say, DEMANDS your Assistance here. I have written in great haste. Adieu to my dear Sir, and be assured that I am very Affectionately, Your Friend, _________________________________________________________________ 1Stockton. TO JAMES WARREN. [MS., Samuel Adams Papers, Lenox Library.] PHILAD July 16--1776 MY DEAR FRIEND There is no Necessity of my troubling you with a lon Epistle at present, for my very worthy Friend and Colleague1 who kindly takes the Charge of this will fully inform you of the State of Affairs here. He will tell you some things which I have often wishd to communicate to you, but have not thought it prudent to commit to writing. Our declaration of Independence has already been attended with good Effects. It is fortunate beyond our Expectation to have the Voice of every Colony in favor of so important a Question.