1776

May 8, 1776. It is a sweltering day in Philadelphia and the Second Continental Congress is in session. John Adams, the Massachusetts representative, outlines his grievances against King George III and complains that his campaigns for independence are not being acted upon by Congress. He pushes for a vote but the other delegates are already annoyed by his arguments and demand that he be quiet (“Sit Down, John”). Adams is frustrated that the delegates have achieved nothing so far, even though they have been meeting for over a year (“Piddle, Twiddle”). He flees the chamber and takes out a letter from his wife, Abigail. She is looking after their sick children at home and urges him to return. As Abigail appears before him in his imagination, Adams inquires if Abigail has rounded up the women of Boston to start making saltpeter, a substance needed to make gunpowder. However, she reminds him that he hasn't yet told her how to make saltpeter. She also reminds him that the women won't make it