Final answer:
Reconciliation refers to restoring friendly relations between two parties in conflict. In this passage, Adams refers to the hopes of reconciliation between the American colonies and Great Britain. Adams likely shared the people's hopes for reconciliation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Reconciliation refers to the act of restoring friendly relations between two parties who were previously in conflict or disagreement. In this passage, Adams is referring to the hopes of reconciliation between the American colonies and Great Britain. During the time of the Second Continental Congress, many people in the colonies hoped that a peaceful resolution could be reached with the mother country and that the relationship could be repaired. Adams's view of these people is not explicitly stated in the passage, but based on his role as a prominent colonial leader, it can be inferred that he shared their hopes for reconciliation.