Ci. 0 ^ '4x ^ Bk. VA ^ \ | DUKE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY DURHAM, N. C. } ✓ jHa&sac^usettg f tgtorical ^octett Founded 1791 COLLECTIONS VOL. 73 Committee of Publication HENRY CABOT LODGE WINSLOW WARREN WORTHINGTON CHAUNCEY FORD Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2015 https://archive.org/details/warrenadamslette7321mass // r re/ rexxw/ {Ufa? stfie x/ryyonxrt A re/, /n e y/t oa4e44/xy>t /■■/. /rr//rrO /^rw»; 'lr(..f'Ad (/ fy {>'*/> Sr 7f 9 WARREN-ADAMS LETTERS Being chiefly a correspondence among John Adams, Samuel Adams, and James Warren VOL. II 1778-1814 7 z ? ? The Massachusetts Historical Society 1 9 2 5 FIVE HUNDRED COPIES OF THIS VOLUME HAVE BEEN PRINTED FROM TYPE AND THE TYPE DISTRIBUTED ^>-. , . /& 6 „ 3 3 3 312,200 813,000 73,600 1,642,133 Rhode Island 120,000 550,000 316,000 38,000 1,024,000 Connecticut 12,500 257,266 174,000 58,000 501,766 New- York 50,000 166,200 101,000 34,5oo 1 1 ,000 462,500 N ew J ersey 5,000 100,000 297,500 7,5oo 2,000 402,000 Pensylvania 14,000 1,035,000 473,600 2,009,200 2,500 3,556,800 Delaware Maryland 3,100 4,000 98,738 261,470 816,000 114,000 7,100 1,290,208 Virginia 95,333 75,°2i 323,000 153,000 648,354 N. Carolina 12,400 623,278 159,808 169,000 954,746 S. Carolina Georgia 5,100 72,000 570,276 113,839 2,500 6,000 181,000 449,289 754,746 666,128 From this it is plain, that for five years of the war, you were not very free of your fortunes, but exceedingly liberal of your drafts on the Continental Treasury, so that you receivd twice as much as Massachusetts and six times as much as Virginia. Yet these States are to redeem a fifth more than you. If we take the middle of each year for reducing the Sums taken in them respectively, we shall find the whole to amount to — 1,152,848 hard dollars, which you have taken out of the United Treasury; and you boast of having put into it 100,000. JVarren -Adams Letters [1783 228 The error then of the Addressers seems to be this — that they have claimd a general pre-eminence of merit, during the whole war, from having contributed a little more money than most of the States in the Union, during the last year of the war. But surely you will allow it to be just, that when such comparisons are drawn, they shoud flow from a view of the sum total of the Contributions of each State in — Men, Money, and Specifics, during the whole war, deducting the monies they drew from the common fund. When you are forming this estimate, I hope you will not forget, what I know from having servd in that campaign, that at the close of the year 1776, when the Enemy threatnd immediately your State and your City, the State of Virginia alone furnishd two thirds of the Troops, which enabled our illustrious General, to execute an enterprize against the Enemy’s posts in the Jerseys, repelld the danger from you at that time and gave an ascendency to our military reputation which it never lost. Had we then depended on the boasted exertions of a City, containing forty thousand Inhabitants, free of their fortunes and their lives, as the Address says, the fact shews that — in the most pressing danger to themselves and to the Union, they woud hardly have furnishd Regulars enough to have attackd a Picket of the Enemy. Yet we see, that in the same year your State drew from the public treasury — 1,035,000 dlls — when paper-money was little if at all de- pritiated. I shall not repeat the reasons that were then given, for your not making more adequate exertions. Thefy] did no honor to your patriotism. It was a mis- fortune that revolution principles prevaild so little among you. But surely you shoud have had more modesty, remembering those circumstances, than to have boasted, that you were distinguishd for doing, what you were in fact distinguishd for not doing. I perceive that you will attempt to draw some source of defence, from the payments you have made since the close of the year 1782, which I am informd exceed those of any other State. But let it be rememberd, that the pre- eminence which the residence of Congress gave you in the eyes of Europe, drew almost the whole of the foreign trade to your City on the cessation of hostilities; insomuch that it is matter of common notoriety that in a few months, the duty of 2 pr Ct on Imports, brot into your treasury fifty thousand pounds. So that the whole of your contribution very little exceeds the produce of a single tax. The same cause drew to you many rich Emigrants, who have deposited large sums of specie in that Bank, which the public money raisd in your City for your sole emolument. The States ought to order an enquiry by what authority so partial a use was made of the public money, while several of them were laid waste by the Enemy for want of Arms, and Ammunition to repel them, while the troops to the southward were destitute of Cloathing, and recruiting their lines, was for that reason renderd impracticable. Having now fulfilld the purpose with which I addressd you, Gentlemen, I shall take my leave with recommending to you that modesty, without which even merit loses its lustre and its beauty.. 1783] IVarren -Adams Letters 229 James Warren to John Adams Adams mss. Milton, October 27th, 1783 Dear Sir, — Your Favours of the 20th and 21st of March, and the 9th, 12th, 13th and 16th of April, have come safe to Hand, but did not reach me till this Month, and found me on this Hill, at Work among my Potatoes, instead of being in Congress “at the great Wheel.” Nor do I regret this on my own Account. I am quite contented with a private life, and my Ambition is quite satisfied by excelling in the perfection of my Composts, the Cul- ture of my Lands, and in the Quality and Abundance of my Crops; but I own I sometimes wish to be at the Wheel to serve my Coun- try, and to support her Friends, and my Own, who I am happy to say are always the same, and never more than since I receiv’d your Letters, for though my Ideas with regard to the Politicks and Conduct of the French Court, were in general right before, you have certainly given me some new Ones with regard to the Folly of our Own. from this Folly (by which I mean not only Weakness but Corruption) has proceeded all the Difficulties, Embarrass- ments, Neglects, and even Insults that you, and other honest Men have suffer’d, and the Dangers this Country has been expos’d to, and from which it has by the Vigilance, Industry, and Ability of a Few been rescued with Difficulty. The Foreign Influence (or the French and Frankleian Politicks) which produces all this is very extensive, and very strong, the Traits of it are to be seen every where, in Boston as well as Philadelphia, but to be sure the last is the Place where the Focus is collected, and where it operates with its greatest Force. An honest Young Gentleman sent there to represent his Country, and who feels and resents with Spirit its Injuries, in a Fortnight will be soften’d, and in another Week be- come quite Tame and Compliant. Louisdores must have a Share in such wonderful Conversions, and I think I can observe the Effects of them at Boston. I am told that Congress since they left Philadelphia have acted with more Freedom than before, it is to be wish’d they may never return. This Influence is greatly strengthened by an Union with those who wish to Establish an Oligarchy, and who have nearly effected it. these play into each 230 TVarren -Adams Letters [1783 others Hands, and by their joint Efforts bear down all Opposition. Morris is a King, and more than a King. He has the Keys of the Treasury at his Command, Appropriates Money as he pleases, and every Body must look up to him for Justice and for Favour. When Wilson 1 succeeds as Minister for Foreign Affairs, Fitz- williams 2 is at the Head of the Marine, and a Suitable Person succeeds Gen’l Lincoln, who has resign’d the War Department , 3 when he shall say what Number of Troops shall be kept up, and have an Host of New Placemen to collect an Impost Mortgaged for Twenty-five Years, he will have us all in his Pocket; It is this Alliance that makes me tremble, the Foreign Influence might be destroy’d, or be discourag’d by the Expence, or ballanc’d by Ministers from other Courts, especially from Britain, but if this Oligarchal System is not Annihilated, I think our Liberties must be. You will be able to Judge from all this what an Influence Money and Fortune give a Man in this Country, especially when you recollect the Character you have heard given of this Man, and his Abilities; and you will no longer wonder at the want of In- telligence, because much is to be done to accommodate Matters to their System before it is given. This will account for the Revoca- tion of the Commission for a Treaty of Commerce, however fatal it may probably prove to the Interests of our Country, for the wrong Sentiments prevailing with regard to Commerce, and for the Plan of a Monopoly now subsisting in Favour of France our disinterested and generous Ally; for the Obstructions to your Negotiations in Holland: for your Instructions at different Times, and why no Appointment has been made to the Court of Great Britain, and for the ill Conduct of our Foreign Affairs in All re- spects. No Appointment is yet made to the Court of Britain, because your Character and Conduct is so unexceptionable and good in the Eyes of all honest Men, and the People in General, that they dare not yet treat you with that Neglect that is con- sistent with their Views, and yet they can’t wish to have you the Man. thus they Jockey, and Play into each others Hands, and 1 James Wilson (1742-1798). 2 Probably Thomas Fitzsimons (1741-181 1) is intended. 3 Lincoln’s resignation was accepted by Congress October 29. 1783] JVarren -Adams Letters 231 gratify the Court and the Doctor. I sincerely with all the Ardour of Friendship and Patriotism lament your want of Health, and Support. I have pray’d for your Health, and done all in my Power in my small Circle to give you Support, and have very good Reasons why I have not given it in a Place where it might have been more Efficacious. I could not go to Congress immediately on my Election which was out of Season, and Unexpected, and before I had an Opportunity I was prevented by Sickness. What shall I say about your coming Home? You know that as a Friend I wish to see you. Your Country wants you here. Your Family would be happy to have you return. But where and in what Situation should we have been if you and Mr. Jay had not been in Europe? When I form an Idea of it I feel like a Man that has had a Hair-Breadth Escape from a Precipice. Your Delinea- tion of the Character and Views of a Young Nobleman is exceed- ingly Just, and shews in a convincing Light the wrong policy of our Country in their Instructions, even if it could possibly be good Policy to let down and humble their Ministers; After all I don’t know that I detest any Character more than that of the Old Man, who is, as you might expect your determin’d Enemy. You will be- fore this reaches you get a paragraph of one of his Letters, which if you should by an Interval be in possession of your right Mind will put the Matter out of Doubt; How long will he live? and if he lives how long can he be able to preserve the good Opinion and Confi- dence of his Country? The Bubble must burst soon, or Mankind are more lost to Sentiment and Virtue, than I can suppose. I wish instead of being a Door-Keeper for three or four Days you could be on a Seat in Congress, and have a full Swing in developing the Character and Conduct of this Man, and descanting on the false Politicks of your Country. I should like to be your Colleague. With regard to the State of our particular Affairs, Government here is in the same Hands. Our Delegates are Gerry, Partridge, Osgood, Sullivan and Danielson — the Wisdom of our Legislature have left out Holton and Higginson two very good and uncorrupt Men for the sake of the two last. The great Political Object that now engages the Contemplation of the Continent is the Support of Publick Credit, and it is indeed an Object worthy their serious 232 ILarren -Adams Letters [1783 Deliberations, and should be done. The Financier proposes an Impost as Part of the Plan. Congress have recommended it by their Act. Our Assembly in the present Session have again pass’d it, but by a small Majority of only three in the House of Repre- sentatives, this is favorable to the System I have describ’d. I don’t like it because I think it injurious to Commerce, and danger- ous to Publick Liberty, and because I think a more safe, sure, and easy Way may be devis’d for doing it. I am, sincerely Your Friend and most Humble Servant, J. Warren New-York is still possess’d by the Enemy, the Want of Trans- ports and the Safety of the Loyalists have been the pretences for delaying the Evacuation, but I think they are now seriously pro- viding for it, and I believe it will be done soon. Great Quantities of European Goods have since the Peace pour’d in upon us from every Quarter, and most of them in Foreign Bottoms; but the miserable Market they have come to, must discourage them in future, and perhaps work a Cure for the Evil, and leave us to im- port for ourselves, and on our own Bottoms. The Abundance of fine Things have however destroyed the Ideas of Frugality which Necessity had before given, and drain’d us of our Money — how a sufficiency has been found to purchase what has been brought us, is beyond my Comprehension. Our Fisheries the last Season have for want of Vessels been very inconsiderable, but growing fast into Importance; I suppose the Manufactory of Pot, and Pearl Ashes will soon recover their former Perfection, and that the Quantities of Flax Seed will this Year be considerable. Some Emigrations from the Old Countries, chiefly from Ireland have been made to the Southern States, but none have arriv’d here, which I wonder at; a Moderate Proportion would be serviceable, we want La- bourers, and we want Occupiers for some of our Vacant Lands. I don’t like the predilection they shew in favour of the Southern States. The immense Territory acquir’d by the Treaty of Peace, and the ample Provision for the Extent and Security of our Fishery gratify the most sanguine Wishes of your Friends, while your Enemies dare not deny that we are under Providence in- debted to you for these great Acquisitions. 1783] Warren -Adams Letters 2 33 James Warren to John Adams Adams mss. Milton, November 15th, 1783 My Dear Sir, — Since my last which went in a French Brigan- tine by way of Nantes, Copy of which you have above, Nothing Material has taken place, except a Resolution of Congress to erect Buildings and to reside alternately on the Delaware and Potow- mack, and in the mean Time, they have adjourn’d to Annapolis on the 1 2th Instant, this is consider’d by the Patriots as a Tri- umph. Our Friend Gerry thinks the Measure will have Benefi- cial, and Extensive, Consequences, and particularly that it will strengthen the Union, and Confidence of the Southern and North- ern States; It will at least embarrass those Measures which had been so successful while Congress sat at Philadelphia, and which would have been fully executed had it return’d there again. The last Ships from London bring us Advices that the definitive Treaty was sign’d the beginning of September but no Official Account is yet arriv’d, nor do we hear any Thing of the Commercial Treaty. I can suppose that many Difficulties attend that Business. Mr. Temple who goes for England and designs to go also to France takes this, and will hand or forward it to you. I think he has been used here very hardly. Our G r and his Tools have been the Immediate Actors, whether their Conduct Originated from their Own little, narrow Policy, or is deriv’d from a higher Source I don’t know — for my Part I have not a Single Reason to suppose he ever did, or ever wished to injure this Country, and he certainly has done it Service in some Instances, and for some Cause or other has suffer’d greatly. You will probably see him, and hear his Account of the whole Matter; 1 His principal Views in going to Europe are to endeavour to get from the present Ministry some compensation for the Losses he sustain’d by a former Administra- tion, and to see and bring Dr. Franklin to an explicit Declaration with respect to the Letters; I wish him Success in both. If it be convenient for you to give him any Assistance, you will in my Opinion do Service to an honest Man, and oblige those who think 1 Temple’s case was set forth by himself in two papers described in Collections, lxxv. 2344, 2353- 234 Warren -Adams Letters [ 1783 him so. Your Lady and Daughter spent the Day with us Yester- day. You will probably have it under their own Hands by this Opportunity that they are well. I am, with great Respect, Your Friend and Humble Servant, J. Warren Jabez Bowen to James Warren Providence, Novmr. 26, 1783 Dear Sir, — Your Letter of the 26th ulto. came safe to hand. I should have Answer’d it before but expected to have given you some further Account of the Impost, as our General Assembly was then about to meet. The Session was short, and verry little Pub- lick Business done. The Assembly now stands Prorogued to the fourth Monday of December, at which time the Question will be fully discussed, and I doubt not but the Event will fully answer your wishes notwithstanding the great Intrest that is continually making to push it thro’ from a Certain Quarter. Nothing can or will go right till the Publick Accounts are set- tled. The efforts already made have Cost the Nation large sums of Money and no progress is yet made in the Business and I have Reason to believe will not ’till the whole Plan of Finance is adopted. This State have an Impost of Two pr. Cent on all Foreign Goods, the Nt. proceeds whereof, are appropriated to pay the Intrest on the States Debt. We have also a Tax now Collecting to pay the Intrest on Loan Office Certificates and other Consoli- dated Debts due from the United States according to a Resolve of Congress. We have long expected an Ordinance of Congress for the Keepers of the Loan Offices to Consolidate all the Certificates and give Notes for One Years Intrest, which should be Received by the Collectors in Payment of the said Tax. This Measure I am informd is perplexed in Congress on Purpose to keep the Publick Creditors on the side of the Ministerial Plan. How do you ap- prove the Resolve for establishing Two Federal Towns, Trentown and George Town on the Potomock. in my Opinion they have 1784] Warren -Adams Letters 2 35 overturned every Argument that could be adduced for the perma- nent Residence of Congress. By what I have wrote; you will conclude I am an opposer of all the Measures Recommended by Congress. I assure you it is far otherwise. I am for abiding by the Confederation strictly, it has carri’d us Triumphantly thro’ a long and Bloody War, and where can be the necessity of Investing that Body with more extensive powers in a Time of Peace, this Doctrine must be contrary to the Experience of all Nations. I wish to hear that all Party disputes are Banished from Congress, and that the Honour and Happiness of the Nation alone takes up and occupyes their whole attention, then may we hope for good Days indeed. We expected the Pleasure of a Visit from you and your good Lady, but the cause that prevented must be submitted to. we shall hope for the fulfilment of the promise when the Pleasant Season for Jorneing returns. Mrs. Bowen presents her best Compliments to Mrs. Warren and your self, you will both please to Accept myne. also Remember us affectionately to the Young Gentlemen Your Sons, and Be- lieve that I am with sentiments of the greatest Esteem Your Obedient and verry Humb Servant, Jabez Bowen James Warren to John Adams Adams mss. Milton, Feby. 26th, 1784 My Dear Sir, — Since my last which went by Mr. Temple, I have had the pleasure of receiving yours of the 10th Sepr. by Mr. Thaxter. The Approbation of your Country is as Extensive as it ought to be, that is, universal; but as there remains now no Ex- pectation of your return here before another Election, I dare say we shall not be Embarrassed by the Modesty of our present first Magistrate. Whatever Qualities he may want in the Opinion of others, he is himself a Stranger to any deficiencies and never once thought the duties too Arduous for him, or the honour too high, or the situation too delicate, he has, however, lately threatened us 236 TVarren -Adams Letters [1784 with a Resignation, he was either Affronted that the General Court the last Sessions did not answer his Speech, or he took it in his head that he would be a great Man as well as General Wash- ington . 1 he proclaimed his design in all Companies with great formality and summoned his Council to receive it. they met. he altered his resolution and we continue as happy as ever in his Administration, his Character is neither stained with ridicule or Contempt, a privilege peculiar to himself. The General Court is now sitting, but I hear of nothing very important yet done, no stable provision is yet made for paying the Interest of the National Debt. I hope it will never be by an Impost, but I wish it were done in some more secure way. but it appears to me that the States want Confidence in the Administration, it must be taken out of Morris’ hands, the Treasury put in Commission by rota- tion, and then I believe ways and means will be found, especially if this last measure should be attended with strict and Impartial justice to the several States. I have not heard lately from Con- gress, but I presume from the Character I have of the Members, their foreign policy will in future be conducted in a different Stile, and that the old man’s arts will not be so successful as usual, they talk of an adjournment in April. Good Providence has so ordered for our own Good that Sullivan has resigned and the Court unanimously chose Mr. Dana a Delegate in his room, the resigna- tion was very fortunate and the Choice as Judicious. Mr. Dana dined with me about ten days ago and will go on soon, if Congress does not adjourn. I wish it had been convenient for you and your Country to have returned and taken up your residence here, and joined with me in the Cultivation of the pleasant Hills in Braintree and Milton, but instead of that you are Calling away your Family. Your Father Smith is Dead . 2 Coll. Quincy will live but a few days . 3 Mr. Cranch and Family may go to Boston, and we be left solitary on our Hill, what delays your Treaty of Commerce with Britain. I suppose want of Instructions from Congress; but I am sure the 1 On December 23, 1783, Washington had resigned his Commission in an address to the Continental Congress. 2 Died September 17, 1783. 3 Josiah Quincy, died March 3, 1784. 1784] barren -Adams Letters 237 - best that could be given might be Compleated in a minute by- referring the whole to your discretion. The delay may create dif- ficulties by giving time to prejudice to grow and rancle from the Conduct and narrow Policy of Britain, who will never grow wise from Prosperity or Adversity. I am told that Penobscot is Evacuated, the Commanding Of- ficer after applying to our Government for a Commission to some Person to receive the delivery of the place and waiting in vain, went off at last, after having burned the Barracks, etc., which we seemed to care nothing about. I think he did right. Mrs. Warren desires her regards to you. we are all well, except Charles, who is in a dangerous situation. You have not given me a single hint for the Improvement of the Noble Science of Husbandry since you have been in Europe, do you reserve them all for your own use, that you may Excel us in that Art on your return, as much [as] you have done in Politics abroad. I am with Great Esteem your Friend and Servant, J. Warren March 10th. Congress have made their Recommendations to the several States, agreeable to the Treaty. A Committee of the General Court have it under Consideration, but it is said will not report this Session. Nothing seems to be a more General Subject of Conversation than the Cincinnati Clubb. People seem not to have considered the nature and dangerous tendency of the Institu- tion till they were roused and alarmed by a Pamphlet wrote in So. Carolina, said by Mr. Burke , 1 which I would enclose if the Ex- pense of postage would not be too great. The most ( ?) of the People, in N. England more especially, have manifested great uneasiness at the half pay for Life to the Officers of the Army, since com- muted for five years pay; but the uneasiness seemed to be sub- siding till Irritated to fresh resentment by this Institution. County Conventions and Town Meetings are now frequently expressing their Resentments and determinations to pay no Taxes 1 Jidanus Burke’s Considerations on the Society, or Order of Cincinnati, published in Charleston over the signature of “Cassius” and reprinted in Philadelphia, New York, Hartford and Newport. No edition appears to have been printed in Boston. The author- ship was soon discovered. 2 3 8 Warren -Adams Letters (1784 for the Commutations. The Officers, I think, deserve some such Consideration; but then they should be content in other respects to be on a footing with their fellow Citizens, without claiming any distinctions that are Invidious now and may be dangerous here- after. Miss Nabby is here on a Visit, and I dare say you will hear from her mamah by this opportunity. Coll. Quincy died last Week. Adieu. I am as above. Mercy Warren to John Adams Adams mss. Milton, June 1, 1784 Sir, — This will be handed you by a person 1 who will insure the welcome did it come from one who has much less claim to your Friendship than the writer, at the same time her communica- tions will render any other needless from your American Friends, this therefore is only a Line in Testimony of my Respects and Regards, though if I was to indulge my pen it would be very expressive of my wishes for your Early Return to your Native Country, where perhaps your abilities are as much wanted and your Exertions might be as serviceable as in any Department you may fill in Europe. Yet I cannot say you would be more happy here, but I think your Conduct has evinced to the World that this is but a secondary Consideration with you. You will be too Happy when you receive this to make it of any Consequence whether another Line is added. May the Felicity of my Friend be equal to their wishes, nor mared by a Common Course of Human events, more than is necessary in a state of Moral Discipline, some little interruptions we must feel to ease our presumption, and some greater we have always to fear to Remind us of our Dependence. Dependence is a word not very pleasing to an American ear. But, though we have broken the yoke of Britain and defy the potentates of the Earth, we must not, we cannot expunge it from our Vocabulary, our happiness Depends on too many Contingencies to suffer us to forget our weakness and our intire Dependence on the Great Font of Felicity for the smallest 1 Mrs. Adams. 1784] IVarren -Adams Letters 2 39 stream of enjoyment. What Language is this to a Man of the World, to a Minister of State, immersed in the Deep Systems of Political Refinement among the Nations, improved by Arts, Er- udition and Experience, caressed in the Courts of Princes amidst the splendor of Greatness, the Glass of Pomp and all the Pag- eantry of Ambition, unshackled by a want of power for the Zenith of indulgence. But when I address the Embassadeur I do not for- get that I write to the Philosopher, to one who can contrast the Rational simplicity and the quiet Delight of his own little Villa at the foot of Pens Hill with the Briliancy of the Birth night or the parade of office, and find the latter sink in the comparison when tryed by the Feelings of the Man, not by the Rivalry of Pride. Sure I am that were you to behold the Variegated Beauties which the summit of Milton this Day exhibits to the Eye of Reason and Gratitude, you would heave one sigh for the tranquil hour of Con- templation in some Delightful Recess Where the free soul looks down and pities Kings. Mr. Warren intends writing, if anything prevents yet be as- sured he is the same Friend to his Country, to Virtue, to all Hon- est Men, consequently invariably yours, that he was when you Laboured together, planted, hastened and matured the seed of a most Glorious Revolution, few, very few, of the first capital hands Remain with us. Death, Desertion, indifference or Foreign Employments, have left him almost alone. But the Recollection and Feeling of Conscious Rectitude is the best Companion of declining years. Though I expect much communication from my Friend, Mrs. Adams, yet from your Punctuality and long experienced Friend- ship I hope my Pleasure will be enhanced by a Line from yourself to yours Respectfully and affectionately M. Warren 240 IVarren -Adams Letters [1784 John Adams to James Warren The Hague, June 30, 1784 Dear Sir, — Your amiable Son, has done me the favour of his Company, here, for a Day or two, and this Morning goes to Am- sterdam, intending to return to England at the End of the Week. From London He embarks soon for Lisbon. My Son 1 returned with him from London where I sent him to meet his Mother and Sister. But he was dissapointed as well as I. I still expect Mrs. Adams every day: but her last Letters, (those by your Son) leave me still room to doubt — in short, every Thing public and private, in which I have been concerned has been so much in doubt, and suspence, ever since the Peace, that if I have not learned to recon- cile myself to any Thing, it is because I am not a Philosopher. I now repent having written for my Family, and that I had not gone home. Yet I ought not to repent because, it was Bono pub- lico, that induced me to resolve to stay in Europe, to try, if I could execute a Commission which Congress promised to me, F[ranklin] and J[ay], and have not performed, “une Perfidie tres permise dans un Grand Roi,” as Voltaire says of the King of Prussia. Jay is minister of foreign Affairs. This is a great Point gained in favour of our Country. Wisdom and Virtue have tryumphed, for once. And I hope and believe, he will give an entire new Cast, to the Complexion of our foreign Affairs, and you may depend upon it, that for some time to come as for a long time past, the Character and the System of our Country has been entirely decided by our foreign affairs. If I had not been very sensible of this, you would never have heard of me a second time across the Atlantic, if I had not been very sensible of this, you would have seen me at Milton again or heard of me in a British Dungeon four years ago. My kind Respects to Mrs. Warren and all your Family. Your Friend, John Adams 1 John Quincy Adams. 1784] TVarren -Adams Letters 241 Arthur Lee to James Warren New-York, Augt 8th, 1784 Dear Sir, — I have long hoped for the pleasure of hearing from you, if it were only to inform me that your family and our friends are well. The political Sea appears to be perfectly calm with you, and indeed so it is every where. Repose, after such scenes of turbulence and agitation as were experienced for some years, seems to be the general wish. Had not the Cincinnati agitated us a little, we shoud have been sound asleep. Give me leave to introduce to you and to Mrs. Warren, Mr. Blake, Mr. Middleton, 1 Mr. Kean 2 and Mr. Heyward, 3 gentlemen of consideration from South Carolina, who travel to see their sister States in the East. I wish there was more intercourse of this kind, to remove prejudices and cultivate harmony among us. Mr. H. Laurens arrivd here two days ago. He is in good health and spirits after all his sufferings. He brings some pamphlets in which the anti-american reveries of Dean and Galloway, publishd by Ld. Sheffeild 4 are fully reported. The King of England and Mr. Pitt, he thinks, are well disposd towards a commercial treaty with America. I am persuaded, that, with the downfal of the Coalition, these incendiaries will be extinguished. We hear that Mrs. Hayley 6 and Mrs. Graham, 6 are with you. I beg the favor of you to present them my respects. No choice of Consuls has been yet made, nor can be till Congress meet again. I am now, on my way to hold treaties with the Indian Nations, if troops can be raisd in time, to garrison the western posts, of which I despair very much. What is done with the Continental State paper issued by your State? Is its redemption provided for, and what credit is it in? I have heard nothing of the Land that was to be located for me, and begin to dispair of its ever taking effect. If any thing is, or is likely to be done, I shall be glad to be 1 Arthur Middleton (1742-1787). 2 John Kean (c. 1756-1795). 3 Thomas Heyward, Jr. (1746-1809). 4 John Baker Holroyd, Earl of Sheffield (1735-1821), whose Observations on the Com- merce of the American States reached a sixth edition in a year. 5 Mary, widow of George Hayley, a merchant of London with American connections. 6 Catherine Macaulay Graham (1731-1791). 242 Warren -Adams Letters [1784 informd of it. A letter for me enclosd to the Chairman of the Committee of Congress, Annapolis will be forwarded to me. Please to present my best respects to Mrs. Warren, and re- member me to your Son, Mr. Bowdoine and Mr. S. Adams. Farewell. 1 A. Lee Abigail Adams to Mercy Warren Auteuil, near Paris, September 5th, 1784 Although I have not yet written to you, be assured, Madam, you have been the subject of some of my most pleasing thoughts: the sweet communion we have often had together, and the pleas- ant Hours I have past both at Milton, and Braintree I have not realized in Europe; I visit, and am visited; but not being able to converse in the language of the Country, I can only silently ob- serve Manners and Men. I have been here so little while that it would be improper for me to pass Sentence, or form judgments of a People from a converse of so short duration, this I may however say with truth that their Manners are totally different from those of our own Country. If you ask me what is the Business of Life here? I answer Pleasure. The Beau Monde you reply; ay, Madam, from the Throne to the footstool, it is the Science of every Being in Paris, and its environs, it is a matter of great Speculation to me, when these People labour. I am persuaded the greater part of these people who crowd the Streets, the publick walks, the Theatres, the Spectacles as they term them, must subsist upon Bread and Water. In London the Streets are also full of People, but their Dress, their Gait, every appearance indicates Business, except upon Sundays, when every Person devotes the Day, either at Church or in walking as is most agreeable to his fancy: but here from the gayety of the Dress, and the Places they frequent I judge Pleasure is the Business of Life, we have no days with us, or rather in our Country by which I can give you an Idea of the 1 A letter from John Adams to James Warren, August 27, 1784, is in Writings of John Adams, ix. 524. 1784] Warren -Adams Letters 2 43 Sabbath here; except Commencement and Election; Paris upon that day pours forth all her Citizens into the environs for the purposes of recreation, we have a Beautiful wood, cut into walks, within a few rods of our dwelling, which upon this Day, resounds with Musick and Dancing, jollity and Mirth of every kind. In this Wood Booths are erected, where cake, fruit, and wine are sold, here Milliners repair with their gauzes, ribbons and many other articles in the pedling Stile, but for other purposes I imagine, than the mere sale of their Merchandize; but every thing here is a sub- ject of merchandize. I believe this Nation is the only one in the world who could make Pleasure the Business of Life, and yet retain such a relish for it, as never to complain of its being tasteless or insipid; the Parisians seem to have exhausted Nature, and Art in this Science; and to be triste is a complaint of a most serious Nature. What Idea my dear Madam can you form of the Manners of a Nation one city of which furnishes (Blush o, my sex when I name it) 52,000 unmarried females so lost to a Sense of Honour, and Shame as publickly to enrole their Names in a Notary Office for the most abandoned purposes and to commit iniquity with im- punity: thousands of these miserable wretches perish annually with Disease and Poverty, whilst the most sacred of institutions is prostituted to unite titles and Estates. In the family of Mon- sieur Grand who is a Protestant I have seen a Decorum and De- cency of Manners, a conjugal and family affection, which are rarely found, where seperate apartments, seperate Pleasures and amusements shew the world that Nothing but the Name is united. But whilst absolutions are held in estimation and Pleasure can be bought and sold, what restraint have mankind upon their Appe- tites and Passions? there are few of them left in a Neighbouring Country amongst the Beau Monde, even where dispensations are not practised, which of the two Countries can you form the most favourable opinion of, and which is the least pernicious to the morals? that where vice is Licenced: or where it is suffered to walk at large soliciting the unwary, and unguarded as it is to a most astonishing height in the Streets of London and where virtuous females are frequently subject to insult, in Paris no TVarren- Adams Letters [1784 244 such thing happens, but the greatest Decency and Respect is shown by all orders to the female Character. The Stage is in Lon- don made use of as a vehicle to corrupt the Morals, in Paris no such thing is permitted, they are too Polite to wound the Ear. in one Country, vice is like a ferocious Beast, seeking whom it may devour: in the other like a subtle Poison secretly penetrating and working destruction, in one Country you cannot travel a mile without danger to your person and Property, yet Publick execu- tions abound; in the other your person and property are safe; executions are Rare, but in a Lawful way , Beware , for with whom- soever you have to deal, you may rely upon an attempt to over- reach you. In the Graces of motion and action this People shine unrivalled, the Theatres exhibit to me the most pleasing amuse- ment I have yet found; the little knowledge I have of the Lan- guage, enables me to judge here, and the actions to quote an old phrase, speak louder than words. I was the other Evening at what is called the French Theatre (to distinguish it from several others) it being the only one upon which tragedies are acted, here I saw a piece of the celebrated Racine, a sacred Drama called Athalia. the dresses were superb, the House Elegant and Beauti- ful, the Actors beyond the reach of my pen. The Character of the high-Priest admirably well supported and Athalia, would have shown as Sophonisba, or Lady Macbeth: if the term shine, may be applied to a Character full of Cruelty and Horrour: to these pub- lick Spectacles (and to every other amusement) you may go, with perfect security to your Person and property; Decency and good order, are preserved, yet are they equally crowded with those of London, but in London, at going in and coming out of the Theatre, you find yourself in a Mob: and are every Moment in Danger of being robbed; in short the term John Bull which Swift formerly gave to the English Nation, is still very applicable to their Man- ners; the cleanliness of Britain joined to the civility and politeness of France, would make a most agreeable assemblage: you will smile at my Choice, but as I am like to reside sometime in this Country, why should I not wish them the article in which they are most deficient. It is the established Custom of this Country for Strangers to 1784] JVarren-Adams Letters 2 45 make the first visit; not speaking the Language lays me under embarassments, for to visit a Lady, merely to bow to her, is pain- ful especially where they are so fond of conversing, as the Ladies here generally are, so that my female acquaintance is rather con- fined as yet, and my residence 4 miles from Paris will make it still more so. There are four American Ladies who have visited me, Mrs. Barclay, 1 with whom I have a Friendship and whom I can call upon at all times without Ceremony, and who is an excellent Lady; a Mrs. Price, a Canadian Lady, Mrs. Valnais, and Mrs. Bingham. 2 Mrs. Bingham is a very young Lady, not more than twenty, very agreeable, and very handsome: rather too much given to the foibles of the Country for the mother of two Children, 3 which she already is. As to politicks, Madam, the world is at Peace, and I have wholly done with them. Your good Husband and mine would speculate upon treaties of Commerce, could they spend their Evenings to- gether, as I sincerely wish they could, or upon what they love better, agriculture, and Husbandry; which is become full as neces- sary for our Country. This same surly John Bull is kicking up the Dust and growling, looking upon the fat pastures he has lost, with a malicious and envious Eye, and though he is offered admission upon Decent Terms, he is so mortified and stomachful, that al- though he longs for a morcel, he has not yet agreed for a single Bite. This Village of Auteuil, 4 where we reside is four miles from Paris, and one from Passy, a very pretty Summer retreat, but not so well calculated for Winter: I fear it will prove as cold as Milton Hill; if I was to judge of the Winters here by what I have experienced of the fall I should think they were equally severe as with us. we begin already to find fires necessary. During the little time I was in England, I saw more of the curiosities of London than I have yet seen of Paris so that I am not able to give you any account of any publick Buildings or 1 Wife of Thomas Barclay, one of the Continental Commissioners for settling accounts in Europe. 2 Anne Willing of Philadelphia. 3 The elder daughter, Anne Louisa, married in 1798, Alexander Baring, later Lord Ashburton (1774-1848), and the younger, Maria Matilda, married (1) James Alexander, comte de Tilly (1764-1816), (2) Henry Baring and (3) the Marquis de Blaisel. 4 See Writings of John Adams , ix. 524. 246 IVarren -Adams Letters [1784 amusements, except the Theatres of which I shall grow very fond, as soon as I am mistress enough of the Language to comprehend all the Beauties of it. there are three theatres in Paris constantly open, but that upon which tragedies are acted is the most pleasing to me. Corneille, Racine, Crebillon and Moliere are very fre- quently given here, upon the Stage the best pronunciation is to be acquired. There is a Mrs. Siddons in London, who is said to be the female Garrick of the present day. I had not the happiness to see her when I was in London, as she was then in Ireland, but I saw no actors upon their Stage, which by any means equal those which I have met with here. The People of this Country, keep up their intercourse with each other by dining together after which they repair to the Theatres and to the publick walks. I sigh (though not allow’d) for my social tea parties which I left in America, and the friendship of my chosen few, and their agree- able converse would be a rich repast to me, could I transplant them round me in the Village of Auteuil, with my habits, tastes and Sentiments, which are too firmly rivetted to change with change of Country or Climate, and at my age the greatest of my enjoyments consisted in the reciprocation of Friendship. How is my good friend Charles? finely recovered I hope. I do not despair of seeing him here, and at this house he may be assured of a welcome whenever he wishes to try the air of France. Gay Harry, has he got more flesh and Health? Grave Mr. George is well I hope, and fixed in some business to his mind. Let not my esteemed Friend the eldest of the Brothers, think I have forgotten or neglected him by naming him last, his tenderness for his Broth- ers, and his better Health will excuse me, if I have been guilty of a breach of order, he will accept my good wishes for his Health and Prosperity without regard to place. Shall I ask General Warren how farming and Husbandry flour- ish; I thought often of him, and the delight he would have received in a Journey from Deal to London, the rich variety of grass and Grain, with which that Country was loaded as I rode through it, ex- hibited a prospect of the highest cultivation, all Nature look’d like a Garden; the Villages around Paris are pleasant: but neither the Land, nor the cultivation equal a neighbouring Nation. 1784] JVarren -Adams Letters 247 When you see our good Friend Madam Winthrop, be pleased to make my regards to her; you will also remember me to your Neighbours at the foot of the Hill; and let me hear from you by every opportunity, as the correspondence of my Friends is the only compensation I can receive for the loss of their Society. Is Polly married? Happiness attend her and her partner if she is. to Mr. and Mrs. Otis, to one and all of my dear Friends be kind enough to remember me; the truth of one Maxim of Roche- foucault I experience “that absence heightens rather than dim- inishes those affections which are strong and Sincere.” December 12th. You will see, my dear Madam, by the date of the above, that my Letter has lain by long, waiting a private con- veyance. Mr. Tracy and Mr. Jackson, design to return to London this week and I shall request the favour of them to take charge of it. Since it was written there have been some changes in the political world, and the Emperor has recalled his Ambassador from the United Provinces. Every thing seems to wear an Hostile Appearance, the Dutch are not in the least intimidated but are determined at all events to refuse the opening of the Scheld to the Emperor, this Court is endeavouring to Mediate between the Emperor and the Dutch, when the affair was to be debated in the Kings Counsel, the Queen said to the Count de Vergennes, “M. le Comte, you must remember that the Emperor is my brother.” “I certainly shall Madam,” replied the Count, “but your Majesty will remember that you are Queen of France.” Thus much for Politicks, you ask about treaties of Commerce. Courts like Ladies, stand upon Punctilios and chuse to be ad- dress’d upon their own ground I am not at Liberty to say more. This is the 12th of December, and we have got an American Snow Storm, the climate is not so pleasant as I expected to find it; I love the cheerful Sun shine of America, and the Clear blue Sky. Adieu my dear Madam. I have so much writing to do, that I am, tho unwillingly obliged to close requesting my Son to copy for me: you will not fail writing soon to your Friend and humble Servant. 1 Abigail Adams 1 The body of the letter is in the writing of John Quincy Adams. A letter from John Adams to Mercy Warren, December 13, 1784, is in Writings of John Adams, ix. 528. 248 J'Varren -Adams Letters [178s James Warren to John Adams Adams mss. Milton, Jany. 28th, 1785 My dear Sir, — I Received your favour of the 27th August sometime ago, and Intended before this to have wrote to you; but want of direct conveyance and some other Circumstances have prevented. I am very Glad to find my Friends so agreeably situated at Auteuil. At the same time the preference given to the Hills of Penn and Neponsit give me an additional pleasure by affording a prospect of once more seeing them in their Neighbourhood. I always feel your Mortification when the reduction of your Sala- ries took place, the measure was unexpected and astonishing. I had never heard of a proposal of the kind and I considered it as a finess under the popular masque of oeconomy to answer particular purposes, which general and good policy would not warrant, my Enquiries have Convinced me of the Justness of my own Senti- ments. I suppose it originated from the then Premier, the King, or Grand Monarch of America, 1 and was designed to get rid of those Men who were Employed abroad, and could not be brought into a support of foreign Measures, and those of the Aristocracy here, which were closely united and made a Common Cause, in support of which the most refined Intrigue has been practised, and at Times and in some Instances deceived and duped some very good Men. I presume our Friend Gerry was in Opposition to this measure, because his Penetration and rectitude has always se- cured him against their Artifice. But this is Conjecture. I have never heard the Matter from him. But I hope this matter will be reconsidered and all honest men have Justice done them. Con- gress seems at present to be well disposed, they have got clear of that sink of Corrupt Influence which so long Contaminated some of their measures, and, God be thanked, have substituted a Board of Treasury in the stead of the super Intendant of Finnance, an Office which made rapid strides to Dominion, and if the cautious Wisdom of R. Island, by Negativing the proposed Impost, had not prevented, would soon have found a King for us. And this 1 Robert Morris. TVarren -Adams Letters 2 49 178s] Board, too, is guarded by a rotation, that best, if not only security (in this stage of Manners more particularly) for public Liberty. Everything that relates to the Movement of Congress you will have more Compleately from the place of their residence than I can give you from here. In this place the System of Politics re- mains much as it has been; the same Imbecility, the same servility and the same Inattention still prevail and are likely to continue. Money is the only object attended to, and the only Acquisition that commands respect. Patriotism is ridiculed; Integrity and Ability are of little Consequence. Foreign Commerce has ex- tended itself beyond its natural supports and, by its Extravagant Imports greatly Exceeding the Exports, drained off all the Money, embarrassed itself, and every other resource of the Country, while Luxury keeps pace with the manners of older and more affluent countries, some checks by the denial of Credit in Europe may give time to the rising Fisheries and other Staples of the Country to form a Ballance to the Evils we now suffer. The Bank here has not been of any service to us. it has rather facilitated the Exporta- tion of Money and Increased the Exorbitancy of Interest, or rather of Usury, which had before reached such a Stage of Enor- mity as would have disgraced the Jewish Usurers in any Country of the world, and must in a short time put an End both to Trade and the Cultivation of Lands. I am always happy to receive your Letters and shall be obliged by any Information of what is passing on the great Theatre of Europe. I shall readily embrace any Opportunity to Inform you of anything you wish to know from here, and shall do it with the Fidelity of the Friendship I profess. . . . J. Warren 29th. Our first Magistrate 1 has this day made a formal Resig- nation. When we shall get another without a new Election I can’t tell. 1 Hancock. 250 IV arren -Adams Letters [1785 John Adams to James Warren Auteuil, near Paris, April 26, 1785 Dear Sir, — I see by the publick Papers that Mr. Hancock has resigned, and I suppose you have just passed through the Bustle of a new Election, it is a question here among us Americans Who? General Warren, Mr Bowdoin, Mr Cushing and General Lincoln, are in nomination. But we cannot elect you know and therefore nobody says who he would vote for. We all agree that there is danger of less Unanimity than in the last. I know so well the In- fluence of Boston that I believe it will be a Boston Man, but which of the two I know not. 1 But to something in which it is more proper for me to inter- meddle. Temple, 2 your Friend, is appointed Consul General, but whether he has yet imbarked for N. York where I suppose his Residence will be I know not. As much depends upon his Char- acter and Conduct, both to Great Britain and America, it is a matter of Importance that he should be well advised, and I believe that no American has more regard for him than you have or more Influence with him. He is not without Knowledge in General and has had peculiar Opportunities for knowing the Commerce of America, and has numerous Acquaintances, some Friends and powerful Connections in America. I believe him to be in general a Well-meaning Man, and if his office depended upon a genteel Behaviour he would be very well qualified. But, he values him- self much upon a Knowledge of Courts which he has not, and he looses himself too much in Ceremonies and Forms to be a great Master of Substance and Essence. He is not a prudent Man, and has the most confused Conceptions of the public opinion and of the Reasonings upon which it is founded, and of the real Springs and motives of Events of any Man of so much sense and experience I ever saw. Such a Character therefore in my Opinion, if his Friends do not advise him, will be in danger of doing much Mischief to the pub- lick altho he may be sure of making his own Career very short. If 1 James Bowdoin was elected governor. 2 John Temple (1732-1798), married in 1767 Elizabeth, daughter of James Bowdoin. 1785] JVarren- Adams Letters 251 he goes on with those Airs of Mystery, and suffers his own Con- duct to be equivocal or liable to two Interpretations, if he enters into personal Disputes without a manifest necessity, or brings on needless questions with Congress or its Members, or the States or Governors, with French or Dutch or other foreign Consults or Ministers, or subjects or starts and presses too hastily, indiscreet Claims for his Master, he will soon destroy himself altho he may previously do great harm. He is now an Englishman, and a servant of his King, let him then make no Pretensions as an American, because they will not be admitted and will only expose him. He must proceed Slowly, Softly and smoothly. He must support the Rights of his Master and the English Nation, but he must allow the Rights of all others. He is now in the right Road. He was the servant of the King and should have always looked to him and him alone for Service, unless he had renounced his Service more decidedly and engaged more clearly than he did against him. My son will deliver you this. He has corresponded for sometime with yours at Lisbon and will give you the News of him. I have seen with Pleasure this Friendship forming, and hope there will be more formed in America between him and the sons of those Persons with whom I have passed my Life in Harmony, and acted in Concert for the Publick. It is long since I had a Letter from you, or Mrs. Warren to whom I pray you to present my best Regards. Mrs. Maccaulay and Mrs. Warren I suppose have compared Notes of the History of Liberty on both sides the Atlantic. By the last Letters from America, it appears probable that the Dr’s Resignation will be accepted; an Event which will make a great Change in our foreign Affairs. No Man that I know would be likely to conduct them better here than his Successor Mr. Jef- ferson. yours, etc., J. Adams JVarren -Adams Letters [1785 252 Mercy Warren to John Adams Adams mss. Milton Hill, April 27th, 1785 I thank you, Sir, for your Favour of the 24th December. I take up my pen to acknowledge it and to Congratulate you on your Domestic Felicity in the last eight months, but shall not direct to you at the pleasant Villa of Auteuil, but to the Court of London, as it is probable before this you and your Family have left the Residence of the distinguished Literati of France, perhaps for the Grotto of Pope, or some more elegant spot immortalised as the abode of British Genius. For whom the Americans have and would long continue a predilection, did not both the ministry and the people practice every method of allienation. Yet possibly more conciliating measures may be adopted before the Negotiation is far advanced. The Mercantile Class are very angry. While the Republic Resents with Dignity the Late Restrictions on commerce, they would be happy to see every Nation in Europe take the same steps, provided we were thereby obliged to live within ourselves (which we can very well do) and had wisdom and Virtue to retain our own principles and manners, independently supporting a Na- tional Character Respected for the Simplicity, Magnanimity and Vigour. But alas! the Weakness of Human Nature. I fear we are already to far advanced in every species of Luxury to Recede, though much more than our political salvation depended on the Reform. An avidity for Pleasure has increased with our Freedom and a thirst of acquisition for its support pushes to the most dangerous Experiments. And though sensible it is owing to the Perversion of Reason, a Corruption of Taste and the Cravings of Artificial Necessity which causes the Restless pursuit of objects seldom attainable. Yet Neither the Reasonings of the Philosopher nor the maxims of Religion will bring back to that Mediocrity which ought to bound the wishes of Man, Either the people or the individual who has tasted the more Refined and Elegant accom- modations of life. But to whom am I writing, this moment cast my eye on a paragraph of yours. “I feel myself disposed to whine like Cicero in Exile.” And is it possible that you, sir, after five or six years 1785] barren - Adams Letters 253 spent in the most splendid Courts in Europe, can look back and sigh for the Retirement and simplicity of Pens Hill, if you Really do I pronounce you a Philosopher of the first Magnitude, and if ever you Volluntarily return to that style, I think you will have a right to stand foremost in the list of Genuine Republicans. You will at least have a right to equal Claim to some deserving Badge Emphatically expressive of ancient Patriotism, as any of the Noble Order of the Cincinnati. I dare not say more than equal least I speak Treason. A late Resignation you have doubtless heard off. And had you been with us when the period of annual Election Revolved, it is probable your Country would have manifested some tokens of Gratitude by giving you their Suffrages for the first office of State. Yet there is no dependence on the popular Voice, there would have been a manoeuvring against it, least you should have held it too long for the convenience of another who means to come in again the next year. There is such a blind Attachment to this man of straw that I have little doubt he will have the opportunity of establishing himself for life — perhaps the power of entailing an Hereditary succession, if that should be the Case many would cry “ Come over into Macedonia and help us,” for I cannot suppose you think we are yet ripe for Monarchic Government. I am very sorry you complain so much of your eyes; yet I dare say your optical Faculties are still strong enough to discover and, I hope, to remove many Political Errors on each side the Atlantic. But why do I spend a Moment on these Subjects. I have not one to loose when Duty does not Direct to some Point of Utility, or the social affections interest from the part those have to act with whom we are tenderly connected. But before I conclude you, sir, will give me leave to observe that I have lived long enough to be convinced that we must pass through the world ourselves in order to know it thoroughly. Neither the Page of History nor the experienced lessons of those who have gone before us can investigate the Character of Man or Develope the Human Mind till we see the Blunders of public and TVarren -Adams Letters [178s 2 54 feel the ingratitude and Baseness of private Men. The one I doubt not you will allways be quick sighted enough to discern; the other I wish you may never be thoroughly taught. For with all your thirst for science you will be Happier to die without the acquirement of this knowledge. I have indeed seen Mrs. Macaulay, she has been treated in Boston and its Environs with every mark of Respect, she is a Lady of most Extraordinary talent, a Commanding Genius and Brilliance of thought, this in my opinion often outruns her ca- pacity of Expression, which is often a little too prolix both in Conversation and Composition; or rather, the Periods are a little too lengthy to please at once. I dare say this will be corrected in future, as one of her American Friends had the Courage to tell her of it. she Replied she believed the observation just, as she had always aimed more at the investigation of truth than the orna- ments of style. But I think in this age of Refinement the Graces of the Letter ought to soften the harshness of the Forms and prevent the mind from Fatigue while listening to the Humiliating story of Human Conduct. We have a subscription out for an American Edition of her History down to 1744. it fills very fast and I dare say will succeed to her Wishes. It was kind in you to wish the World would spread a Vail of Candour over a Circumstance you mentioned. Doubtless that Ladys Independency of spirit led her to suppose she might asso- ciate for the remainder of Life with an inoffensive obliging youth with the same impunity a Gentleman of three score and ten might marry a Damsel of fifteen. Mr. Warren, perhaps, will not write by this ship, we had short Notice. He is going a Journey and the season requires his Care and attention — in his Private Walks. But in whatever Depart- ment or wherever he resides, be assured you have there a Friend. You know his attachments are strong and when he likes or dis- likes, either men or measures, the shaking of a leaf will not alter his opinion. We wish for some of your excellent long Letters, some in that style directed to him at Philadelphia, Depend upon it were not 1785] IVarren -Adams Letters 2 55 useless, either to you or to your Country, though from a Con- currence of Circumstances he was not there. I will not tell you his opinions with regard to our personal situa- tion. He will do it himself ere long. He has wrote you very particularly several times since Mrs. Adams left us. I believe the intercourse will be more secure while you Reside in England — A pleasing Circumstance to your Friends, particularly to yours Respectfully M. Warren John Adams to Mercy Warren Adams mss. Auteuil, May 6, 1785 Madam, — My Son would go home very improperly without a Letter to Mrs. Warren, whose Virtues and accomplishments his Father has so long admired. The time is at length come in which the United States of Amer- ica are to have a Minister at the Court of Great Britain, a time foretold by the Prophets and Seers, and Dreamers of Dreams, but never until very lately stedfastly believed by any to be so near at hand. It is much to be wished that they could have had one to general satisfaction in America, and more Respectable in many Points than the Person on whom the lot has fallen. It is Fortune and Figure, Birth and Grace, Titles and Ribbons, that make Impressions on Courtiers and succeed with the fair, as they say. This is true in a Sense. But how do they succeed? Why, to be earnestly courted to every Ball, every Entertainment, every Horse Race and Gaming Table, and perhaps to receive certain other Favours which shall be nameless, but all this at the Expense of incessant Fatigue and Chagrin, to the consumption of all his Time and an Inattention to Business and neglect of all his Duties. This is a success of which our Country has no occasion and for which her humble Minister has no Ambition. He has not the less Reason, however, to wish that he had more Advantages and better Qualifications for the Service, and above all that he had former Health and better Spirits, since he will probably meet with enough to try the strongest Nerves, if you consider the Groups 256 TVarren -Adams Letters [178s upon Groups of Tories and Refugees in that Country in the Va- riety of their Shapes and shades of their Colours, the Numbers of Emissaries from other parts of Europe, the Concourse of unex- ceptionable Americans, the impassioned English, Scotch and Irish, all watching his Motions and most of them wishing and contriving his Fall. Whatever lustre in the Eyes of some People there may be in the Feather of being the first Minister to England, you, Madam, will easily see that his Situation is more to be dreaded and pitied than envied. All this, however, does not distress him. His Age is too far advanced and his Character too fixed, to have any Apprehension of being drawn into any intentional Fault, or imposed on to betray the Interest of his Constituents. He will therefore have no Penal- ties to apprehend but the loss of his Place, and to this Idea he is perfectly reconciled. When shall I have the Pleasure to hear again of my Friend Warren in public? His Retreat has been a great Mortification and Misfortune to me. Yet I cannot blame him, for I catch myself wishing myself on the next Hill half a dozen times in a day. I hope, however, to hear by some of the next opportunities that he is again called to the Service of his Country. I am anxious to know if Mr. Dana is to be again in public at home or abroad. I hope he will not be suffered to retire too. Our Country has not such Characters to spare from her most important Employments. I promise myself from Mr. Gerry’s Attendance in Congress all those changes for the better in the Management of the general Affairs of the Union, which I have often seen proceed from the Clearness of his Head and the goodness of his heart. I know of scarcely any Man of more Address, more Industry or Persever- ance. He never appeared in Congress without a great Influence. He deserves to stand higher in the Estimation of the Massachu- setts than he has appeared to me at this distance to stand. He has merited more of that State than I am afraid they know of. But I am wandering into Speculations which may be suspected of Impertinence. Be pleased to present my best Respects to Mr. Warren and believe me, with the greatest Esteem, Madam, your most obedient servant. 1785] JVarren -Adams Letters 2 57 Martha Washington to Mercy Warren Mount Vernon, June the 9th, 1785 My Dear Madam, — I had the pleasure to receive your obliging letter of the 14th of april by Mrs. Macauly Graham — the kind expressions of which, added to the recollection of those days in which you honored me with your friendship, fill me with agreeable sensations, and will ever be dear to my remem- brance. I thank you for introducing a lady so well known in the literary world as Mrs. Macauly Graham, whose agreeable company we have had the pleasure of a few days. She now returns to make happy those whom she left. The friendship which subsisted between General Warren and Mr. Washington will never be forgotten by the latter; it was among the first formed, and most lasting at Cambridge, and with equal pleasure would be renewed by him. why it has slept, the general cannot tell, he recollects writing a long letter to Genl. Warren in the year 1779, when the army were Cantoned on the Raritan near Bound Brook in the Jersys. since which, all intercourse by letter has ceased: tho friendship is the same. He joins me in every good wish for you and General Warren, and begs me to add the strongest assurances of the sincear esteem and regard he has for you both. With sentiments of friendship and affection I am, Dear Madam, you obedt. and obliged. M. Washington Catherine Macaulay Graham to Mercy Warren Dear Madam, — I think I hear you say, with all that animated severity which I acknowledge has sometimes offended the delicacy of your friend’s sentiment, Well there is no trusting to the boasted sincerity of that idle Woman, how was I deceived when I be- lieved her capable of the solid qualities of the mind, can patriot- ism dwell in a heart where friendship has no place, with what in- difference of temper does she fly from society to society, pleased U^arren- Adams Letters [1785 258 with the present set of companions regardless of the past, how have I mistaken a plausibility of speech and diction for the real language of the heart. Before you proceed any further in your observations, I must tell you, my Dear friend, that your vivacity has led you into an error that I have never forgotten or remembered with a cold indif- ference the many endearing obligations which we have received from our friends at Milton. That this is absolutely the first moment which I have been able to snatch from a crowd of com- pany or from the fatigue of travelling to express those sentiments of esteem, of friendship, and of gratitude which I have always felt for Mrs Warren. A variety of reasons have at length determined me to give up all thoughts of a subscription for a new publication of my history in this country. The state of my health, inclines me to take the advantage of two or three years’ residence in the mild and steady climate of the South of France and the delicacy of my sentiment urges me to leave my visit to the Americans free and unclogged with any con- siderations of interest. I am informed by Mr. Gerry that your Son is returned from Hispaniola. I flatter myself that your Journey to Plymouth was made with the intention of establishing him in business in this place and consequently that his present state of health is equal to such an undertaking. Had I resided any time in America I should undoubtedly have made Boston the seat of my residence, but as the calls of maternal affection and the interest of our families oblige us to a separate residence in different quarters of the Globe I shall with your leave continue our Epistolary correspondence when I am established in a Domestic way in France. We must now take leave of you, my Dear Madam, as we are on the eve of our departure for France, we must beg the favor of you to preserve us a place in your affection and that you will remember us to the General, to the young Gentlemen of your family, and particularly to our sick friend; we also desire to be remembered particularly to Mr. Russel and his family. The uninterrupted 1785] TVarren -Adams Letters 2 59 kindness and civility we have received from that polite benevo- lent man we shall not easily forget. There are a variety of other people, my Dear Madam, who claim our attention from the civilities we have received from them we must beg of you to dispose of our compliments according to that propriety which is so evident in all your actions. Enclosed you will find a letter from Mrs. Washington. I return you my thanks, Dear Madam, for the very kind remembrance which followed us to Providence. Our reception at Mount Vernon was of the most friendly and engaging kind we spent ten days very happily in one of the sweetest situations on the continent. The opinion we had formed of the illustrious owners was rather improved than lessened by that converse which our situation enabled us to enjoy. I am, Dear Madam, Your Affecnt. and Obednt. Servnt. Cath. Macaulay Graham New York, July 15, ’85. 1 Mercy Warren to John Adams Adams mss. Milton, Sept., 1785 The account of your son’s arrival you will have from himself, the Pleasure his Friends receive from his return you will not doubt, and in every instance where my advice or attention may be either useful or pleasing, be assured I shall treat him as my own, not only from that long Friendship I have felt for his parents, backed by their particular Request, but from the affection I dare say his amiable manners will always secure. That the Dreamers have augured and the Prophets long since foretold Mr. Adams would be the first American minister to the Court of Great Britain, is not more certain than the Gen- eral satisfaction expressed in the Completion of this Event. And though it is a station attended with Difficulty and Fatigue, requiring much Delicacy and address, I have no doubt his abilities 1 A letter from James Warren to Washington, September 2 , 1785, is printed in Corre- spondence of the Revolution, Letters to Washington, iv. 113. 2 6o TVarren -Adams Letters [1785 and Perseverance are adequate to the important trust. Nor will the train of Emmissaries who delight in mischief affect his Repu- tation, Integrity or Vigilance, however Variegated in shape or shaded with such dazzling Light as might put out the Eye of one less firmly attached to the interest of his Country. Yet there are few Characters so impeccable that there is no danger of loosing sight of their patriotism amidst the Golden mists which remarkably pervade a certain Island, speculatists have observed that this shining Fog is more or less apt to injure the Optics of the Greatest Politicians and statesmen. But neither Balls, nor Birth days, or the Nameless Favours that the Digni- fied splendor of either sex can bestow will, I trust, influence the Probaty of a Gentleman who long Braved the ordeal trial (even in the purlieus of a Brilliant Court), and that has stood the test for more than seven years amidst jarring Factions on each side the Atlantic, that would equally have rejoiced in his Fall. I cannot see anything you, sir, have to dread from a late appointment. Nor have I penetration to discover anything piti- able in your situation. As to Envy I cannot be so explicit, it is a kind of canker worm that Generally crawls round the loftiest Branches and Grows meagre in the innutritious soil that Genders it. it is a Reptile that may infest but seldom destroy the Heart of Oak, and while you enjoy the Dignity of office may self- approbation ever counterbalance the Malignancy of Rivalships. These may weaken the Hands but seldom depress the Heart of true Magnanimity. Your next question is, when shall I again see my Friend Warren in public life. I answer, when Republics are Famed for their Gratitude and the Multitude learn to Discriminate; when they more Respect their Real Friends than they admire the popular Demagogue or the lukewarm adherents to public liberty, who have sacrificed nothing in the Cause and held the powerful Bal- lance of Wealth, which in all Countrys outweigh the shining quali- ties of Honest patriotism, and not before. He has never retreated from the service of his Country. Particular Circumstance which, I dare say, Mr. Adams would have thought weighty, led him at a certain period to decline several Honorary offices, this his En- 1785] JVarren- Adams Letters 261 emies have industriously improved to prevent his Re-election, While his independency of spirit, supported by the Rectitude of his intentions, never suffered him to make the smallest Exertions to counteract. Yet Notwithstanding his fondness for private life, if his Country should ever again require his services, Depend upon it he will step forth with the same indefatigable Zeal and Integrity that has hitherto distinguished his Character. Mr. Dana is appointed one of the Judges of the Supreme Court. Mr. Warren bids me tell you he thinks this the only Circumstance that marks with any degree of Reputation the administration of Hancock. Mr. Gerry will not be eligable by the Confederation as a Delegate to Congress after November. I wish his Country- men may never forget his Merits. But if his Happiness depended on their Favour, probably he might long pursue without ever overtaking the Phantom. But I have Reason to believe he means in future to build on the more solid Base of Domestic Felicity. I fear your very eligable situation at the Court of London will Hush every Future sigh for the silent Hills in the Neighbourhood of Tremont, and, perhaps before you return to your Native Land, your Friends, who now ardently wish for your smiles, may stand in the Presence of a Monarch Infinitely superior to the Bustling potentates of this spot [?] of Creation. Shall I ask the Favour of you, sir, to transmit by some safe Conveyance the enclosed to your young Friend in Lisbon, and shall I ask you if there is a Probability of a treaty with portugal. Nothing would have induced this young Gentleman to have fixed himself in a Country where the Religion, the Manners, and the Government are so different to the liberal Ideas in which he has been educated, but the promise of a consular appointment from many of the most Respectable Members of Congress. He has been long kept in suspence, because Congress do not appoint where no treaties are Formed, and, perhaps, there may yet be time for you to give a hint in his Favour, if you think his Merits and his Father’s services deserve this small Consideration. I know you must be sensible this uniform Patriot has long laboured in the arduous struggle for the liberties of his Country: without any Emolument either of Honour or Profit to Himself or his 262 TVarren -Adams Letters [1785 Family, a small appointment in a distant Country to an amiable son is a very inadequate Compensation for his Fatigues and his sufferings. You will excuse this Freedom of Communication from one who subscribes very Respectfully your Friend and Humble Servant M. Warren James Warren to John Adams Adams mss. Milton, Septem. 4th, 1785 Dear Sir, — When I used to be in Company with the Prophets and the Dreamers of Dreams, I could hardly realize that I should ever have the Honour and Pleasure of corresponding with an Ambassador at the Courts of Versailles, or London, and yet this Event among many other strange ones has taken Place. I re- ceiv’d a few Days ago by the Hand of your admirable Son, yours dated Auteuil, April 26th, and know no Reason why I may not expect very soon another from London of a later Date, as the Publick Intelligence announces your Arrival there, with many Circumstances which indicate a Residence for some Time. How many Difficulties you will have to Combat in this new Employ can’t easily be foreseen, while it is pretty clear you will have some, but I hope they will not be insurmountable to those Abilities and Experience which have already triumph’d over so many. We have got through the Bustle of a new Election and after much Difficulty the Choice fell where probably you would have plac’d it. Mr. Bowdoin was chose by the two Houses and all is Peace, Tranquillity and Satisfaction. Mr. Hancock’s Influence, which was great, was in favour of Cushing, more probably to keep a Door open for Himself at another Election, and by that means retrieve the Mistake he made in his Resignation, than from any other Principle. All other Parties were obliged to unite to defeat his Purposes, and he at last in Despair of his main Design, gave out that he did not care who was chose if it was not the Man on Milton Hill. If Ambition was my ruling Principle, and I was a 1785] TVarren -Adams Letters 263 Politician, I should have shaken Hands with this mighty man; but as it is I will still be honest and continue to despise his Caprice, Incapacity, and Indolence, and do every Thing I can to prevent his again having it in his Power to disgrace this Government by an Administration of Imbecility and weakness, and if I enjoy none of the Honour and Emoluments of a Government, my vigor- ous Zeal and Steadiness for many Years had some Share in obtain- ing, I will be satisfied if the Man on Bacon-Hill does not. however, he has gain’d tho’ at a second or third Voting a Choice of a Dele- gate, and has now in View the Presidency of Congress, he may get it; my Fears make me think it probable, while my Hopes blast his Expectations. Mr. Temple has not yet arrived and when he does I don’t know that my Regard for Him or Influence with Him will be so great as you seem to imagine. I was of Opinion that he was us’d ill by some People in this Country, and so far as Justice requir’d espous’d his Cause, while in general I agreed with you in the Character given of Him. His being a well-meaning Man, as you express it, cover’d a Number of Faults and engag’d me in the Line of conduct I observ’d. His present Employment has decided his Pretensions with Regard to America, and he should in future be unequivocally the faithful Servant of the King of Great Britain, and if I have any Influence I shall, when Opportunity presents, use it to make him as prudent as he should be faithful. The Doctor’s Resignation has been accepted and it is said he is on his Way to America. If his Letters and his Measures were Inimical to you in Europe, you may expect the same Line of Conduct will be pursu’d Here with more Facility than there, but perhaps with as little Success. Your Son has visited me twice. Yesterday he din’d with me. I am much pleased with him and shall take Pains to cultivate a Friendship between Him and my Sons; from the Intimacy and confidence that has subsisted between the Fathers and the Mothers it seems a very natural one. he has promised to continue his Correspondence with Winslow and to visit us often. Tom I have not seen lately, but my favorite Charles spent a Night or two with us after Commencement. I would have them all con- TVarren -Adams Letters [1785 2 64 sider this as one of their Homes. I will say nothing to you of Congress. You have everything from them at first Hand. The foolish Extravagance of this Country has involved us in Confu- sion and Distress; when or how we shall be extricated I don’t know, the Evil seems to be out of the Reach of present (Economy or Frugality. The Scarcity of Money is beyond your Conception. Trade is stagnated, Lands will not sell. No Improvements can be made in Agriculture or Manufactures. Bankruptcies, and unex- pected ones too, are Common. No Man can pay his Debts, and if the Moderation or good Policy of the Creditors does not prevent, Anarchy may be the Consequence. The late Acts of this Govern- ment laying enormous Duties and Illiberal Restrictions on other Foreigners besides British, as well as absurd ones on their own Trade, increases the Confusion and Distress. When are we to expect the Completion of any Commercial Treaties and how does the Government of Britain seem dispos’d? Will you tell me? Mrs. Warren has not been well for some Time, has wrote you lately and intends writing to Mrs. Adams by this Opportunity if possible. Present my best Regards to Mrs. Adams, my Love to Nabby. I wish her in every Stage and Connection of Life all that Happiness her Amiable Qualities and Accomplish- ments entitle her to. Your Friend, etc 1 J. Warren James Warren to Elbridge Gerry Milton, Octr. 4th, 1785 My dear Sir, — The Time approaches when you must leave Congress, however Contrary it may be to the Interest and wishes of your Constituents. When your Successors arrive at Congress, especially if H[ancock] is one of them, and more especially if he obtains the presidency, there will probably be an End of Winslow’s Expectations. It always appeared to me a singular Resolution, that no Consuls should be appointed where there were no Com- mercial Treaties; and if it can be supported as a good general 1 The body of the letter is in another hand. 1785] IVarren -Adams Letters 265 Rule, it should like other general rules be subject to some Excep- tions, and Consuls appointed where the Trade was large, and the National disposition favourable. This is now the Case of Portu- gal, and besides we can hear of no kind of Obstacle to a Treaty, and yet none is made. It is a matter of Speculation here, why in the Course of more than 12 Months since Mr. Jefferson’s Arrival, not one such Treaty has been made, especially when every Body is willing. Mr. Adams is gone to Britain. Mr. Jefferson remains at the Court of France. Dr. Franklin is retd, to America. Who is now to compleat this great Business, is another question that I am not able to answer, and if it is never done, are no Consuls to be appointed? Winslow would be much obliged by a Line from you. and I dare say frequent Oppys. present from New York. Mr. Low Corresponds with him, and will forward it without any trouble to you. I have not a word of News, not even Tittle Tattle to give you. H has got the Gout; whether it is a political, or natural fit, I dont know. If the former, he may have some reason to despair of the Presidency, and may wrap up in Baze, as a pre- paratory to a resignation when the Court meets. If every Body loved him as I do, they would save him that trouble, and excuse without the Expence of a single peice of Baze. I suppose by this Time Mr. Temple may be with you. He is now decidedly the Servant of the British King, and should be allowed to pursue his Interest. I hope prudence will direct him to pursue it smoothly and softly, without any disagreable Altercations with Congress, or any of the United States, or with any foreign Consuls or Ministers. So shall his days be long in the Land of his Nativity. Will you make my regards to your two Brethren, to your Presi- dent and to my Friend Doctor Lee, and beleive me to be Yours sincerely, J. Warrek I think a very singular Character is sent here to settle the marine Accounts. He is dark, reserved, disgusts every Body, affronts or ill treats all, is abused in return, and bears it as a dull Horse does a whip. His whole Time seems to be spent in finding, or makeing difficulties where there are none, and his motive, if I can trace it, IVarren -Adams Letters [1785 266 is to Continue in office. You may rely on it he will not finish this Business this six Years to come in the way he is in, and a Man of Abilities well disposed might do it in 3 Months. I sus- pect by way of Apology for himse[lf] he will represent our Accounts as irregular and Incompleat; but I can shew they are as much to the Contrary as the nature of things could admit off. James Warren to John Adams Adams mss. Milton, Octo. 6th, 1785 Dear Sir, — I wrote you very lately and very largely, without any interested views but what arise from the pleasure of Cor- responding with a Man whose Confidence and Friendship I have long experienced and wish to continue. The design of this is to engage your Interest in a matter which I wish exceedingly to accomplish. Applications to great Men are Taxes which they must submit to. Your rank and Influence and the Claim I have on your Friendship are the only Apologies I shall make. I shall say nothing of the qualifications and Merits of my son Winslow. You know him and I flatter myself from some Circumstances that you have already formed a favourable Opinion of them. He went to Lisbon with great and well-founded Expectations of being appointed the Consul there, and still remains there with such Expectations. Congress have delayed the Appointment until a Commercial Treaty should be formed, by a Letter from my friend Gerry last Evening I am Informed they now have it in Contemplation and probably will appoint the foreign Ministers and Consuls General, and leave the Appointment to the several Ports with them, and that Lisbon will fall into the department of Mr. Jefferson. Will you write to him and use your Influence to gratify me in the Acquisition of this small favour, if the profits of the office should not be large, it will give him Consequence, and assist him in his other Business. A disappointment would mortify and injure the feelings of a young Man, as well as give a Triumph to my Enemies after the matter has been so long talked of. I think I have done some services to my Country and had a con- 1785] IVarren -Adams Letters 267 siderable Share (I mean for an Individual) in the American Revo- lution. if Winslow succeeds it will be the only reward to and the only place at present held or expected by any of the Family. You will make my sincere regards to Mrs. Adams and Love to Nabby, and believe me to be as usual with great Esteem your Friend, etc. J. Warren James Warren to Elbridge Gerry Milton, Octr. 9th, 1785 My dear Sir, — Since my last which went by the Monday’s Post, I am honoured by your Friendly and polite favour of the 27th Ulto. by which I learn that Congress are in a way to adopt a Mode for the Appointment of Consuls. Whether the Mode be so consistent with propriety, or dignity, as a direct one by them- selves, is a subject out of the reach of a Plebean, occupied in the manureing and culture of the Field, but I think a Ploughman may discern that it is better than none, and therefore I hope it will succeed. I have taken your advice and wrote to Mr. Jefferson, and have engaged some of my Friends here to do it. I request my Friend Gerry to Interest himself in the same way; he is always the first on my List, my Opinion of his Abilities and Generosity have placed him there, and if that Situation gives him much Trouble, it at the same time gives me much confidence and pleasure, if the President, and any other Gentleman of Congress, will write in Winslow’s favour, they would oblige me. I asked the favour of the G[overnor], the only favour I ever did, or will ask of one. he replied that he wished it to succeed, but that he had never corresponded. I dare say this is all true, but yet it was a strange Answer from a Man whose rank Intitled him to write to any Body, but it is characteristic, how much is a Man’s Friendship to be Coveted, or his Enmity dreaded, who does not feel that Ardent Animating Glow, unrestrained by Timid Cautious Moderation, which will force him, as it were Mechanically to stretch out his Arm to serve a Friend, or blast an Enemy. 268 IVarren -Adams Letters [1785 I think the Exchange you mention, will be a good one, but I am intirely in your sentiment with regard to the residence of foreign Ministers here. The Addresses you mention, and the Anecdotes are Curiosities I wish to see. My Compliments to all my Friends. I am Yours most Assuredly, J. Warren John Adams to Mercy Warren Grosvenor Square, Deer. 12, 1785 Madam, — I am much obliged to you for your Letter and refer you to General Warren for what respects your son. You suppose my present situation to be eligible and I confess it. I have it in my Power here to enjoy the society of Persons of great Worth, and if I please of high Rank, and if our publick Affairs here went well, I should not desire a better situation, but they do not. A Lady, who was born at Gibraltar, came to England and Married a Man of Merit, Fortune and Rank. She had every Thing which this Country affords, to make Life agreable. Yet she used to say, it was true, that England was very clever, but it was nothing to be compared to Gibraltar]. If the Circumstance of Birth and Education could give such an Attachment to that Barren Rock, it is not surprizing that I should be fond of my barren Mountain. Yet the World would laugh at me as well as the Lady of Gibraltar. I have been so long agitated in the World, and puzzled with Business, that indeed I dont know, whether I should feel my Existence at Braintree, and My Eyes and my Health will not admit of Reading or Writing by Candle Light, so that I should want Amusement of Evenings, but the Care of a Farm, and Books and Papers in the Day, would Serve me very well, and as far as I can judge of my own Inclinations I had rather live in that Retire- ment, for my personal Enjoyment, upon one hundred a Year than at any Court in Europe upon five Thousand. It may be depended on then that I have no dread upon my Mind of being obliged to return and plant Cabbages at the foot of Penns hill. 1786] JVarren -Adams Letters 269 The Dismall Accounts of the Misfortunes and Afflictions of our Friends in America, distress Us a good deal, but the Jewish av- arice in the Loan of Money, which We hear of, much more. While such Interest can be obtained, much Property will be diverted from Trade. But this must have an End. The great Fish will have eaten all the little ones, and then they must look out for other Prey. The Multiplicity of Law Suits, is much like what I remember after the Peace of 1763, but when a certain Quantity of Property had shifted hands they diminished, it is generally agreed that our People have been imprudent and extravagant, but I hope that Profligacy and want of Principle have not taken any deep root. I wish it were in my Power to comfort them with any hopes of relief from this Country, but it is not. There is, instead of any Consideration of our Losses, Inconveniences, or Distresses, a visible and indecent Joy at all the Accounts of them. If Revenge is sweet our People will have it, in a few years, but that is no rational Consolation. Captain Stanhope’s Letters to the Governor, are by no means approved at this Court, as Congress will be informed Officially before this reaches you. With the greatest Esteem and respect I have the honour to be, Madam, your sincere Friend and humble servant, John Adams Nathaniel Gorham to James Warren New York, March 6, 1786 Dear Sir, — Your esteemed favour of the nth ulto. reed, and would observe in answer to the first part of it, that the Board of Treasury have (by order) laid before Congress a plan for expedit- ing the settlement of the public Accounts 1 by which plan four or five thousand dollars will be Annually saved, and Mr. Pennet will consiquently be discharged, and some other Person employed for a short time to bring the accounts in that quarter to a close, but the great inattention and negligence of the States with regard 1 Journals of the Continental Congress, March 24, 1786. IVarren -Adams Letters [1786 270 to their representation renders it impossible for Congress to pass upon this report and various other matters in which the wellfare of the Union is deeply interested — it being a money matter there being only seven States represented, R. Island Connecticut Dela- ware Maryland North Carolina and Georgia being absent, indeed the principle of the confederation as it respects representation and the mode of voting is calculated to encourage delinquency, there is no reason that Rhode Island, Delaware and Georgia should have equal weight in the federal councills with Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Virginia, and if the representation had been apportiond according to numbers or property, and a suitable quorum established and the major vote to determine questions, this inattention would not exist, but as unanimity is now neces- sary upon the most trivial questions we feel all the inconveniences of the liberum Veto of a Polish Diet, the applications from our foreign creditors are of such a nature as to make a deep impression with Congress and they have thought it their duty again to call the consideration of the States to the subject of an Impost, more especially as the situation of N. York enables them so to Tax their Neighbours of Connecticut and N. Jersey as to creatte such a temper in those States as will greatly weaken if not destroy the Union. The Assembly of N. Jersey have lately entered into a resolution that they will not comply with the last or any future requisition of Congress untill N. York gives up their Impost or applys it for the general purposes of the Union, indeed there is nothing but the restraining hand of Congress, (weak as it is), that prevents N. Jersey and Connecticut from entering the lists very seriously with N. York and bloodshed would very quickly be the consiquence. but however N. Jersey may suffer by her paying taxes, for N. York her refusal to comply with the requisition is unjustifiable, and unless she recinds her resolution must work the end of all federal Government. Congress sent an express to demand an attested copy of the resolution, he returned with it last night, tomorrow it will be very seriously considered, but as N. Jersey is one of the seven States now on the floor they may perhaps embarras Congress in their proceedings, they have how- ever wrote in the most pressing manner for the attendance of the 1786] JVarren -Adams Letters 271 delinquent States. Congress yesterday agreed on another applica- tion to the States on the subject of Commerce, it is plain from the whole tenor of Mr. Adams’ letters, that unless Congress possess the power of restricting the British trade there is no probability of his being able to do any thing to purpose with that Court. I will endeavor as far as I am able to have an equitable adjustment of your account, we do not get any account of the President’s state of health, we are therefore intirely at a loss when to expect him. Your Son Mr. Warren being returnd to Boston I inclose some letters which I red. under cover for him. please to make my best respects to Mrs. Warren and be assured that I am with esteem and regard your most Humble Servant, Nathaniel Gorham James Warren to John Adams Adams mss. Milton, April 30th, 1786 Dear Sir, — I was a few days ago honoured with your favour of the 12th of Deer. I am much obliged to you for your Attention to my Son and your favourable, if not partial, Opinion of the Merits of his Family. Winslow left Lisbon and returned Home last fall, after a disagreeable residence there for more than Twelve months at a great Expense, fully convinced of the futility of Court promises, which his former Experience could no longer justify any future dependence upon, it has been my Opinion that Consuls should be appointed in several of the European Ports, and particularly at Lisbon, where we have had a great Trade till interrupted by the Algerine Corsairs, no resource is so natural and beneficial for the supply of that great Branch of Business, the Fishery, as the Trade with Lisbon and Cadiz, and I can scarcely conceive how it can be supported without it, unless by a depend- ence on foreigners for the Importation, which must defeat all the policy of our Navigation Acts, however founded in Policy or (Economy. How we are to be relieved from the Injury of those Pirates I am at a loss to determine, their Generosity will not do it and our Poverty cant, and if it is not done the Fishery and Trade 272 IVarren -Adams Letters [1786 must be depressed and discouraged. You who are acquainted with the Means the Agents to Algiers are possessed of can Judge of their prospects of Success. I can only wish them Success. I can form some Idea of the difficulty and delay of your Treaties which render their Completion uncertain even to the best Informed. The Trade with Britain, if it has been attended with the same loss and disappointment to them, has almost ruined us, and with their own Conduct may Justify a severe Navigation Act with regard to them, but I am not so well satisfied of the .propriety of it with regard to any other Nation, tho’ I think the policy of the French in their duty on our Fish and the Bountys on their own very absurd. I wish I could see for the Benefit of Mankind a fair Experiment made of a Government supported without Duties or Bounties, at least that they should operate only as prohibitions or severe restrictions, without any regard to a revenue, in that case even those in question might not have existed. if our Oil can find a Market in France it will, I think, disconcert the views of the British Ministry and be very advantageous to us as well as to the Commerce of France. I took great pains to impress the Marquiss de Fayate with proper Sentiments on that subject when here last, and have reason from his Letters to sup- pose it has had a good Effect. I know you wish to be Informed of the situation of your be- loved Country, it would give me pleasure to gratify you. in former Times, when you was absent, I used to attempt it; but it is now so novel and so extraordinary that I dare not undertake the Task. The constant drain of Specie to make remittances for Baubles Imported from England is so great as to occasion an extream Scarcity. Commerce is ruined and, what is worse, the husbandry and Manufactures of the Country cannot be supported, the only Branch of Business that promises any Success is the Fishery, and that is greatly Injured from the same Cause. No Debts can be paid, or Taxes collected, the first are severely de- manded by multiplied Law suits; the last are become more necessary than ever by the wants of the public. Our General Court sets often and long, do little and give no satisfaction to their Constituents. Paper Money, Tenders of Lands, etc., sus- 1786] TVarren -Adams Letters 2 73 pension of Law processes, and a variety of Expedients are pro- posed and nothing adopted. A total Change in principles and Manners, Interest is the great Object, the only Pursuit, and Riches only respected, everything seems verging to confusion and anarchy and certainly great Wisdom and Address are necessary to prevent it. Our Elections have been much the same this as the last Year, indeed when a Man is once in it is for Life. A repetition annually is nugatory, few attend the Meetings and hardly one inquired further than who was in last and vote for him again without the trouble of recuring to Principles, or tracing Conse- quences. Be assured no Body can wish you and Family more happiness, or desire more to see you in the Vicinity than your Friends on Milton Hill, make our Compliments to Mrs. Adams and Love to Nabby. I am your Friend and Servant, Jas. Warren Will you give me your Opinion of the Encyclopedia and whether it be worth purchasing. if it would not be an Impertinent request to a Minister of State, I would ask the favour to send me the Gent’n pocket Farrier and Trusler’s practical Husbandry. 1 I will pay the Cost to your order here. R. Baldwin Pater Noster Row. A Charming Enthusiasm is prevailing for Agriculture. Abigail Adams to Mercy Warren London, May 24, 1786 My dear Madam, — The affliction under which you are now laboring has been protracted to a much longer period, than I feard when I first left America, it was then I Buried the Dear and amiable youth, 2 for whose loss your maternal Bosom heaves the sad sigh, and over whose urn, all who knew him must drop a tear of affectionate remembrance. 1 John Trusler (1735-1820), whose Practical Husbandry was first published in 1780. 2 Charles Warren, who died at St. Lucar. Verses by the mother are in her Poems, 240. 274 IVarren -Adams Letters [1786 Long at his couch Death took his patient Stand And menanc’d oft and oft withheld the blow To give reflection time with lenient art Each fond Delusion from his Soul to steal Teach him from folly peaceably to part And wean him from a World, he lov’d so well nor were the admonitions given in vain, the last visit which I made him I saw in his languid countanance, the Smile of compla- cent resignation to the will of Heaven. What ever farce the Boastfull Hero plays Virtue alone has Majesty in Death. Be this your consolation that tho young in Years, he was mature in virtue, that he lived beloved and died lamented, and who that lives to riper years can ensure more to themselves. Let not the popular torrent which at present sets against your worthy partner distress you, time will convince the World who are their approved and unshaken Friends, whatever mistaken judgments they at present form. I foresaw this when I so ear- nestly pressd the General to accept his last appointment and attend Congress, if only for a few Months. all that is well intended is not well received, the consciousness of doing our Duty is however a support, but the designing Jack- daw will sometimes borrow the plumes of the Jay and pass him- self off to those who judge only by appearances. you appear to think your Friend at the height of prosperity, and swallowed up by the Gayetyes of Europe, but the estimate is far from the truth. I am much less addicted to them than most of my fair countrymen whom I have left behind me. I do not feel myself at all captivated, either with the Manners or politicks of Europe I think our own Country much the happiest spot upon the Globe, as much as it needs reforming and amending. I should think it still happier, if the inclination was more wanting than the ability, to vie with the Luxeries and extravagance of Europe. Be so good my dear Madam as to present my best respects to your worthy partner, and affectionate remembrance to your Sons, and be assured I am at all times Your Friend. Abigail Adams 1 786 ] TVarren -Adams Letters 2 IS John Adams to Mercy Warren Adams mss. London, May 24, 1786 Madam, — I this day received your favor of April 8th and sin- cerely condole with you under the loss of your amiable son. These afflictions are the lot of humanity and so little of the system of which we are a part is submitted to our view, that as we never can discover the reasons of them, they are left only to our Reflec- tions and submission. My situation would be eligible to the height of my wishes, if I saw a disposition in this Country friendly to mine, or even friendly to their own true Interests, but the fact is far otherwise. To see as I do the affairs of my Country everywhere laboring under embarrassments, to know that thousands are looking up to me for relief from their distresses, and to have no power to do the least thing for their assistance, is painful beyond all expression. You speak of honors, Madam; but what honors have been de- creed to me? Do you suppose I am honored in this Country? The Refugees indeed honor me now and then, as you see in the news- papers. You speak of affluence too. If I were my own master and could I spend what is allowed me as I should choose, I should live in affluence indeed; but when you consider that I have a Rank to support here that I hold in trust for others, and that this Rank cannot be let down, without betraying that trust, you may de- pend upon it, I am driven to my wits’ ends for means. I know of no change at Braintree or Weymouth in their politi- cal friendships, but one thing I know, that a good Profession, or even trade, is better for the Individual than all Politicks. Our Country will do like all others — play their affairs into the Hands of a few cunning fellows, and leave their faithful servants to close their long glories with a sigh to find the unwilling Gratitude of base mankind. Yet I don’t wholly approve this sentiment. Human nature is not ungrateful. But while many rate their merits higher than the truth, it is almost impossible that the public mind should be exactly informed to whom they are really obliged. Real services are never held out to view. The modesty of the JVarren -Adams Letters [1786 276 individual, the Jealousy of Rivals, or the public Interest, require that they should be concealed. Do you wonder then that osten- sible pageants should be adored, while those who moved the springs are neglected. I expect my turn and am prepared for it in my own mind. My family and circumstances are not prepared for it by any means. Yet they must come to it — I always foresaw it and shall meet it firmly. At least I believe so. I wish my friend Warren in public Life, because I know he would be useful there. But his numerous refusals I am informed are made use of against him, and I really fear will prevail. I expect to be myself in private Life very soon and in his neighborhood, and I don’t despair of going even sometimes to Plymouth inferior Court to get my bread and my boys thro’ the Colledge. The young Rogues shall not be disappointed of their Education, if I am obliged to draw Justice’s writs to attain it. I am obliged in Europe to spend immense sums in support of dignity, but I’ll be hanged if I trouble my head about it in private Life in America. I am, Madam, your J. Adams John Adams to James Warren London, July 4, 1786 Dear Sir, — Your Favour of 30. April, is arrived. I am sur- prized to read in your Letter that “our Poverty can’t relieve Us from the Piracies of the Algerines.” Are the thirteen United States then not worth two or three hundred Thousand Guineas? Sup- pose they borrow it at Six per Cent, there will be Eighteen thousand Guineas to pay yearly. We now loose a Million sterling a Year, by this War. Are we able to loose a Million and not pay Eighteen Thousand Pounds? Give Congress Power and let them lay on Duties upon Imports or Exports upon thirteen states sufficient to pay this Interest and you may borrow the Money. But I never heard or read of Sluggards, who saw so many fan- tastical Lions in the way, as our People appear to have seen since the Peace. 1786] IVarren -Adams Letters 277 Our Oil may find a Market in every City where a Lamp is burn’d in the night, if our Merchants will take Pains by Samples and Experiments to Shew the Inhabitants the Superior Qualities of our Sperma Ceti Oil. The Picture you draw of the Ruin of the Country is horrible. Bad as it may be, Paper Money or a suspension of Law Processes, I will venture to say would make it much worse. I cannot be of your opinion that there is a “total Change in Principles and manners” nor that “Interest is the only Pursuit,” nor that “Riches only are respected.” If you look back to the year 1760 and from thence to 1774, you will find that Interest was courted and Riches respected, by as many, as they were during the War, and during the War by as many, as since the Peace, as great a Number of Men of Merit, who are poor are respected now, as were respected at any time since our Memory, it is most certain that our Countrymen, are not and never were, Spartans in their Con- tempt of Wealth, and I will go farther and say they ought not to be. Such a Trait in their Character would render them lazy Drones, unfit for the Agriculture Manufactures Fisheries, and Commerce, and Population of their Country: and fit only for War. I am never apprehensive of Anarchy, because I know there is Wisdom and Address enough to prevent it. All Things must tend to restore publick Faith and Confidence. The Debt must be funded and the Interest paid. This will put an End to that Speculation in public Paper, which now employs all the Capitals, and produce a Circulation that will relieve every Distress. The Encyclopaedia is a valuable Collection of Knowledge and worth the Money. The Gentleman’s Pocket Farrier and Trusler’s practical Husbandry, I will endeavour to send you. You may pay Dr. Tufts for them. The Enthusiasm for Agriculture like Virtue will be its own Reward, may it run and be glorified. I have given my Daughter 1 to Col. Smith, 2 a Man of Merit formed in the School of his Countries Afflictions. I shall want her Company, in my old Age, but the Conveniences of Parents are 1 Abigail Adams (1765-1813). 2 William Stephens Smith (1755-1816). 278 barren -Adams Letters [1786 not the principal Points to be consulted, in the Marriages of Children. The young Couple appear to be very happy, and may they continue so as long as they live. To return to Politicks, our Countrymen are not yet informed of the magical Effects of Circulation, and of the ruin of Stagnation. Stagnation must exist and Circulation can never take place in Society where there is not Confidence of the Members in the Public and in one Another. This Confidence never will be restored, untill the Debt is funded and all Apprehensions of Paper Knavery is annihilated The only Way and the effectual Way to restore our affairs is for every Wise and good Man to Unite in restoring Confidence in the Public. With great Esteem and regard, I am, dear Sir, your most obe- dient and humble Sert., John Adams James Warren to John Adams Adams mss. Milton, Octo. 22d, 1786 My dear Sir, — A few days since I had the pleasure of receiv- ing yours of the 4th July. You think the picture I gave you in my last too high wrought; You cannot be of my Opinion that there is here a total Change in Principles and Manners, nor that Interest is the only pursuit and that Riches only are respected. Your distance will not permit you to form your Opinion from your own Observation. Your partiality for your Country Inclines you to more favourable Accounts and that Patriotism which I revere exhibits to your Imagination more agreable Colours and like self Love hides those deformities which disgust and give pain. I sincerely wish that the present situation of the Country was such as to Justify your partiality and wishes, and to Condemn any picture and the Opinion and Apprehensions I expressed to you, but unhappily it does not. We are now in a State of Anarchy and Confusion bordering on a Civil War. The General Court at their last Session could not, or would not, see the general Uneasiness that threatened this Event, however, they did not provide for the 1786] IVarren- Adams Letters 2 79 public Tranquility during their recess, but dosed themselves into an unusual Adjournment for six or seven months. They have been called to meet on the present Occasion sooner than the Time ad- journed to; have set near a Month without any Appearance of that Wisdom and Address necessary to redress the unhappy Situa- tion we are fallen into. I do not say that they are Incompetent to the Business before them, or that the State of things is Incapable of redress; but it is possible (at least) that they should set till next Election without devising the mode of doing it. The Papers will Inform you that the Three upper Counties (and Bristol is not much better) have refused submission to the Government estab- lished by the Constitution and Obedience to the Laws made under it; that is, they have violated their Compact and are in a State of Rebellion, while the three Eastern Counties are petitioning to be separated from us and formed into a new Government of their own Construction. These are very singular Events, which must have been produced by some singular Causes; if they are the natural Consequences of that state of things I described in my last, you will not think my picture more horrible than the reality. I have long been mortified by the Imbecility and Inattention with which our public Affairs have been Conducted, it is probable that when I wrote that Letter I felt also some Indignation. I claim a right to express it to you. my small Efforts were Joined with yours and others for many Years in raising a Glorious Fabrick on Foundations that should have been as permanent as Time, but suffered to fall into ruin in less than half the Time it took to build it. I feel for the Character of the Country. I am mortified at the Triumphs of our Enemies. I am sorry for you, who must from your situation be peculiarly exposed to them. I wish everything may be so Conducted as to restore Order and submission to Government; but I fear it will be some time first. The Scarcity of Money is a great Obstacle and the folly and Extravagance that made it scarce in a great degree remains. I am acquainted with Coll. Smith’s Character, tho’ I have not the pleasure of knowing his Person. I am glad you have given your Daughter to a man of so much Merit. Please to give her my Blessing and good Wishes. Mrs. Warren desires her regards to be Joined with mine to Mr. JVarren -Adams Letters [1787 280 and Mrs. Adams and Mr. and Mrs. Smith. I am with great Esteem and regard your most obedt. Humble Servt. James Warren 26th. I have just heard that the Supream Court are setting at Taunton, supported by 450 of the Militia which proved a stronger Body than the Mob mustered to prevent it. John Adams to James Warren Grosvenor Square, Jan. 9, 1787 Dear Sir, — I have received, your Favour of October the 22d and am sorry to find you so true a Prophet. Yet I am happy to perceive that Government arrouses itself with some degree of Dignity, and is likely to prevail. It is apparent however that Discontents, and a restless Temper, have taken a deep root and will require much Prudence as well as firmness, to guard against their Tendency. When We find ourselves disposed to think there is a total Change of manners and Principles We should recollect, what the manners and Principles were before the War. if you recollect the War of 1755, or even the War of 1745, you must re- member, very Signal Proofs of a. disposition in our People, to run eagerly after foreign manners and Fashions, if you begin at 1760, and recollect, how many Persons satt out with Us, on the same side of the political question, and were warned off, some by little Marks of distinction, some by little offices and some by great ones, some by their avarice, others by their ambition, some by their vanity, others by their fears, some by envy and others by Revenge, how much difficulty there was to keep the People steady, but espe- cially those who flattered themselves they were Leaders, You will be very sensible that our Countrymen have never merited the Character of very exalted Virtue, it is not to be expected that they should have grown much better. I find myself very much averse to believe that they are grown much worse. Yet this is very possible and your Situation affords you opportunities to know, which I have not. if it is indeed true, that there is a general De- 1787] IVarren -Adams Letters 281 generacy, it is an allarming Consideration. The great Question is what can be done to check its further Growth, or to restore Things to their former State? When at home in 1779 I remarked a general Caution, and I thought timidity among the leading Characters, which made me apprehensive of disagreable Consequences. If the People are upon the Watch, and are laying hold of every unpopu- lar Idea or Expression, to propagate it, to exagerate it and to mis- represent it, this will naturally make Men afraid to pursue their own Judgments. Symptoms of this I thought appeared, and I should not wonder if the best Men became unpopular. There is no Remedy, but a general Conviction of the danger, and a general Agreement against it. My own Sentiments differ very widely from many of the best Characters, even from Mr. Adams and General Warren. I think the first Magistrate must be sett up very high in real Power as well as in the opinion of the People, without this we may lament Disorders but never cure them. The Appear- ance of County Conventions and their Resolutions, set me upon throwing together some Disquisitions concerning our Govern- ments, which are now printed. I will send you a Copy of it. 1 Popularity was never my Mistress, nor was I ever, or shall I ever be a popular Man. This Book will make me unpopular. But one Thing I know a Man must be sensible of the Errors of the People, and upon his Guard against them, and must run the risque of their Displeasure sometimes, or he will never do them any good in the long run. I deliver the Book up, to the Mercy of a World, that will never show me much Mercy, as my Confession of politi- cal Faith. Unpopular as it may be at present, the time will come, after I am dead, when the System of it in general must be adopted, with bitter repentance that it was not heeded sooner. It is much easier to pull down a Government, in such a Conjuncture of affairs as We have seen, than to build up, at such a Season as the present, if the Massachusetts can be governed without a total Seperation of the Executive Power from the Senate, the House and the People, I am altogether ignorant of the Character of that People, and have not made one Sound Observation upon the 1 Defense of the Constitutions of Government of tke United States, published in London, 1787. 282 IVarren -Adams Letters [1787 History of Nations. My Situation here is mournfull and unpleas- ant enough, and it would not be more gay, anywhere else. You and I have not had an easy task in Life hitherto, and I at least have no Cause to hope that mine will become easier. But I will be as cheerful and contented under it, as I can, let it be what it will. My Family joins me, in affectionate Respects to yours, and I remain with unalterable Esteem, your friend and humble Servant John Adams inclosed is a Letter of Mr. Hartley’s, it contains Knowledge of Iron, that may be useful in America. James Winthrop to Mercy Warren Cambridge, 26 Feb ., 1787 Madam, — I have just been honored with a very short visit from General Warren. He reminded me of my duty with respect to the manuscript, which you was pleased to intrust me with. I should have returned it with my own hand, in order at the same time to have expressed the pleasure which the perusal of it gave me, but one of my hands has been so lame owing to its being frozen in the march of the third instant, that it has been exceed- ingly inconvenient to me to ride. Harry stood the fatigue ex- ceedingly well and was not frozen at all. I acknowledge that I was in some measure prevented from the full enjoyment of your history, by a cause which you mentioned when you delivered the book to me. But notwithstanding that difficulty, it appears to me that the stile is nervous and perspicu- ous and flowing. The facts are justly and methodically narrated. The characters, which indeed form the most difficult part of his- tory, appear to be accurately defined, and so far as I have had opportunity to be acquainted with them to be perfectly just. But you must not charge me with trimming when I start the following query. The Royalists constantly attributed to Mr. Hutchinson a character for great abilities. Though we cannot form a very high i7§ 7] IVarren -Adams Letters 283 opinion of the political talents of a man who has made the estab- lishment of a particular system the pursuit of his whole life, and is disappointed in the attainment of his object: yet would it not be better to give him, on the credit of his own party, a little unde- served praise, to procure their judgment in favor of the work? You know already my opinion of the former Governor, and that it is not mine alone. These are the only things which occurred to me as rendering a revision expedient. I cannot suppose that mere slips of the pen were included in your injunctions. The remarks now made are not grounded on any acquaintance I had with Mr. Hjutchinson.] The dispute ran so high before I was able to judge of the controversy, that every man had taken his side, and of course I was acquainted with only the leaders on one side. The friendship which has long subsisted between our families and which may properly be considered as hereditary, will when considered by your good sense and a very small share of your candor, be my apology for the freedom of the present remarks. I have the honor to be, Madam, with much esteem Your most Obedt. Servant, James Winthrop Catherine Macaulay Graham to Mercy Warren I thank you, dear Madam, for the favor of your letter of the sixth of January. The having seen and conversed in person with the Author gave an additional pleasure to the renewal of our old correspondence. We have indeed been much alarmed for the safety of the infant Governments of America and I sincerely hope that this attempt to disturb the public tranquility will like most others of the same Nature when they fail only serve to give it a more permanent establishment. I have heard that things are grown better in many ways since I left America, the high price of provision be lowered and I hope the tast for the Luxuries of Europe decreased, indeed I always flattered myself that the mortifications you have sus- tained on the article of commerce and the disappointment of Land not taking a great rise after the Revolution from the incoming of 284 JVl irren -Adams Letters [ 1787 forreign Settlers will rather prove advantageous in the event of things than otherwise. Mr. Adams has published a Defence of the American Constitu- tions I have not yet had time to read it, therefore can give you no account of it; but I suppose you will have received a copy before this comes to hand We are now upon the Eve of a Treaty with France 1 which is in a stile of politicks so new to this Country and so agreable to the present views of our old enemy that it alarms many; yet the two houses of parliament seem only to have considered it as a party business, tho it might have been imagined that the spirit of re- formation which has taken place in the counsels of that formidable power would have produced more serious and anxious debates and more deliberate conclusions I thank you, Dear Madam, for your kind wishes and do most sincerely return them by earnest desires and hopes that you may never again experience the sorrows you have felt. I was happy to hear that Mrs. Russel had brought so agreable an addition to Mr. Russel’s felicity as a child, and I sincerely hope that it has not been clouded with the loss which rumour says he has sustained in one of his ships taken by an Algerine Corsair. When you see our mutual friend Mr. Gerry I shall be obliged to you if you will make our compliments of congratulation on his marriage 2 which tho an event of an old date we only heard this winter by Dr. Prevost 3 the Bishop of New York. You flatter me much, Dear Madam, in interesting yourself on the subject of my composition my present thoughts are employed on education for tho the History of your late glorious revolution is what I should certainly undertake were I again young, yet as things are I must for many reasons decline the task. My Daughter I thank God enjoys at present a perfect state of health she is much obliged by your remembrance and joins me and Mr. Graham in best compliments to your self Genl. Warren and 1 The treaty negotiated by William Eden and Dupont de Nemours. 2 To a daughter of James Thompson of New York. 3 Samuel Provoost (1742-1815). 1787] JVarren -Adams Letters 285 family. From Dear Madam Your Very Sincere Friend And Obedt. Servt. Cath: Macaulay Graham Knights bridge, near London, March 6, ’87. pray make our compliments to Mr. Otys’s family and to your Sister and to General Lincoln and his family. Benjamin Lincoln to Mr. and Mrs. Warren General Lincoln presents his respectful compliments to General Warren and Lady. Whilst he mingles his joys with those of their other friends on the safe return of their son Major Warren, 1 he begs leave to add his warm congratulations on the very important and felicitating circumstance that in addition to a knowledge of duty he has ever discharged it with ability and the greatest punctuality. He has not only merited, but has gained the esteem of all who have been happy enough to form an acquaintance with him. Monday morn, 12 March, 1787. Mercy Warren to Henry Knox Knox mss. Milton, May 2d, 1787 Sir, — From your extensive acquaintance, connexions and Correspondence, I am sensible you cannot wish to see a new sig- nature to your address. Nor should I interrupt the thread of political attention, or break in on the more agreable moment of polite amusement, but from the habits of Friendship which for several Years has subsisted between yourself and his parents, a son of mine has requested me to apply to you in a small affair relative to bussiness. This young Gentleman in common with many in these days of commercial embarasment has had the 1 Henry Warren. 286 JVarren -Adams Letters [1787 misfortune to suffer many disappointments in the mercantile line, which has obliged him to bring his affairs to a certain point and offer an equal dividend to his Creditors, and he now only waits for an answer to a Letter wrote several weeks since to your Brother on a matter of no considerable moment which yet I understand cannot be negotiated with Mr. Breck 1 without his consent. By Mr. Breck and by all else (except in one very singular instance) he has been treated in the most delicate and polite manner. But as it is both proper and equitable that each creditor should receive a similar proposition, the settlement of all his affairs now only remain at a stand till Mr. Breck shall receive an intimation from Mr. W. Knox that he is at liberty to compound in the same manner that other Gentlemen have already consented. Your Goodness of disposition, without the additional motive of Friend- ship which we have the honour to Claim, I am confident would lead you to wish a young person in the meridian of active life might as soon as possible be extricated from any further impedi- ments to usefulness and industry. I therefore think I am certain it will not be many days before either yourself or Brother will pay the necessary attention to this request and authorise Mr. Breck to act agreable to his own and to the inclination of every other Gentleman of Generosity and Benevolence. You will not fail to make my best Compliments to Mrs. Knox, shall not we have the pleasure of seeing you both in the environs of Boston in the Course of the ensuing season. In the interim your Friends on Milton hill would be gratifyd in knowing how the political Hemisphere opens to your eye on the important spring of ’87. But if you, sir, should judge that inquiries of this nature are not altogether consonant to Female Genius, then tell us the Grada- tions of Theatrical improvement and anything that will do honour to the taste, the understanding, or the heart of a single American, either as a writer, a Hero, a statesman, or an Honest man. I know the amor patriae burns too strongly in your breast to 1 Samuel Breck. 1787] barren -Adams Letters 287 consider these as frivolous inquiries. But till further encouraged I will check the laudable curiosity of my sex: yet not deny that a full share thereof occupies the bosom of your sincere Friend and very Humble servant, M. Warren Of Genl. Warren’s compliments and best wishes General Knox and Lady may ever be assured. Abigail Adams to Mercy Warren London, May 14, 1787 My dear Madam, — I have lately been reading Mrs. Mon- tague’s essays upon the Genious and writings of Shakspear, 1 and I am so well pleased with them; that I take the Liberty of present- ing them to you. the Lady is still living, a widow, 2 and possessd of an ample fortune, without any children. She has a Nephew who bears the same name and has lately been returnd a Member to Parliament. I should have wished to have formed an acquaint- ance with her, if I had not learnt that she was a violent Anti American, tho a sister of a Mr. Robinson 3 who has written some things in favour of our Country, and who has always been Friendly to our cause. I have resided in this Country near two years and in that time, I have made some few acquaintance whom I esteem and shall leave with regret, but the customs and manners of a Metropolis are unfriendly to that social intercourse which I have ever been accustomed to. Amusement and diversion may always be pur- chased at the Theatres and places of public resort, so that little pains is taken to cultivate that benevolence and interchange of kindness which sweetens life, in lieu of which mere visits of form are substituted to keep up the union; not only the wrinkled brow 1 Mrs. Elizabeth (Robinson) Montague (1720-1800). Her volume on Shakespeare, which reached a third edition in England and was translated into French and Italian, was in answer to some contemptuous allusions to Shakespeare by Voltaire. 2 Her husband was Edward Montague, a grandson of Edward Montague, first Earl of Sandwich (1625-1672). He died May 12, 1775. 3 Matthew Robinson (1713-1800). 288 JVarren -Adams Letters [1787 of age is grasping at the card table and even tricking with mean avarice, but the virgin bloom of innocence and beauty is withered at the same vigils. I do not think I should draw a false picture of the Nobility and Gentry of this Metropolis, if I was to assert, that Money and pleasure are the sole objects of their ardent persuit, publick virtue, and indeed all virtue is exposed to sale, and as to principle, where is it to be found, either in the present administra- tion, or opposition? Luxury, dissapation and vice, have a natural tendency to extirpate every generous principle, and leave the Heart susceptable of the most malignant vices, to the total absence of principle must be asscribed the conduct of the Heir apparant to the British Throne, which is the Subject of much speculation at this Moment, the World have supposed that a Marriage had taken place between the prince, and a Lady known by the Name of Fitzherbert , 1 whom for three years he persued, driving her for more than half that time out of her country to avoid him, as she was in independent circumstances, of an ancient and respectable family; of a Fair Character and honorable con- nections every person presumed her married to him, tho contrary to the established Laws of the Land, and this not only by a Catholick priest, but a protestant one too, every step for more than a Year has confirmed this Idea, as the Lady has attended him; not only to the Watering places, but into all publick, and private parties, and at the prince’s request has been countananced by the first persons in the Kingdom, and the publick papers have announced the report and given credit to it uncontradicted throughout Europe, but now at a time when he wishes to be relieved from the load of debt he has contracted, and finds that this affair is like to become a subject of parlimentary discussion, he authorizes Charles Fox (A Man as unprincipald as the prince) to declare the whole story a Malicious falsehood, and in the most explicit terms to deny even the Shadow of a Marriage, yet not a person whom I have heard mention the subject since believes; a syllable of mr Fox’s assertion thus does this young Man set both Law and Decency at defiance; his Friends are even so barefaced 1 Maria Anne Fitzherbert (1756-1837), wife of George IV, was daughter of Walter Smythe of Brambridge, Hampshire. 1787] TVarren -Adams Letters 289 as to pretend that no connextion but of the platonick kind has ever subsisted between them, he a mere Scipio and she a vestal, what a prospect for this Country! what a prostration of Honour and virtue! the Heir Apparant, frequenting the Haunts of intem- perance and vice, his greatest intimates sycophants and knaves, appearing in company so disguised as to lose himself, and commit the greatest rudeness, which was the case not a Month since, yet when sober really possessing the outward appearance of a well bred Gentleman, by some he is held up as a Man of Learning and abilities, but of this I cannot learn any Specimens; not even a refinement in his vices, since he is branded with a taste, for the lowest and most vulgar. but I will quit him, since I shall never owe him; either honour or Allegence, and will turn my attention to my own Country, which tho not terrified with the prospect of a proffligate prince to govern it, appears to be in an untranquilized state, embarressed in its Finances, distrest in its commerce and unbalanced in its Governments, but I have Faith that will remove Mountains, and as distress and difficulties in private life, are frequently spurs to dilligence, so have we seen publick industry excited in the same manner, during the late War. Success crowned our efforts and gave us Independance. our misfortune is that there we became indolent and intoxicated; Luxury with ten thousand evils in her train, exiled the humble virtues, Industry and frugality, were swallowed up in dissipation. “but it is not upon Record,” says a late writer, “that any state was ever yet so exhausted, but that whilst it enjoyed Liberty it might draw new resources from its own vitals, Though the tree is lopped, yet so long as the root remains unhurt, it will through out a greater Luxuriancy of Branches, produce fruits of better flavour and derive fresh vigor from the ax.” Why, my Dear Madam, may we not console ourselves with Ideas of this kind, instead of giving way to despondency? I was very happy to learn that my young Friend Harry distinguishd himself with the ardour of a patriot, and the zeal of a good Citizen in accompanying General Lincoln in his late expedition, had Pericles lived in the present day, he could not have made the 290 Warren -Adams Letters [1787 boast, which he does in his funeral oration over the Athenians, saying that they were the only people, who thought those who did not lend their assistance in State affairs, not indolent, but good for Nothing, it is indeed a pleasing presage of future good, when the most promising youth, shrink not from danger, through a fond- ness for those delights, which a peaceful affluent Life bestows “but bare their bold breast, and pour their generous Blood” esteeming it a dishonour that their Country should stand in need of any thing which their valour can acchive. I long, my dear Madam, to return to my native land. My little Cottage encompassed with my Friends has more charms for me than the Drawing Room of St. James, where studied civility, and disguised coldness cover malignant Hearts. I will not close this letter without informing you that I am — a grand — o no! that would be confesing myself old, which would be quite unfashionable and vulgar; but true it is, I have a fine grandson . 1 I regret a little that it was not a Daughter, for then I would have claimd the little one for the great one. Mrs. Smith desires me to present her respectfull compliments to you, with thanks for your kind and Friendly Letter, which she will notice as soon as she is able, be so good as to present my regards to the Genii, and all your worthy family. I must acquit myself of a promise made to a Young Gentleman, who requested me when I wrote to you, to lay him respectfully at your feet, by which I presume he meant that I should express, the high esteem and pro- found veneration, which he always professes towards you, and I knew not how to do it better: than by giving you his own words. I dare say you will be at no loss to recollect this Gentleman by the Name of Shipping; who is as genteel well Bred a Youth as any one from our Country, and who is quite at home with us as well as his companion Mr. Cutting, who I think will make a figure in Life, as he has both abilities and application. I know not what to say for my companion that he has not written a single Letter by this opportunity, but that he is so much engaged in travelling through the Itallian Republicks that I cannot draw of his attention, except only to official Letters. 1 William Steuben Smith. 1787] TVarren -Adams Letters 291 he says his Friends must accept his printed letters. I will not apoligize for the length of my Letter, concious as I am of all my Sins of omission, but be assured dear Madam, that neither a want of affection or Regard are in the number, for those my Heart shall not reproach Your assured Friend, Abigail Adams James Warren to John Adams Adams mss. Milton, N. E., May 18th, 1787 Dear Sir, — I Thank you for your favour of Jany. 9th and for the very valuable Present which accompanied it. I have read your Book with great pleasure as well as Information. The Avidity of the rest of the Family to read it has prevented a second perusal, which I enjoy in prospect. I do not recollect a single Sentiment different from my own, except we might differ a little with respect to the first Magistrate, and perhaps not very essen- tially. I do not wish to see him surrounded with the Pomp, Parade and Magnificence of an European Prince; but I should be willing he should have an Addition of some real powers he is not now possessed of; but I think I should hardly agree that an Unqualified Negative upon the Law should be among them, because I think a Limited one like ours more agreable to reason and quite adequate to all the purposes of a Check and a Ballance. if I should say there are no faults to be found in your Book, you would consider it as flattery, if I say there are very few, and those not very Essential, you will think me honest, but at the same time that I make a Compliment to the whole performance, if I mention one of the greatest, you will Consider it as the dic- tate of Friendship. You say there are as yet no Appearances of Artificial Inequalities of Condition, etc. That may be true, because the Barefaced and Arrogant System of the Cincinnati Association is not fully matured, but it is rapidly progressing. The People, who have no Stability, who equally forget Benefits and Injuries, have almost forgot this Insolent Attempt at dis- tinction and are Introducing the Members into the Legislature, 292 Warren - Adams Letters [ 1787 and the first Civil and Military Offices, is it not a fault that you have omitted on so fair an Occasion to mention this Attempt in the severe Terms it deserves? You are certainly mistaken, if popularity is not your Mistress. You enjoy it as much as any Man should do. it is enough to recommend anything here to say it is Mr. Adams’ Opinion. I feel the Influence of it myself, and often see it with pleasure in others. I have just heard that you Intend to come Home this Summer. We will be glad to see you and will show you that you are mistaken; but I will not Insure you that it will last, but I think your Book will not make you Unpopular. it is true that some Persons have proposed in County Conven- tions to annihilate the Senate. But this Sentiment (if adopted by any of them) does not seem to prevail. The Truth of the Matter is, the People resemble a Child, who feels hurt and uneasy, and quarrels with every thing about him. They have fallen upon this Branch of the Legislature indiscriminately with other parts of the Constitution as they occurred to their Minds. What I mean is, that there is no particular System among them. I will not how- ever undertake to say that there will not be some fatal Change before long. Such is the Situation of things here that no Man can calculate the Events of the present Year. It is very true that Government has been roused from a pro- found Sleep, but they waked with that peevish disposition which is common to the Interruption of sweet Sleep and pleasing Dreams. Measures were taken accordingly. The People were Irritated, not softened and conciliated. The Rebels were dispersed, but not subdued, and for fear that Capt. Shays should destroy the Consti- tution they violated it themselves. After all the Apparatus of the Suspension of the Habeas Corpus, prosecutions of some miserable Scribblers, Declarations of Rebellion, Acts of disqualifications, etc., etc., it is said the Rebels are again mustering in force, it is certain a General discontent and disapprobation prevails in the Country, and has shewn itself in the late Elections. Mr. Hjan- cock] is undoubtedly chose the first Magistrate. I do not regret the change so much as I once should, tho’ I am sorry for it. if I used to dispise the Administration of H., I am disappointed in 1787] IVarren -Adams Letters 2 93 that of B[owdoin]. Every Phylosopher is not a Politician. The surrounding solid orb in the Heavens may restore the scattered rays of Light to the Sun and prevent the waste of that Body by an endless diffusion. But no Government can be supported but on its own Principles. Mr. Cushing and General Lincoln were chiefly voted for as the second Magistrate, but I suppose neither of them Chose by the People. The Senators are generally Changed, even the good and Inoffensive Mr. Cranch is left out — I Imagine because he was of the Court of Common Pleas, our old Friend Mr. A[dams], how- ever, is rechosen, tho’ he seems to have forsaken all his old princi- ples and professions and to have become the most arbitrary and despotic Man in the Commonwealth. There is an Appearance of as general a Change in the House. In this Universal Concussion, this rage of Innovation, the Town of Milton have honoured me with an Election to represent them. The dread of reviving the Clamour of refusing everything, joined with the Idea of its being the Duty of every Man to go upon Deck when called upon in a Storm, has Induced me to accept, to forsake the peaceful and retired walks of Agriculture and again embark on a Tumultuous Ocean of Politics, while I feel myself embarrassed at a loss what Measures should be adopted in our present Situation, and for the Peace of Jerusalem. I frequently recollect your Observation, that you and I have not had an easy Task in Life hitherto. I am embarked, I must act. you know I have no Cunning or Time serving Talents. I shall satisfy my own Conscience and Judgment. I hope to satisfy all the reasonable Expectations of Good Men from my public Conduct, if any are formed, and leave the rest. Mrs. Warren and the rest of my Family join me in very affec- tionate regards and respect for yours. I am with great Esteem your sincere Friend and Humble Servt. J. Warren JVarren -Adams Letters [1787 294 Henry Knox to Mercy Warren New-York, 30th May , 1787 Madam, — Having but just returned from Philadelphia, it was only yesterday I had the honor to receive your favor of the 2d instant. Respecting politicks, as you have given me the opportunity, I shall take the liberty of indulging confidentially a few reflections, relying on your goodness for an excuse if any sentiment should escape, which in appearance should seem to be contrary to our former opinions. When I survey the animal Man, analyze his passions, and in- vestigate his views; Take a retrospect of his progressions through the various stages of society, and his blind impulses to pursue the present enjoyment to the exclusion of future good, I tremble at the present awful crisis. I arrange in my imagination two or three hundred millions of our posterity, with their eyes fixed on our conduct, ready to applaud our wisdom, or to execrate our folly; I long for that degree of intuition which belongs to a higher race than man, in order to exhibit strongly to the view of my countrymen the effects which will flow from the causes estab- lished at the present moment, whether arising from design or accident. That our system operates badly indeed, no person who knows the discontents, which pervade the United States will deny. Not only a ruined commerce, but such destruction of moral principle as must alarm every upright, and intelligent lover of his country. Anarchy with its horrid train of miseries seem ready to over- whelm this region marked by nature for happiness. Were we to examine our political systems without prejudice, perhaps we shall there find the source of all the evils of which we complain, and of all those which we apprehend. Our respectable and enlightened friend Mr. Adams’s Book will be the surest basis of his reputation. It is true he has been a little unfortunate in his title. It is not a defence of the constitutions of the United States, it is rather a sarcasm on them. But it should have been entitled “The Soul of a free government.” But still it 1787] TV irren -Adams Letters 2 95 will be the means of great good. It is a word spoken in season. He clearly points out one of the capital causes of our misery and prostrate character — the will, the caprice the headlong conduct, of a government without strong checks by different branches, or a division of power by a balance, A mad democracy sweeps away every moral and divine trait from the human character. Hence it is that reason Law, and patriotism is banished from almost every Legislature. Private convenience, paper money, and ex post facto Laws, are the main springs of the American governments. In addition to these local evils all national character, and inter- ests are lost by the monsterous system of State governments; which from their construction, compared with the general govern- ment, must necessarily produce the effects which we experience of overturning even almost the appearance of a general government. Granted says candor, but the remedy? pardon me, the conven- tion is sitting — and shall one of the Cincinnati presume to give his opinion? I confess however, that my only hope of human assistance is founded on the convention. Should they possess the hardihood to be unpopular, and propose an efficient National government, free from the entanglements of the present defective state systems we may yet be a happy and great nation. But I have no expecta- tions if their propositions should be truly wise, that they will be immediately accepted. I should rather suppose that they would be ridiculed in the same as was the ark of old, while building by Noah. But if human nature be influenced by invariable princi- ples, we are on the eve of political storms. If the convention should propose to erect a temple to liberty on the solid, and durable foundation of Law and Justice, all men of principle in the first instance will embrace the proposal. Dema- gogues and vicious characters will oppose for a while. But reason will at length triumph. But should the convention be desirous of acquiring present popularity; should they possess local and not general views; should they propose a patch work to the present wretchedly defective thing called the Confederation, look out ye patriots, supplicate Heaven! for you will have need of its pro- tection ! 296 W't irren - Adams Letters [ 1787 Seperate Anarchies will take place. Hostile conflicts will hap- pen, and in proportion to their number, and duration, will be the strength of the tyrany which will be established on the issue. The party triumphant, will never submit its actions to the decisions of a free legislature — no — The tyrants will direct. If they call an assembly of the people, it will be for the purpose, of devising ways and means of raising more money, like the notables in France. But say you, all this may appear true to a man of warm imagi- nation, but still a distant glimpse has not been given of the govern- ment of Laws, of the paradise of humanity. True, madam. I should be first happy to hear your opinion on the subject, do you remember the idea which you once whispered to me at Mr. Russell’s? I like the principle to be established hereafter. But I wish at present to try the experiment of a strong national republic. The state governments should be deprived of the power of injuring themselves or the Nation. The people have parted with power enough to form an excellent constitution; But it is incorp[ora]ted and diffused among bodies which cannot use it to good purpose. It must be concentered in a national government, the power of which should be divided between a strong executive, a senate, and assembly. The powers which each should have, would be a sub- ject of nice discussion and much detail. The time of the executive, and senate should be such as to give stability to the system. The Assembly to be for one two or at most three years. A Judicial to be formed on the highest principles of Independency. This gov- ernment should possess every power necessary for national pur- poses which would leave the state governments but very little. But every power should be defined with accuracy, and checked according to the highest human wisdom, an attempt to overleap the bounds of the constitution by those who are in the execution of it, should be certainly and severely punished. Thus, madam, I have hastily confided to your liberality my sentiments of our present critical situation, and stated the mildest remedy that the case will admit. To attempt less will I am appre- hensive precipitate us into the gulph of seperate anarchies, on the issue of which we may see established seperate tyrannies. The 1787] Warren -Adams Letters 297 tyrants will find ways and means by reciprocal alliances between themselves to render the fetters of the people as durable as brass or iron. I have said nothing on the subject of foreign intrigues, which will agitate us in the course of the commotions. This circumstance is too obvious to need any illustration. I should be happy madam to receive your communications from time to time particularly on the subject enlarged on in this letter. Your sentiments shall remain with me. I beg you to present to the general my affectionate and respectful compliments, and to believe me to be most respectfully, you obedient humble Servt. H. Knox Mrs. Knox presents her compliments to the Genl. and yourself. Henry Knox to Mercy Warren New York, 21 August , 1787 Madam, — Your highly esteemed favor of the 21st of June was duly received. But my absences and avocations lately, have been such, that I have been unable at an earlier period, to set down to form a reply. Indeed I wished that somewhat of the proceedings of the con- vention might be first known, in order to discover the complexion the remainder of our lives was likely to assume, as far as depended on government. Although this wish has not been gratified in such a manner, as to be communicated on paper, at present, yet it is well ascertained that great unanimity prevails in the convention. That the im- portant principles are fixed — and that their deliberations are drawing to a close, so that the members will probably seperate before the 15th of next month. In this state of things the true lovers of their country will wait to receive the result of the deliberations of the convention. I look forward to the period of publication with a degree of anxiety. I 298 IVarren -Adams Letters [1787 am persuaded that some ardent and intelligent spirits may regard the propositions of the convention as inadequate to remedy the evils of our situation; while others and a greater majority too will be apt at the first blush to consider the proposed government as too high toned. But if the characters of the convention be duly estimated, and the nature and circumstances of the society I flatter myself the government proposed will be received by the multitude as the best that can be obtained at present. If however it should be otherwise, if the still small voice of reason should not be heard, but local demagogues successfully oppose the erection of a fair national republic , we shall most probably feel the force of blind events. Whether they will be rigid, or flexible, adverse or prosperous must be left for the present to those superior beings who can penetrate further into futurity than we poor mortals. The information you are pleased to request on certain points respecting the Cincinnati and the characters of certain Gentlemen shall be candidly given when I shall have the honor of seeing you, which I hope will be in the ensuing October or November. Mrs. Knox and myself have recently sustained the sharp afflic- tion of losing our youngest child of about eleven months old, of a disorder incident to children when cutting their teeth. However much our affections have been lacerated on this occasion we are forced to believe that the system in which we are, and every thing therein, is governed by infinite wisdom. I beg General Warren to accept my best wishes for his happi- ness, mental, and corporeal. I am, madam, with perfect respect and esteem Your Most obedient humble Servant, H. Knox Catherine Macaulay Graham to Mercy Warren Dear Madam, — I have long wished, long hoped, and long expected, to receive a letter from you; the letter is at length arrived, and your reasons for not gratifying me before, are so friendly that I cannot complain. 1787] IVarren -Adams Letters 299 Indeed I have expected with much impatience the result of the deliberations of your convention and as your letter contained this result it gave me a very pleasing proof of your attention. You pay me the compliment, Dear Madam, of asking for my observa- tions on the plan of federal government proposed by the con- vention to the considerations of the States. I will give them you freely. In the first place I must own to you that from some hints that were flung out in our papers I feared that it would lead much more to the principles of Monarchy and Aristocracy than I find in the propositions indeed they are grownded on simple Democracy and appear to me to be so well guarded that in the present situation of the united States were they to be adopted they bid fair to stand for ages without contracting any alloy that may affect their Tem- perament and indeed Dear Madam if some system of power is not established which may protect instead of ruining the liberties of America and which may direct the jarring interests of the several States to one great end of general good your contentions and dissa- pointments must in the end bring on a government whose prin- ciples will be as much at variance with the rights of men as are the most of our European ones. In short, Dear Madam, it is my opinion that were some plan of the kind now proposed by the convention to be adopted and carried into execution and were your people less fond of Commerce and European luxuries would they attend to the cultivation of their Lands and employ their industry in those manufactures which are necessary to the com- forts of life and were strict prohibitions made against the consump- tion of any forreign manufactures you would in a short time be the happiest and the greatest people in the World. The rumors of war on this part of the Globe are now over and the free States of Holland subjected to the yoke my sentiments on this subject are I dare say so similar to your own that I think I need not trouble you with them. The account you give me of Mrs. Russel fills me with concern both for her own sake, her Husband’s, her Father and Mother’s, and for what you, my Dear Madam, must suffer on the occasion for the friendship you entertained for your Niece was I know of 3 °° Warren -Adams Letters [1787 the tenderest kind, her constitution appeared to be always delicate but her Sister whom I am sorry to hear is in the same hapless condition had the air of robustness. I have certainly brought my Daughter acquainted with you Dear Madam and I think I sent you her kindest remembrance in my last letter She is lately married to a Mr. Gregorie who is Capt. of an East India Man the Match is very much to mine and the rest of her friends’ liking. 1 You are so kind as to inquire after my present employment. I am still writing Letters on education 2 When I have finished this work I propose to resume my pen on a political subject which I have in view and this I fancy will close my sublunary labors. My Daughter, Dear Madam, returns you her particular compli- ments and thanks for the sentiments you have entertained in her favor Mr. Graham also joins me in respectful regards to yrself Genrl. Warren and family, From Dear Madam Your affecte And Obedt. Servt. Cath : Macaulay Graham Knights bridge, near London, Novbr., ’87. Postscript. If there is any defect in the plan proposed by the Convention it is the want of a rotation of the presidents of Con- gress coerced by law, for I still think this to be the only firm sup- port of Freedom in every mode of its existence. John Adams to Mercy Warren London, Deer. 25, 1787 Madam, — The Sack of Rome, 3 has so much Merit in itself that for the honour of America, I should wish to see it acted on the Stage in London before crouded Audiences. The Dedication of it does so much honour to me, that I should be proud to see it in 1 Charles Gregory. The marriage took place June 7, at Marylebone Church. The young lady was described as “daughter and heiress of the late Dr. George Macaulay, and of the female Historian of England.” 2 Later embodied in a volume, Letters on Education , with Observations on Religious and Metaphysical Subjects. 3 It is included in her Poems, Dramatic and Miscellaneous, 1790. i 7 88] JVarren -Adams Letters 3° 1 print even if it could not be acted. I have shewn it, in discreet confidence to several good Judges, but least their opinion might not be satisfactory I procured it at last to be seriously read, by several of the first tragical Writers in this nation, among whom were the Author of the Grecian Daughter 1 and the Author of the Carmelite . 2 They have noted their opinion in a Writing that is inclosed. It requires almost as much interest and Intrigue to get a Play Acted, as to be a Member of Parliament, and a printed Play that has not been Acted will not sell. I have not been able to find a Printer who would accept the Copy on Condition of print- ing it. In short nothing American sells here. Ramsay’s History Dwight and Barlow’s Poems are not sold, nor, I fear will Dr. Gordon’s, notwithstanding the prescious Materials he must be possessed of. There is a universal desire and endeavour to forget America, and an unanimous Resolution to read nothing which shall bring it to their Thoughts. They cannot recollect it, without Pain. Your Annals, or History, I hope you will continue, for there are few Persons possessed of more Facts, or who can record them in a more agreable manner. Yet let me not deceive you. America must support the Publication of it. no other Country will con- tribute much towards it. In the Month of April, May or June, I hope to see my Friends at Milton Hill, in the mean time I am, Madam, with great Esteem, your most obedient and most humble Servant, John Adams Catherine Macaulay Graham to Mercy Warren Dear Madam, — I am very sorry to be driven by the course of events to awaken melancholly reflections in you rather than to endeavor to amuse you with the Bagatelles of human life. Accept however the simpathy of a friend for the great loss you have sus- tained in the Death of your very worthy and aimable Niece Mrs. I Arthur Murphy. z Richard Cumberland. 302 IV irren -Adams Letters [1788 Russel whose affections to you were I know stronger than is com- monly existing in this dissipated country in the hearts of children towards their parents. 1 Tho’ I have nothing to say that can any wise entertain you yet I would not miss the opportunity of Mr. Adams’s return to shew you how much I value Dear Madam your correspondence. I find by the accounts received from America that the plan of Government recommended by the Convention has been accepted already by the majority of the States, we are a little surprised here to find that New England and Connecticut should be the earliest in acceeding. The Town of London has been much amused this Winter in the pompous shew of Mr. Hasting’s trial, facts are strong, and much eloquence, has been displayed by the prosecutors; but most people think that his party among the powerful, is strong enough to preserve him from any other punishment than the mortifica- tions attending the trial. The political state of this Country is as usual; for we have gained no virtue by the loss of America, and as the present low condition of the finances of our Neighbors the French and the important undertakings of Russia and Austria give these powers no opportunity to disturb the peace of Europe we believe that our present appearance of felicity will have no end. Pray make Mr. Graham’s and my best compliments to Mr. Warren and all friends, particularly our compliments of condo- lance to Mr. Russel, for the great misfortune he has sustained in the loss of his excellent partner; [and] accept Dear Madam all that is affectte. from Your Sincere Friend And Obednt. Servt. Cath: Macaulay Graham Mrs. Gregorie whose marriage I believe I acquainted you with in my last begs to be remembered to you. March, 1788. Binfield, near, Oakingham; Berkshire. 1 Sarah (Sever) Russell (1757-1787), wife of Thomas Russell. i 7 88] IVarren -Adams Letters 3°3 James Winthrop to Mercy Warren Cambridge, 26 Aug., 1788 We have had contradictory accounts from N. Carolina. The last Week Russell announced in his paper the rejection of the Constitution by a majority of 100 clear. He was so mortified that he could not help mentioning it three or four times in his paper. Now the story is that the Convention voted by that majority to amend the Constitution, and then adjourned to a distant day, and that they had not then heard of the accession of New York. It is impossible to describe the anxiety of the victorious party in this state upon hearing the first report. They immediately begun to vilify that State as being originally peopled by outlaws and convicts, who were driven from the more civilized parts of the world into the wilds of Carolina, where they had formed a settle- ment but little superior in morals to the infernal world. . . . James Winthrop Catherine Macaulay Graham to Mercy Warren My Dear Madam, — I wish we were nearer together that we might oftener have an opportunity of exchanging sentiments of friendship as I flatter myself it would conduce to our mutual happiness. I find that the National Government proposed by the federal convention is adopted by a majority of the States. To Europeans who are used to the form the parade the expence and all the high prerogatives of monarchy it must necessarily carry the appearance of perfect freedom but you who are used to liberty in its most pleasing Garb and who have so lately and so dearly purchased an independance it must carry a contrary aspect nor do I wonder that the american patriots should entertain apprehensions against a system that appears to give a larger trust to that faithless ambi- tious animal man but whether there may or may not be grounds for fear and jealousy I think it shews more levity and more of 3°4 JVarren -Adams Letters [1788 party spirit than I hoped was in America to enter on any new frame of Government by which trust must be reposed and may be abused with such marks of festivity and joy. I am much obliged to you for sending me the reasons of dissent in Pensilvania and the pamphlet circulated in the Massachusets the one is well drawn up and the other is written with spirit and energy. I assure you, Dear Madam, I pay a very anxious attention to the concerns of America and were not my inclinations drawn that way on determined principles my friendship for yourself and family would engage me to interest myself in the welfare of any country of which you were Citizens. Mr. Adams I see by the papers has been long returned to his native Country he is a very warm Federalist and by what I have discerned of yours and Mr. Warren’s politicall sentiments and opinions you will not agree quite so well on public matters as you did formerly. I am exceedingly sorry that you have had so many occasions to mourn the hopless hand of Death in your own family the tender- ness of youth in female constitution has much to dread from the rigor of your climate but it must be some very forcible and un- lucky stroke of destiny which could carry of in the flower of his age Mr. Lincoln who appeared a very stout and healthy young man . 1 As your friendship inclines you to interest yourself in the con- cerns of my family I have the pleasure to inform you that Mrs. Gregorie has got a Daughter and that the Mother and the Child are both well. The Turks have made a stand against the German and Russian forces which has surprized all Europe. I believe they owe the present figure they make in arms to the restless ambition of the french court which has carved out work enough to employ it for some time at home, but I cannot leave this subject without pay- ing a tribute of praise to the sensible and intrepid conduct of the French who have disputed rights with a Sovereign backed with above a hundred thousand military men. 1 Mary, daughter of James and Ruth (Cunningham) Otis married Benjamin Lincoln (1755-1788), son of General Benjamin Lincoln. The young man died January 18, 1788. 1789] IVarren -Adams Letters 3°5 Mr. Graham joins me in affectionate regards to your self Mr. Warren and family and compliments to all friends who do us the honor to remember us From Dear Madam with an high esteem Your Sincere Friend And Servt Cath: Macaulay Graham Binfield, near Bracknal, Berks., Octbr. 29, ’88. I have taken a small Villa in Berkshire about thirty miles from London where I propose to reside chiefly being quite tired of the absurdities of the Capital. John Adams to Mercy Warren Braintree, March 2, 1789 Dear Madam, — Your friendly Letter of the third and twenti- eth of February, I did not receive till Saturday last. To your Friend, who has now been returned from N. York these five Weeks, I have delivered your inclosed Letter as desired. She will acknow- ledge the Receipt of it, and transmit you the Compliments of her fellow Travellers, our Correspondence has had a short Interrup- tion, it is true, as all others in which I have had any concern have been. I have indeed enjoyed a delightful Rest, tho my Mind has been constantly employed with my private and domestic affairs, which by a negligence of fifteen Years were in such disorder, as would require several Years to rectify. The Period from the 17. June, 1788, to this 2d of March, 1789, has been the Sweetest Morsel of my Life, and I despair of ever tasting such another. This delightful Retreat, humble as it is, I shall quit with great regret. There never was and never will be found for me, an office in public Life, that will furnish the Entertainment and Refresh- ment of the Mountain the Meadow and the Stream. According to private Accounts from the Southward there is a Majority of Votes for me to be Vice President. But the People of our united America find it much easier to institute Authority than to yield Obedience. They have Smarted Severely under a total oblivion of the two first Principles of Liberty and of Commerce, 3°6 IVarren -Adams Letters [ 1789 that Laws are the fountain of Freedom and Punctuality the Source of Credit. Yet there is still room to fear, that there is not enough of the Spirit of Union to insure Obedience to the Laws nor enough of Shame and Scorn of Evasion, to secure that Revenue on which Punctuality will depend. The Resources of this Country are abundantly Superiour to every Exigency and if they are not applied, it must be owing to a Want of Knowledge or a Want of Integrity. . . . John Adams Mercy Warren to Henry Knox Knox mss. Plimouth, March 9th, 1789 I acknowledge a Letter has been long due to General Knox, but as I only am the sufferer thereby no apology is necessary for the neglect. Yet I think I could make a very hansome one consid- ering the great events which have since taken place, events too interesting to admit of silence and too Delicate for a Lady to touch upon. But as we now seem to have verged to the entrance of a perma- nent and I hope peacefull Government, an object which has long been the wish of every good man and woman in America, though they may have varied in opinion relative to some particular points, I feel less timidity than for some months past, even if I should accidentally touch on the subject of politics. Yet in this letter I mean to avoid them and, only after enquiries relative to the Health of Mrs. Knox and Family, ask you to transmit the enclosed to my friend Mrs. Montgomery, if she should happen to have left the continent before this reaches N-York, sure [that] you will excuse the freedom I feel no hesitancy in making the request. . . . I think I should like to look into the Federal City once in the course of my perigrinations, though not that I sigh for the splen- dour of Courts, or the indulgence of curiosity that might be fed with variety of observation on the dawn of infant empire and the Regalia of Monarchy, but I have still those antiquated feelings about me which seldom approaches the pallaces of kings. I love 1789] TVarren -Adams Letters 307 my old Friends, many of whom are collected at New York; I am fond of the society of the truly worthy, and at the head of the Respectable list I revere and esteem the illustrious Washington and lady, of them both I have too high an opinion to suspect they will ever forget their friends and correspondents at Plimouth who most sincerely wish he may pass through his Elevated situa- tion (till nature summons him to the Grave) with the same Eclat that has accompanied his Name through a considerable part of the habitable Globe. . . . M. Warren Henry Knox to Mercy Warren New York, 29 March , 1789 Madam, — I had the pleasure last evening to receive your favor of the 9th instant with its enclosure for Mrs. Montgomery. 1 That Lady has not yet gone to Europe being at the Manor of Livingston. The letter shall be delivered to some of her family in this City. I was very sorry when in Boston that my business was of such a nature as prevented my visiting you and the general at Plymouth. I hope on my next journey, I shall be more at liberty, to indulge my respect and attachment for you and him. I would the objects at this place were of sufficient attraction, to induce you and the Genl. to an excursion. If the length of the Journey by land should deter, the opportunities by Water by the Way of Newport, are at once convenient, safe and pleasant. The birth and principles of a government destined for so rising and extensive an empire form a momentous crisis. The trains for happiness or misery will be involved in its first measures. A knowledge of human nature, and the existing circumstances of the Country, with wisdom to apply them, will be eminently required. Whether the necessary qualifications for a proper administration, will be easily found, or have been brought forward by the late elections, must be determined by experience. 1 Janet, daughter of Robert R. Livingston and widow of Richard Montgomery. 3°8 IVarren -Adams Letters [1789 But with your zeal for the happiness of your Country, and with your beleif for the glory it may attain, it would be highly pleasing for you to be an immediate spectator of the various agitations and projects at the off-set. Such an uncommon event in the an- nals of human nature would be a proper object for the exercise of the mind and pen of a Philosophic historian. The roads have been so bad to the southward, that the number of members necessary to form the two houses, have not yet arrived. But about the first of april they will be completed, only two representatives, and one senator being deficient. The government will not however be fully organized by the arrival of the President and vice President untill about the first of May. With respects to Genl. Warren I am Madam your sincere and Most Obedient humble Servant H. Knox Mercy Warren to John Adams Adams mss. Plimouth, April 2d, 1789 Sir, — You are too well acquainted with the history of the world and the distresses of mankind to expect to stand on the eminence of rank, fortune, and influence, without solicitations from various quarters. Where you feel a friendship it will always be a sufficient stimu- lus for the exertion of every kind office without importunity, and when applyed to by strangers in distress your benevolence, I trust, will excite due attention. This is all the apology I shall make for enclosing a letter from a lady whose history you may have been acquainted with until the period when Col. Walker, like many other good men who suffered in the public cause, was neglected by that public and obliged to retire to an obscure corner, there silently to endure penury and slight: which from a state of affluence and independ- ence is trying enough to the feelings of the human heart, without 1789] TVarren -Adams Letters 3°9 the extremes of want and the insolence of more fortunate adven- turers in life, who once thought themselves honoured by the notice of persons now in peculiar distress. Col. Walker has been dead three or four months. You will see by her letter the situation of his wife. If you think it consistent with justice, doubtless you will attend to her application when it comes in your way. She is a Friendless Widow, a sensible well bred woman, once possessed of Fortune and consequently courted and respected by the World. And all the alleviation that I know of in her present reversed situation is that she has no children for whom her heart might be daily wrung, and that the suffering of her Husband and herself were in consequence of principles that urged them to risque everything to obtain liberty, independence and happiness to others. Many a similar victim to public Virtue we have and shall see on a survey of the convulsions and Revolu- tions of our own day. I thank you, sir, for a letter received by my son, a son who has suffered too severely from the malice of his Contemporaries; but perhaps not so much from any impropriety in his own Conduct, as from the determined system of political enmity that has ran- sacked the lower Regions for calumnies to ruin his Father — your Friend — and a man you know, or ought to know, has never de- viated from the line of probity in public or in private life: not- withstanding the efforts to destroy his influence in the public walks, and to cut him off from the pleasures of private Friendship by the basest and most Groundless insinuations. I most sincerely wish you every Happiness in the elevated situa- tion you are about to occupy, nor do I think there is much danger of the difficulties you mention. I cannot, sir, entirely agree with you in the observation that the people of America will be remark- ably averse to yield obedience to the authority they have insti- tuted. I am persuaded the new Government will operate very quietly unless the reins are held too taught, which may Gall some restive spirits for a while; but mankind are much more prone to servile compliance to the will of power than to a sober and Rational attention to that Freedom and independence which is the just claim of nature, and is by no means incompatible with 3 1 ° TVarren -Adams Letters [1789 the necessary subordination which must subsist to maintain a just and regular Government. You will make my best regards to Mrs. Adams and to your Children, and believe me, with the highest esteem and respect, your assured friend and Humble servant. M. Warren Mercy Warren to John Adams Adams mss. Plimouth, May 7, 1789 Sir, — Presuming on the Confidential and unremitting friend- ship that has long subsisted between us, grounded on the close connection commenced with Mr. Warren in the early part of your life, I again address you without waiting an answer to my last which, according to your usual politeness and punctuality, I doubt not will be noticed as soon as the particular engagements that have lately occupied your attention, the etiquette of the entree public and the consequent ceremonies, are a little over. I do not mean to flatter the most virtuous and the most ele- vated Characters, but I must assure you, sir, I have too high an opinion of yours, to imagine it will ever suffer a diminution in my mind from any failure in friendship which I always thought formed on the purest principles, strengthened by mutual confi- dence and exertion in every patriotic measure, and increased by a thousand circumstances of fiery tryal through the arduous struggle for the liberties of America. You, my Dear sir, have successfully surmounted all: you have baffled the intrigues of your foes: have reached the acme of applause, and are placed in a situation to do eminent service to your country, to establish your family and to assist most essen- tially your friends. Gen. Warren has unfortunately been the butt of party malice, headed by a man (I know you very justly and heartily despise), who by his machinations has destroyed his public influence and aided by some others for very obvious de- signs have most injuriously traduced his character, and wish to ruin his Family; But Mr. Adams is the last man in the united 1789] IVarren -Adams Letters 3 1 1 states, who I should suppose would listen to the misrepresenta- tions, or be impressed by the calumnies of open or disguised Ene- mies to the prejudice of an old and a tryed Friend — a friend whose zeal and exertions in the public cause you are acquainted with and whose integrity you never could suspect. Perhaps no other person has for so many years possessed so great a share of his esteem and confidence as yourself: of consequence, it must be supposed that you know his undisguised temper and senti- ments much better than any one of the several descriptions of men who have stuck at no falsehoods or even fosgeries to prostrate his political Character. You, sir, will be sensible on a short recollection whence these Reflections have arisen. I yet consider the free and explicit man- ner of some late conversations as a mark of your sincerity and friendship; and though none of my Family are soliciting, at least I am persuaded you will not forget them at a time when you have it so much in your power to oblige without injustice to yourself, your Family, or your Country: but, on the contrary, may indulge the feelings of a Friend and the Patriot by an attention to the interest of a Gentleman who has an equal claim from his Country with any man that is of a uniform attachment thereto, and an indefatigable industry to support its welfare joined with the strictest probity can justify that claim But the vindictive spirit of his enemies, not sufficiently Grati- fied by their too successful Efforts against him, have endeavoured to wound in a still more tender part by levelling their envenomed shafts at the reputation of a son. was there a propriety in calling your attention at this time to private objects, I could give you a curious detail of fact, relative to this matter. Yet I do not think it by any means necessary in order to secure your patronage. I am sure of it whenever an opportunity offers to serve any one of a family personally attached from infancy to you and yours. This is a very free letter; but when I have been used to write and converse with the simplicity of truth and the unreserve of confidential Esteem, neither rank nor station, nor distance or time, will check the disposition to “throw open the Volume of the soul.” Especially when candor has heretofore beheld its contents 3 1 2 TVarren -Adams Letters [1789 with the most favorable eye. I shall only lock myself up in reserve when convinced there is no stability in human Friendships by Mr. Adams’ forgetfulness of, or indifference toward, such an invariable Friend as I know he has from his first entrance on life possessed in Mr. Warren. But though ill treated, maligned and persecuted in a most unjust and singular manner, he yet bears and has borne the unprovoked abuse with the Dignity of con- scious rectitude and that Philippic calmness which is never the companion of insurgency , Anarchy or Fraud. I always have thought those Ideas when applied to a person of his established and uniform character were too ridiculous to require a serious refutation; till by a strange combination of parties (invidious to each other, and who have only united when it would aid the de- pression of a man of too much independence of mind to subserve their designs) they have in some instances been so successful as to injure him in the opinion of some he highly esteems. But time will make curious disclosures, when you, sir, may be astonished to find the incendiaries who fomented the discontents among the ignorant and miserable insurgents of the Massachu- setts in a class least suspected by the world; by persons who to screen their own Guilt fabricated and secretly caused the vague and malignant rumour to light on one of the most cherished friends to the Constitution and to his Country; a gentleman whose services have been distinguished; whose patriotism has been unshaken and his Virtue incorruptible; whose fortune has been impaired and whose Family have personally suffered in the public cause. Yet neither himself nor any one of a family of young Gentlemen of promising expectations have sustained any office of honour or emolument since the commencement of the Consti- tution of Massachusetts. I only mention these things from a sense of justice, from that justice which I would wish to exercise toward any one, however disconnected, were I equally sure of their merit and their mal- treatment. You, sir, will excuse my detaining you thus long when I tell you the sensibility of my feeling heart has been awakened on many trying occasions; nor is it totally an uninteresting subject to 1789] IVarren -Adams Letters 3 1 3 yourself. For so fluctuating is the popular voice, and so replete with vicissitude are all human affairs, that those whose command- ing good fortune augurs no change for the worse may yet con- template in a more solemn hour the injustice, the ingratitude and abuse experienced by themselves, which has been felt before by some of their Friends. I will swell this long Epistle with only one truth more, which I dare say I may ever subjoin to my correspondence with you, that I am, respected sir, with great esteem your sincere well-wisher, assured Friend and very Humble servant M. Warren John Adams to Mercy Warren Adams mss. New York, May 29th, 1789 Madam, — A little before my departure from Braintree I received your favor inclosing a letter from Mrs. Walker. Last night I received that of the 7th May. There was no necessity of any apology for writing to me after so long a correspondence. There has never been on my part any failure of friendship to Mr. Warren or yourself. You are very much mistaken in your opinion of my situation. I have neither reached the acme of applause nor am I in a situation to establish my Family or assist my Friends. I am and have been extremely mortified from my first arrival in America to hear from all quarters the unpopularity of my Friend Warren and his family, whom I was formerly accustomed to hear spoken of with affection and respect by all. It is not my fault to have listened to the uninterrupted Ebulitions of the public wrath. For I must have been wholly out of society not to have heard them, and they hurt my heart most too intimately not to make a deep impression. No doubt there have been many and great exaggerations and misrepresentations. But one thing is indubit- able, that Gjeneral] Warren did differ for a time from all his Friends and did countenance measures that appear to me, as they did to those Friends, extremely pernicious. You are pleased to say, Madam, that you are sure of our Patron- 3*4 JVarren -Adams Letters [1789 age for certain purposes. In the first place, I have no patronage; in the next, neither your children nor my own would be sure of it if I had it. Beyond my own clear conviction of the public good I should belie the whole course of my public and private conduct and all the maxims of my life, if I should ever consider public author- ity entrusted to me to be made subservient to my private views, or those of my Family or Friends. The friendship between Gen- eral Warren and me began and has continued on different prin- ciples. No man knows better than I do that time will make curious disclosures. I should not be astonished to find Incendiaries who fomented the discontents among the Insurgents of Massachusetts in a class the least suspected by the world. From my earliest youth I have been perfectly aware that the popular voice is fluctuating and that human affairs are full of vicissitudes. I have long contemplated in many very solemn hours the Injustice, Ingratitude, and Abuse experienced by myself, and it would be no surprise to me if my latter end should be as melancholy an instance of popular mutability as the annals of anarchy ever exhibited to the World. If this should happen to me or to others, it will wholly be owing to the ignorance of the great leaders in the Revolution of the nature of Government and their obstinacy in refusing to learn it. But enough and too much of this. You have not informed me, Madam, what particular View you have for Mr. Warren or your sons. The Candidates are very numerous and equally importunate. I must say to you as to every one else, I am not the Person to apply to. The Constitu- tion has wisely made the President the Judge in the first instance of the pretensions of all. Every application must be made to him and it ought to be made in writing. With my sincere respects to Mr. Warren I am, Madam, your Friend and humble Servant J. Adams 1789] IVarren- Adams Letters 3 1 5 Mercy Warren to Henry Knox Knox mss. Plimouth, June 18, 1789 Sir, — Though not used to make applications for office, I feel such a Confidence in your friendship as justifys my nameing to you at his request Major Henry Warren, who wishes (and perhaps no one is better intitled to expect it) the appointment of Collector of Customs for the port of Plimouth and Duxborough. You, sir, are acquainted with mr. Winslow Warren, who thinks you will not forget him in the arrangement of the military depart- ment, but I believe you may not recollect the young Gentleman named above. General Lincoln is undoubtedly his friend. He was his first aid de camp in the successful expedition against the insur- gents of the western counties, he will name him to the President, but knowing your intimacy and influence with him and your Friendship for their parents, my sons are led to suppose that your recommendation alone is sufficient. I know not the regular mode of application for favours of this kind, but judge that an address for much greater matters than this might be made with success to the confidential Friend of General Washington, and I am mistaken indeed if your influence should ever be withheld when you have it in your power to serve any one of my Family. 1 Though I have not before acknowledged your favour of March 29 I now thank you, sir, for your care of the inclosures, for the polite return, and for your invitation to make an excurssion to N. York. You judge right when you observe “that my zeal for the happiness of my Country and my belief in the Glory she may attain, were sufficient to induce me to wish to be an immediate spectator of the various agitations and projects of the off-set.” when the wheels of a new Government destined for so rising and extensive an empire were, set in motion. It would have given me peculiar pleasure to have seen the entra public of the president and the just tribute of honour and 1 William Watson was appointed Collector for the port of Plymouth in August, 1789, and continued in office until he was removed under President Jefferson and Henry Warren named in his place, November, 1803. Winslow Warren was commissioned a lieutenant in the Second Regiment, March, 1791. 3 *6 IVarren- Adams Letters [1789 Gratitude the united voice pays to real merit conspicuously marked with modesty and Dignity in our much revered Chief magistrate. But I can contemplate, perhaps with equal pleasure, beneath my own private roof the felicity this people may enjoy under the administration of a Man made by Heaven to Conduct War and revolution with Glory to his Country: to sit down in peace with Honour and eclat to himself: and peculiarly blessed with the happy tallent of uniting the affections of mankind, we now behold him to the pride and admiration of the present and doubtless to the Wonder of future Generations, at the head of our civil police with the hearts of all parties in his hand and the blessings of the whole Continent on his head. Heaven grant that he may be continued to Govern the united states in the untryed path of infant empire and untrodden systems with the same just and universal applause He acquired in the field when Gloriously leading the armies of America to Victory, Freedom and inde- pendence. . . . M. Warren Henry Knox to Mercy Warren Knox mss. New York, 9 July , 1789 Madam, — Two posts past I had the pleasure to receive the favor of your letter dated the 18th of June. You judge truly, Madam, in thinking I should derive satisfac- tion in serving any of your family. All, however, that I do at present is to advise the mode of proceeding most likely to effect the object desired. As the president has the nomination to all offices, all applica- tions should be made to him in writing. It will, therefore, be necessary that Major H. Warren should immediately write to the President stating this request. It would be proper that his letter be accompanied by vouchers of his character and fitness for the office. Genl. Lincoln and Mr. Bowdoin would be good signers to this paper. Were the merchants and principal people also of Plymouth and Duxborough to sign another declaration of their 1790] TVarren- Adams Letters 3 l 7 desire of his filling the office, it would be a still firmer support to his request. As the president is decided to make his nominations on the highest principles of impartiality, those who can produce to him the best evidence of their qualifications for the offices for which they are candidates, and also of their being acceptable to the community, will undoubtedly receive his support. As the military establishment will not probably be augmented, at present no new appointments can take place. If an augmentation should be made, and I should be so cir- cumstanced as to be able to advance the views of Mr. W. Warren, I shall eagerly embrace the opportunity. The machine of government has required a considerable length of time to put it into motion, but it is ardently to be desired it may answer the public expectation. The President has been quite sick, but is now on the recovery, although his disease will require time before it is subdued. The minds of Mrs. Knox and myself have been severely exer- cised between hope and fear for some Days past, respecting the life of one of our children who has been at the point of death. We hope the crisis is past and that it is the will of the supreme principle of life to bless it with a longer continuance on this globe. Please to present me sincerely to the General. I am, Madam, most respectfully your most Obedient Serv., H. Knox Benjamin Lincoln to Mercy Warren Boston, March 25, 1790 Madam, — Your favour of the 22 ulto. has been received. I am pleased with the information that you are attempting the history of the late important transaction of this country which led to its seperation from Great Britain. It must be considered as a fortunate circumstance indeed when there unites in the historian the means of the best information, the power of perfectly pre- 3 1 8 IWarren -Adams Letters [1790 serving the materials, an ability pleasingly to arrange them and a disposition to undertake the laborous task. Permit me, Madam, to assure you that there is nothing in my power which I will not undertake to facilitate the execution of your laudable design. My public papers are at your command. As it will be a work of time to examine them all, I will aid in the business if you will please to point me to any particular transac- tion on which you wish information. I have the honour of being, Madam, with Sentiments of real esteem your friend and servant, B. Lincoln George Washington to Mercy Warren New York, June 4th, 1790 Madam, — I did not receive before the last Mail the letter wherein you favored me with a copy of the Dedication, which you propose affixing to a Work preparing for publication . 1 Although I have ever wished to avoid being drawn into public view more than was essentially necessary for public purposes; yet, on the present occasion, duly sensible of the Merits of the respectable and amiable writer, I shall not hesitate to accept the intended honor. With only leisure to thank you for your indulgent sentiments, and to wish that your Work may meet with the encouragement which I have no doubt it deserves; I hasten to present the Com- pliments of Mrs. Washington, and to subscribe myself, with great esteem and regard, Madam, Your Most Obedient and Very Humble Servt. Go. Washington 1 Poems, Dramatic and Miscellaneous. By Mrs. M. Warren. Printed by Thomas and Andrews at Boston in 1790. The Dedication to Washington is dated March 20, 1790. See letter from Washington, November 4, 1790, infra. Mrs. Warren’s letter offering the Dedi- cation, May 1, 1790, is printed in Correspondence of the Revolution, Letters to Washington, iv. 326. 1790] JV arren - Adams Letters 3*9 Martha Washington to Mercy Warren New York, June the 12, 1790 My dear Madam, — I ought to apologise for the interval that has passed between the receipt and acknowledgment of your obliging letter written in March last; but I hardly know what apology will be sufficient to excuse the apparent, though uninten- tional neglect. I believe the truth is always the best ground for an apology on such occasions. Though I may not have a great deal of business of consequence to do; yet I have a great many avoca- tions of one kind or another which imperceptibly consumes my time, and I know not wheather one’s reluctance to writing much, does not increase with one’s years. The sevear illness with which the President was attacked some weeks agoe, absorbed every other consideration, in my care and anxiety for him. These reasons, I trust, will have their due weight in your candid mind. During the President’s sickness, the kindness which everybody manifested, and the interest which was universally taken in his fate, were really very affecting to me. He seemed less concerned himself as to the event, than perhaps almost any other person in ye United states. Happily he is now perfectly recovered, and I am restored to my ordinary state of tranquility, and usually good flow of spirits. For my part, I contrive to be as happy hear as I could be at any place except Mount Vernon. In truth I should be very ungreatfull if I did not acknowledge that every thing has been done, which politeness, hospitality or friendship could sug- gest, to make my situation as satisfactory and agreeable as possible. My grand children have likewise good oppertunities for acquiring an useful and accomplished education. In their happi- ness, my own is, in a great measure, involved. But for the ties of affection which attract me so strongly to my near connection and worthy friends, I should feel myself indeed much weaned from all enjoyments of this transitory life. If congress should have recess this summer (as it is expected will be the case) I hope to go home to Mount Vernon for a few months; and from that expectation I already derive much com- fort. Especially as, I believe, the exercise, relaxation and amuse- 3 20 IVarren - Adams Letters [ 1790 ment to be expected from such a journey, will tend very much to confirm the President’s health. This is also the opinion of all his Physicians. In passing down the vale of time, and in journeying through such a mutable world as that in which we are placed, we must expect to meet with a great and continual mixture of afflictions and blessings. This is a mingled cup which an over ruling provi- dence undoubtedly dispences to us for the wisest and best of pur- poses. And as you justly observe, shall we short-sighted mortals dare to arraign the decrees of eternal wisdom. That you and yours may always be under the kind protection and guardianship of that providence is the sincere wish of, dear Madam, your affectionate friend and humble Servant M. Washington James Winthrop to Mercy Warren Cambridge, 13 July, 1790 Madam, — Your very polite letter of 25 May I have been honored with. It was left at my lodgings while I was upon a journey. The flattering attention which you shewed toward an old friend, would have been sufficient of itself, to have engaged me in forwarding the work proposed in the advertisement which you inclosed. But before the receit of it I was already engaged, and if a Gentleman of the University had supported it as readily as he promised, we should have had more subscribers in that society. As it is, finding your work in the press, I have returned the paper to the printer with several names in the civil line affixed to it, and some of them I hope you will not be displeased to see. Your compliments of condolance were very interesting to us all. Madam Winthrop’s 1 death we did not generally expect, and for a considerable time did not see the need of it. Her own opinion from the beginning was, that it was her last illness. But You I Hannah, daughter of Thomas Fayerweather. She had for a first husband Farr Tolman, and married Professor Winthrop in 1756. Professor Winthrop died May 3, 1779. 1790] Warren -Adams Letters 3 2 1 know every circumstance, the same chamber, the same bed, every object the same, the age of the patient, and the time of the year being the same as took place with respect to Dr. Winthrop at his death, were all fitted for impressing his widow with the idea of following her husband to his long home. She frequently spoke familiarly of her death, but those around her could [not] join in the conversation. The idea was too painful. The mansion house is settled upon me. When I shall get into it I do not know. I have lived pretty much by accident till I have turned thirty-eight. It is not I believe the want of that sensibility which induces partial attachments, that has prevented me from a regular manner of life; but it has been the want of funds. Governor Hancock’s disorder tho’ not severe seems to be fixed. In the strife of parties it is difficult to know what to believe. I am Madam, with much respect to You and General Warren Your most obedt Servant, James Winthrop I forgot to mention Major Warren’s visit. I got home to dine that day, but did not know of his being in this town till the next morning. My respects to him and his brothers. When is he to do better than I have done? It will take some weeks to abate the gloominess of ideas with regard to the house where my Parents resided; but I hope soon to have the pleasure of waiting on General Warren and Lady there, and their sons as often as they come into this town. Benjamin Lincoln to Mercy Warren Boston, Sepr. 21, 1790 Dear Madam, — This will be given you by my young friend your amiable Son H[enr]y. He returns to you not because he is materially worse than when he left Plymouth but because Doer. Dexter, his Physician, friend, and councillor thinks the business in the office is of such a nature as will endanger the loss of his little remaining health if he pursues it. It is with real regret that I part 3 2 2 JLarren -Adams Letters [1790 with him I want him as a clerk but I want him more as a com- panion, for I can obtain ten Clerks where I can find one young Gentleman whose mind like his is furnished with useful knowledge and whose disposition is so well calculated to promote the happi- ness of all connected with him Nothing but a knowledge that our seperation will promote his interest could make the measure tolerable to me My best wishes will always attend him and no- thing will make me more happy than having an opportunity really to serve him saving that information by which I should be convinced that his situation in life was so perfectly eligible as to make him independent of any aid from mortals about him. He will deliver you a copy of my private letter to General Washington there is nothing in it which should recommend it to any saving to the faithful historian whose chief enquiry is for a state of facts. It is a short narrative of an important transaction, the most so to me of any one in which I held a part. Some have thought that the seige should not have been under- taken with so small an allowance of provisions and that I ought not to have retained so large a proportion of officers. Respecting the first I have, I think, explained in the said letter. I detained a larger number of officers than I otherwise should have detained but for the assurance that a very large reinforcement of militia would be sent in to my aid. Had they arrived the experienced officers would have rendered the most important services I was buoyed up from a hope that I should receive the reinforcement untill it was too late to send out the officers. Had they been sent out when the seige first commenced it would have been of the worst consequences not only to the garrison but to the Citizens at large my apprehensions could not have been concealed. However an officer may feel his feelings should be to himself. If you shall wish for a farther state of facts pray point them to him who has the honor of being with esteem and friendship yours sincerely B. Lincoln 1790] Warren -Adams Letters 3 2 3 Mercy Warren to John Adams Adams mss. Plimouth, Sept. 24, 1790 Sir, — Though the vice-president of the United States and his lady may have forgotten Mrs. Warren, yet her former friend, Mr. Adams, will accept a small volume from the hand of their sincere and very Humble servant M. Warren Mercy Warren to Henry Knox Knox mss. Plimouth, Sept. 24, 1790 Sir, — Though some of my late letters have been received by the minister at War with a silence which perhaps ought to forbid further interruption, yet as I will not suppose it a designed neg- lect, I ask my friend, General Knox, to accept a small volume lately offered the public by His most Obedient Humble servant, M. Warren George Washington to Mercy Warren Mount Vernon, Novr. 4th, 1790 Madam, — My engagements since the receipt of your letter of the 1 2th of Septr., with which I was honored two days ago, have prevented an attentive perusal of the Book 1 that accompanied it; but, from the reputation of its Author, from the parts I have read, and from a general idea of the pieces, I am persuaded of its gracious and distinguished reception by the friends of virtue and science. I desire to assure you of the gratitude with which your Flatter- ing expressions of regard impress me, and of the respectful con- sideration, with which I have the honor to be, Madam, Your Most Obedt. and Most Hble. Ser. Go. Washington 1 Poems, Dramatic and Miscellaneous . Boston, 1790. See letter of Washington, June 4, 1790, supra. 324 TVarren -Adams Letters [1790 John Adams to Mercy Warren Philadelphia, Deer. 26, 1790 Madam, — Yesterday I had the Pleasure of receiving your favour of September the twenty fourth, with an elegant Copy of your Poems dramatic and miscellaneous; for both which I pray you to accept my best Thanks. It is but a few days since We received three other Copies addressed to me, but without a Letter or any other indication from whom or whence they came. As We were subscribers for the Publication, these might come from some Bookseller who in due time, will produce his Account which We shall be ready with pleasure to discharge. If they came from you, Madam, We are so much the more obliged and thankful to you: and shall hereafter receive from a Bookseller those for which We subscribed. All will not be too many, and We shall know very well how to dispose of them with Pleasure and Advantage. The Poems are not all of them new to me, by whom some of them have been read and esteemed some years ago. However foolishly some European Writers may have sported with American Reputation for Genius, Literature and Science: I know not where they will find a female Poet of their own to prefer to the ingenious Author of these Compositions. I am ignorant, Madam, of any foundation you may have for the Distinction you make between The Vice President and Mr. Adams, or for an insinuation that either may have forgotten Mrs. Warren since Mrs. Warren is certainly indebted to The Vice President and Mr. Adams in Partnership for the last Letter. Be pleased, Madam, to present my respectful Regards to General Warren and all Friends. With great Esteem I have the Honour to be, Madam your most obedient and most humble Servant, John Adams TVarren -Adams Letters 325 1791] Mercy Warren to John Adams Adams mss. Plimouth, Jan. 14th, 1791 Sir, — An unsealed letter from you came to my hand this day. for the letter I thank you, as it contained expressions of regard and esteem which I have been used to receive from your pen. for the manner I own myself at a loss. Does not an unsealed letter from you, sir, appear like a diminu- tion of that confidential intercourse that long subsisted and con- veyed warm from the heart the strong expressions of friendship in many a close sealed packet. Was you, sir, apprehensive that your own reputation might suffer by an attention to any one of a family you “ had been used to hear spoken off with respect and affection by all,” unless the public first inspected the correspondence. Yet perhaps you might mean to do me honour by letting the world see your polite encomium on a late publication. Indeed I feel myself flattered by the Compliment and yet more by its being in the stile of my old friend. I acknowledge I stand indebted to the vice president for one letter before his of the 26 December. But you must permit me to say some expressions in that letter appeared so irreconcilable with former sentiment that I was impeled much against my inclination to consider it as forbiding any further interruption. Delicate friendship, conscious of its own disinterested attach- ment, is easily wounded. I might, perhaps, feel too sensibly some former impressions that may hereafter be explained, but I can never tax myself with a voluntary neglect of punctuality or the want of attention in any other instance towards a friend I thought unimpressable by the Ebullitions of party or political malice. 1 1 In a brief note of February 14, Mr. Adams stated that the unsealed letter was unin- tentional and due to carelessness on the part of the secretary. He prepared a letter of the same date which was not sent. It opened with an explanation of the absence of sealing and continued: “Neither ‘the ebullitions of party nor political malice’ have made any impressions on me. The expressions you allude to were the result of very sober reflection upon facts proved to me by the testimony of many witnesses of unquestionable veracity, among whom were not a few of the best friends General Warren ever had in his life. A civil war, Madam, is in my opinion a very serious thing. This Country has once at least 326 JVarren- Adams Letters [1791 A copy of the work you informed me you had just received I forwarded immediately on publication. I know not what should thus long have retarded its passage. Nor can I inform you, sir, from whom you received three other volumes. But could I have supposed, as you obligingly intimate, that you could have dis- posed of so many with pleasure and advantage they should have been much at your service from the hand of the author. Mr. Warren returns both friendly and respectful regards. You will present me also to Mrs. Adams. I am, Respected sir, with sincere esteem your most Obedient and Humble servant M. Warren Alexander Hamilton to Mercy Warren Philadelphia, July 1, 1791 Madam, — In making you, thus late, my acknowledgements for the honor you did me, by presenting me with a volume of your poems, I dare not attempt an apology for the delay. I can only throw myself upon your clemency for a pardon. I have not however been equally delinquent towards the work itself, which I have read, more than once, with great interest. It is certain that in the Ladies of Castille , 1 the sex will find a new occasion of triumph. Not being a poet myself, I am in the less danger of feeling mortification at the idea, that in the career of dramatic composition at least, female genius in theUnited States has outstripped the Male. With great consideration and esteem I have the honor to be, Madam, Your most obedt and humble Servant, A. Hamilton been within a hair’s breadth of a very bloody one, nor is it likely to be soon so secure against the probability of another as I wish it. There is more than one among those persons whom twenty years ago I counted among my friends who are not so explicit and decided as I presume to think they ought to be in favor of those principles and measures which appear to me indispensable to preserve the liberty, peace and safety of this people. As long as this indecision remains, it is impossible there should be the same confidence between them and me which there was once. The affection for them which I once had will never be forgotten, nor can it ever be destroyed; but confidence can never be the same without the same foundation for it.” — Adams mss. 1 A tragedy in five acts, written in 1783-1784, at the request of a “young gentleman in Europe ” — her son, Winslow. 1792] JV arren -Adams Letters 327 James Winthrop to Mercy Warren Cambridge, 3 Aug., 1791 Madam, — I send the two first Volumes of Gibbons’ continua- tion, the whole work not being at home. You will see that all the answers which the first part produced have not tamed him on the subject of Christianity. Besides some gross allusions he takes every opportunity to exalt the character of the heathen or mahometan princes who discovered any appearance of virtue; not considering that under our system every man almost has more virtue than the saints of the infidels, if such an expression is not an absurdity. I have several times since my return mentioned in company Mrs. Macaulay’s answer to Burke , 1 but cannot find that any copies of it are abroad, except yours. This I a little wonder at, considering the eminence of the writer and the value of the work. For clear, comprehensive reasoning I think it a capital perform- ance, tho’ it has not Paine’s zeal. I have read Burke but it is a dreadful heavy work. He spends his whole force in proving the inefficiency of experiments in France that have succeeded in America. It is true that in both countries the establishments are new, and require vigilance to guard them against the attempts of those who are still attached to hereditary distinctions. But every day will add strength to systems that are right, while errors will gradually wear out. . . . James Winthrop Henry Knox to Mercy Warren Philadelphia, 12 Jany., 1792 Madam, — Although I duly received your favor of the 12th of last month, yet my anxiety for your grief has prevented until now my writing to you. In such a case it is only for a parent to feel a parent’s woe . 2 1 It was published, anonymously, in 1790, being in the form of a letter addressed to the Earl of Stanhope. 2 Her son George Warren died in Maine- 328 Warren -Adams Letters [1796 Although consolations might be offered to alleviate your afflictions, yet it is fairly presumed that minds elevated and improved as yours and that of General Warren’s, have on so dreadful an occasion had recourse to the proper and only sources of comfort. Great father of spirits, how severe the Agony of a tender parent on such a loss! I cannot dwell on the theme! Permit me only to add, my ardent prayer, that your farther continuance here, may as much as possible be an anticipation of the happiness destined hereafter to reward the good. I am madam with sentiments of entire cordiality and respect Your and General Warren’s sincere friend and very humble Servant, H. Knox Mrs. Judith Sargent Murray to Mercy Warren Boston, Franklin Place, March 4th, 1796 Respected Madam, — Although I cannot boast the honor of a personal acquaintance with you, yet having repeatedly perused, with highly zested pleasure, the volume with which you have obliged the world, I trace in that invaluable publication, amid the brilliant manifestations of Genius so conspicuously displayed therein, unequivocal demonstration of a mind fraught with a sufficient degree of candour, and benevolence, to embolden a more humble Adventurer in the Career of fame, to solicit your sanction to an attempt, originating in an ardent solicitude to please, and cherished, and matured, by the emulative glow, so frequently enkindled by great examples. When the Virtues are combined with talents, admiration is then the growth of Reason, and justice delighteth to entwine for the brow of merit, thus established, her ever blooming chaplets. Yes, honored Lady, It is most true “ To lead the envied way is thine.” But, tracing thy splendid footsteps, the daughters of Columbia become ambitious of some reflected ray, by which to point the lengthening view, with such wide expansion out spread before them; and the literary Votaress, aspiring to distinction, will ambitiously seek to authorize her pre- 1796] JVarren -Adams Letters 3 2 9 tensions by the Celebrious name of Warren. It is hence, Madam, that the inclosed proposals meet your eye, and if you will con- descend to propitiate the wishes of the Gleaner, by your own signature, and that of any of your numerous friends, you will, in the course of the Essays, contained in the work, be furnished with a reason for my assuming the masculine character, and you will confer a very high obligation on one, who has wept over your mis- fortunes, who has been improved, and charmed by your “ Fame embelished lays,” who entertains a fervent wish for your continued, and augmenting celebrity, and who has the honor to be, with great respect, and high esteem Madam, your most obedient humble servant, J. Sargent Murray 1 Jabez Bowen to Mercy Warren Providence, April 20th, 1796 Dear Madam, — Your favour of the 21st of March came duly to hand, and tho’ we have not keept up that correspondence which arose from an Acquaintance formed when the whole Soule was Engaged for the saving of our Country from the Yorke of Oppres- sion, Yet we on our parts have omitted no oppertunity that pre- sented, to enquire after the Welfare of you and Yours. The verry heavy Afflictions that has befallen our Families, particularly in the Removing our First Born, our Eldest Son, 2 one would naturally suppose should tend to draw the Cords of Friendship more close: may we make such Improvements from these dispensations, as shall enable us more and more to Honour our great Benefactor let our circumstances in Life be as they may. You enquire after the Health of our Aged Parents 3 I have the 1 Mrs. Judith (Sargent Stevens) Murray, daughter of Winthrop Sargent, printed in the Massachusetts Magazine essays gathered in three volumes in 1798 as The Gleaner, by Constantia and also “Poetical Essays” over the signature Honora Martesia in the Boston Weekly Magazine. A “new series” of The Gleaner appeared in London in 1845. She died at Natchez, Mississippi, June 6, 1820, aged sixty-nine years. Her second husband was Rev. John Murray (1741-1815), said to be the first preacher of universal salvation in America. 2 Obadiah Bowen (1763-1793), being lost in the shipwreck of the Mary, off Dunkirk. 3 Ephraim Bowen (d. 1812) and Mary Fenner. 33 ° TV arren -Adams Letters [1797 pleasure to inform you that they Enjoy Life with much Vivacity and Health. Sisters Nancy and Fanny have both Marrid in South Carolina the first to Mr. Ed. Mitchel 1 the latter to Mr. John E. Moore. 2 Eliza, Marrid Mr. John Ward 3 and sister Mary remains in her Father’s house to Comfort the old Folks. The rest of our Friends with whom you are Acquainted enjoy health, except Sister Clarke who has been long an Invalid. My Business in the Loan Office makes it verry difficult to leave Town, so that I cannot promise a Visit soon. Nevertheless we shall be really glad to see you and the General here soon, we will exert our best Abilities to make the Time pass agreably and Pleasantly. When we settled our Accounts there was Twelve Books re- mained on hand, and which I expected you would have Orderd out of my Hands. I will use my Endeavours to dispose of them, or will send them to the person you may direct. Mrs. Bowen presents her best Comps, to you the Genl. and the other Branches of your Family, with whom I joyn, and Remain, Madam your Friend and Obedient Servant, Jabez Bowen 4 John Adams to Elbridge Gerry Phila., Feb. 20, 1797 My dear Sir, — Your favour of 30th of January has not yet been answered. It is full of Observations, which could not be made but by a Man of Experience as well as Wisdom and public Spirit. Information will not be easy for me to obtain especially from the Southern States where my Friends are generally so old and so disinclined to interfere, if not so indolent, that I shall be obliged to receive it frequently from Enemies or at least from cold Friends. 1 Married September 6, 1792. 2 Married August 24, 1789. 3 Married December 25, 1792. 4 ( I 739~ I 8i5.) See Yale Biographies (Dexter), 11. 452. 1797] JVarren -Adams Letters 331 I shall seize it however with avidity, let it come from whom it will, if I can depend upon it as fact. I feel no apprehensions from Mr. Jefferson. The Cause of the irritation upon his Nerves, which broke out in some disagreable Appearances, a few years ago, is now removed as I believe; and I expect, from his ancient friendship, his good Sense and general good dispositions, a decorum of Conduct at least, if not as cordial and uniform a Support as I have given to my Predecessor, which is and shall be, the Pride and boast of my Life. I have had Temp- tations, which however I found no disposition in my heart to comply with and found no difficulty to resist. As to information from abroad; that is already in a train that it will be very difficult, if not impossible for me, to interrupt. There are, who, you may suppose, have enough of my Confidence. There are none, whom I distrust. But I wish I could be more confident than I am of the Industry Vigilance and Zeal as well as Judgment and discernment of some. Talents of some sorts, how- ever brilliant, are not always the only ones, necessary to search the hearts of Courtiers and penetrate the Views of Cabinets. The Places abroad are or will be, before my Day arrives, all full. It is my private opinion that Ministers at the Neutral Courts of Sweeden and Denmark, would at this important Period, be not only usefull, but important. But among the Representatives there are so many against all foreign Missions and so many more against enlarging the Number, that I fear it will be hopeless to propose such a measure. Indeed the Office before me, is not a “Sinecure.” I never in my life felt such an awful Weight of Obligation to devote all my time, and all the forces that remain, to the Public. It will be in your Power to alleviate the Burden a great deal, unless yours should be increas’d in a way that I must confess Is the Wish of your Friend and Sert. John Adams 33 2 JVarren -Adams Letters [1797 Abigail Adams to Mercy Warren Quincy, March 4th, 1797 My dear Madam, — I received yesterday your obliging favour of Feb’ry 27th. I have been so little a favorite of fortune that I never once examined my Numbers of the Newspapers, or other- ways, concluding that those who were equally interested would take proper care for me. as I had formd no expectations, I meet with no dissapointment, and am quite pleased that my adventure should be appropriated to the promotion of Science and Literature. The few shillings in your hands be so kind as to lay out, in the purchase of some little Books, and present them for me, to the Lovely Marcia as a token of approbation for the sweet engageing simplicity of manners, which were so conspicuous in her. For your Congratulations upon a late important event, accept my acknowledgments, considering it as the voluntary and un- solicited Gift, of a Free and enlightened people, it is a precious and valuable Deposit, and calls for every exertion of the Head, and every virtue of the Heart, to do justice to so sacred a Trust, yet however pure the intentions, or upright the conduct, offences will come. High Stations, Tumult, but not bliss create. As to a Crown, my Dear Madam, I will not deny, that there is one which I asspire after, and in a Country where envy can never enter to plant Thorns beneath it. the fashion of this world pas- seth away. I would hope that I have not lived in vain, but have learned how to estimate, and what value to place upon the fleeting and transitory enjoyments of it. I shall esteem myself peculiarly fortunate, if at the close of my publick Life, I can retire, esteemed beloved and equally respected with my predecessor. Old Friends can never be forgotten by me. in that number I have long been accustomed to consider the Genii, and Mrs. Warren, it will always give me pleasure to see them at peace- Field, or where ever else they may meet, their Friend and Humble Servant, Abigail Adams 1797] Warren -Adams Letters 333 Abigail Adams to Mercy Warren Quincy, October ist, 1797 My dear Madam, — I acknowledge myself indebted to you for two kind Letters, both of which found me in circumstances of distress; the first which came to me before I went to Phila- delphia, I fully intended to have replied to at the Time, but the many cares and avocations which at that time occupied my mind, preparitory to my going, and the peculiar melencholy circum- stance of the Death of my Mother and Neice within a day or two of each other, not only arrested me in my journey, but added to the cares with which I had before felt myself opprest. to you therefore, who have so frequently been summoned on like solemn occasions I need make no further appology. Your last kind Letter, which I had no right to expect, and was therefore received as a pledge of a Friendship which bears the stamp of Time, and which I hope will endure with our Lives, however we may discent upon some subjects, upon that of mutual good will esteem, and real affection I trust we shall be ever united, and your Letter expressive of it should have met a ready reply but I was disabled both with my Eyes and Hands, having met an accident in a carriage which like to have cost me my Life. I have however recovered so as to leave only a small scar behind. Your kind invitation to visit you in the only stile which can ever be agreable to me, that of Hospitality and freedom, would have given both Mr. Adams and myself great pleasure, a promise which he made to the Secretaries, of not being absent from Quincy more than one day at a Time, that their communications might always find him, has confined him to this place ever since his return, one only visit have I made, and that to my sister in New Hampshire. I fulfilld two duties, that of visiting a very dear Sister, which I had not done before, since her residence and marriage in that State, and placing my two Grandsons at an accademy there, and in her Family and under her inspection, that they may receive a Genuine New England education which I am Yankey enough to prefer to any other I have yet seen. We leave this place in a few days, without knowing where we 334 IVarren -Adams Letters [1798 are to stop, the distrest state of a city which seems devoted to Calamity, and the pestilence which still rages there, renders it dangerous to enter it at this Time, and the certain clamour which will be raised if Congress are convened at any other place, renders it difficult for the president to know what is best and most for the Good of the Country, and the Safety of its Members; without being much nearer, where a more accurate statement of Facts can be ascertained. The Philadelphians will complain and say there is no danger, tho at present their city is deserted of two thirds of its inhabitants. I received a Letter from Mrs. Otis, a few days since. She with her Family are at Bristol about eighteen miles from the city, and were all well. When I was at providence I took Tea at the late Govenour Bowen, they inquired kindly and particuliarly after you and your Family, and desired a particuliar remembrance to you. The president joins me in an affectionate remembrance to his old Friend the Genii, and to Mrs. Warren both of whom it would have given him pleasure to have seen at Quincy. I am, dear Madam, with sentiments of Regard and esteem Your affectionate Friend Abigail Adams Harrison Gray Otis to Mercy Warren Phila., March 15, 1798 My dear Madam, — It is a long time that I have been your Debtor for your affectionate enquiry after my health when I was in Boston. That journey naturally created an accumulation of business which pressed rather heavily upon my return; and my complaint made it desirable to avoid as much as possible, the occupation of writing. I am thank God, much better. My friends thought I was never very ill, and I doubt not that absence from home and a privation of my habitual domestic pleasures aggra- vated my indisposition. I was however harrassed by a hoarseness and pain in my breast which have not entirely left me. The pain 1798] W arren -Adams Letters 335 is changeable and fugitive; and as I retain strength and appetite and sleep well, I am not without hope that it is chiefly rheumatic. You will perceive by the papers, all the news that we have lately received. The dispatches which accompanied the late letter from our Commissioners are not even now fully decyphered. It is however whispered but I know not on what ground, that they consist of the little details of their transactions and opinions, which will not aid a public investigation of the state of our affairs, and which might be injurious to our friends who remain in France. It is sufficiently evident that they are not to be received, and not less so, that a hostile and predatory conduct towards us, will continue on the part of our dear Allies. Our only chance of escaping from war, or from the calamities of war, inflicted under some other name, seems to consist in the prospect that the powers at war cannot long remain in their present high and constrained attitude. But whether Great Britain is doomed to yield to the arms and politicks of France, or whether the five Kings will squabble with each other, so that “honest men may come to their dues,” are events shrouded from our foresight. I shall bear either of them with Christian Fortitude, if our own Country can be permitted to remain at peace. I write this at my desk in the Hall of Congress, so that if it does not discover either fancy or genius, I hope you will impute the deficiency in part, to a very heavy Speaker who now assails my ear with a very somniferous monotony. I send you the substance of my speech on foreign intercourse; not on account of its merit but to satisfy you that my hoarseness is in some measure relieved. With great respect and regard, and friendly remembrance to Uncle Warren and my Plimouth Connections, I am, Dear Madam, Your affect. Nephew, H. G. Otis 336 JV arren -Adams Letters [ 1798 Abigail Adams to Mercy Warren Philadelphia, April 25, 1798 My dear Madam, — I received your obliging favour of April 7th on the 18 of this month, for which accept my sincere thanks. To hear of the Health, and welfare, of old, and esteemed Friends, gives pleasure to her, who sincerely rejoices, that the decline of Life, of all those, whom she highly values; is renderd agreable by the enjoyment of Health, peace, and Competance. Blessingjs] at all periods valuable but more particularly so, when active Life, yealds to the more tranquil and contemplative Scenes of Age. A scene to which your Friends are as rapidly hastning, as time can carry them; and accelerated by the Burdens which are de- volved upon them, when retirement from the “worlds mad stage” would be more consonant to their feelings, particularly as they have weather’d one political storm, and enterd the Harbour with safety, it is hard to be calld again to engage in a Tempest, and with a power which defies all Laws, both humane and devine, whose Ambition knows no limits, and which seems to threaten universal domination, and like an other Alexander, weep for new worlds to conquer. “In proportion, (to use the words of a cele- brated writer) as we have been attracted towards the focus of illegality, and irreligion all the venemous and blighting insects of our Country, have been awakened into life, and the promise of the years has been blasted.” The olive Branch, tendered to our Gallic Allies, by our Envoys; has been rejected with scorn, nor would the Military Despots, give to our Ambassadors, an opportunity of presenting those liberal generous and pacific terms, with which they were Charged, they seemed to think all negotiation useless, which possessd not the power of Midas. The haughtiness by which the proud repell us, has this of good in it; that in making us keep our distance, they must keep their distance too, having swallowd up all the Repub- licks with which they have contended, drained them of all their resources, they proceed from the same rapacious spirit, to im- prison the Ambassador of a sovereign power: not as alledged, for offering a Bribe, but having exacted from his court one heavy 1798 ] Warren -Adams Letters 337 contribution, as the price of peace; and employd that very money in establishing their late military despotism, they refuse to sign the Treaty, which was a few days protracted, in order to obtain the consent of an Ally, against whom some articles militated with their former engagements, having obtained their consent, the Minister presented the Treaty for signature, and was refused, unless a new gift of a still more oppressive sum was given upon the refusal of his court to comply, the Minister; contrary to the Law of Nations is imprisoned, and portugal threatened with an invasion. The dispatches from our Envoys which you have undoubtedly read; and which I now send you, will be prooff sufficient, to shew, what a pitch of venality, Rapacity and avarice, the present Rulers of France have arrived at. The confidence with which they boast of a powerfull party in this Country devoted to their views, is daily experienced, their emissaries are scatterd through all parts of this extensive union, sowing the seeds of vice, irreligion, cor- ruption, and sedition, hence has grown up that spirit of party, and of faction within those walls, where wisdom and patriotism alone should preside; where you behold sophistry, substituted instead of argument, and personal Reflections giving place to National Dignity and Decorum. I wish however a veil to be thrown over the disgracefull business which occupied much too large a portion of the present session; and that it may sink into oblivion with the party views which supported it The Nation appears to be rousing from the Lethargy, which has too long benumbed its powers, and rising to a Sence of its own Dignity, and consequence, with a firm resolution to repell the insults offerd her, too long a habit of humiliation, does not seem a very good preparative to manly and vigorous sentiments, but the reluctance which every American feels to engage in Hostilities with any Nation, and the desire they have to sacrifice all con- sideration to the preservation of peace, short of their Independ- ance, and Security, has restrained them from expressing the full extent of their Indignation against a Nation, which they con- siderd as oppressed, and in the early stages of its Revolution, sincerely wished it success in obtaining and securing to itself equal Liberty and social Rights, but when we see them from 338 JV arren -Adams Letters [1798 being oppressed, become themselves the greatest of all oppressors and usurpers, we can no longer wish them success. If we become a united people, there is no doubt but we can withstand the storms which threatens us. united we stand, united we are formidable, and sufficient to ourselves, nor need we seek a Foreign Aid, or dread a Foreign Foe. As Calumny, and abuse upon the Fairest Characters and the best Men in France, was one of the most powerfull engines, em- ployed to overturn one set of Rulers and in sitting up others who in their turn shared the same fate, so have their emissaries adopted the same weapons in this Country and the Liberty of the press is become licentious beyond any former period, the Good sense of the American people in general directs them Right, where they can see and judge for themselves, but in distant and remote parts of the union, this continued abuse, deception, and falshood is productive of great mischief, and tends to destroy that confidence and Harmony which is the Life Health and Security of a Republick. I write to you, my dear Madam, with the Freedom and con- fidence of an old Friend, who, I am sure, will unite with me in sincere, and ardent wishes, for the peace security and prosperity of our common Country. The president desires me to present to Genii. Warren the Remembrance of an old Friend who would be much more at his ease, and happier in cultivating the usefull science of Agri- culture with him, than, in the arduous, complicated, turbulant and difficult task assignd him. he will however do his utmost, that the fruits of the Husbandman, and the Commerce of the Mer- chant shall be protected and secured, and that the Liberty and Independance which we obtaind and secured from the Grasp of one Foreign Nation, shall not be unjustly wrested from us by any other power, if we are but just to ourselves, and in these endavours he hopes for the aid and countanance of all his fellow citizens. When I return to Quincy, which I hope may be in the course of the summer, it will give me great pleasure to see and welcome you and Genii. Warren at Peace Field. 1798 ] JVarren- Adams Letters 339 My compliments to your son and daughter and to Miss Marcia. From dear Madam your Friend and Humble Servant Abigail Adams Abigail Adams to Mercy Warren Philadelphia, June 17, 1798 You and I, my Dear Madam, have trod together, through one Gloomy Scene, of War, havock and desolation; and we have seen our Country rise superiour to oppression, and despotism and take its Rank among the Nations, presenting at this period, the only spectacle, of a Free Republic, which has not been Revolutionized, by the Gormandizing and insatiable thirst of that power, which like the Grave, crys Give, Give, whilst the departed wealth, opulence and Liberty of Batavia, the Cruelly oppress’d Geneva, Genoa, all Itally, and the partitiond and Barterd Venice, with the Barbarously Sacrificed Switzerland, and Bern cry to us with an awefull warning voice, to behold their Fate, and secure our- selves by a direct opposite conduct to that which has proved fatal to them. I would hope that the destroying Angel may not be commis- sioned to visit us in wrath, but that he may visit us on an errand of Love, to warn us against those contaminating principles and abominations, which have made all Europe one Golgotha. May the God of our Fathers protect us, and if we must be scourged, remember Mercy for us. “You observe, That Providence has deposited a high trust in the Hands of the President, and that it is optional, with him, from the confidence reposed in him by the people, to abuse his power, or to continue the object for which our Country has made such costly sacrifices.” Hastening to that period which in Scripture is termed the Life of Man, having every thing at stake which can render the remnant peacefull, or the future happy, reputation and honour, Life Liberty, and property, is it possible to have a wish or desire which is not interwoven with the present and future prosperity, freedom 340 Warren -Adams Letters [1798 and independance of united America? it depends upon the people to say that they will remain a free and happy Republic. Permit me to transcribe a sentance from an answer to an address presented by the inhabitants of the County of Otsego in the State of New York. “Your reliance on the good sense fortitude, and integrity of your fellow citizens, I trust will not deceive you. all depends upon these virtues, if these fail us, we are lost, our constitution and administration all depend upon them, our Government without these aids has no power at Home, or abroad: we have no other principle of union, or capacity of defence.” In an other replie, to the people of Potts Town in (Penn) are these words, “Your confidence, that I will not surrender the rights of the Nation, shall not be betrayed. If the Nation were capable of such a surrender (which it is not) some other Hand must affix the signature to the ignominious deed” With these sentiments will my Friend live and with these senti- ments he will like the Brave avoyer, Steiguer of Bern , 1 meet death if decreed to him. The stay of our envoys in France is protracted to an allarming degree for their personal safety, and I had almost said for our National honour. The Decree of the Directory respecting Neutrals and the declaration of Talleyrand, that we could only Buy it off, ought to have been the signal for the departure of our Envoys The cup of Humiliation was full, what has since happend, are its overflowings, they have Borne it! but the indignation of their Country spurns it. I inclose to you the last dispatch Heaven Grant, that it may be the last. The testimonials in Approbation of the measures persued by the Chief Magistrate of the Union, with respect to France, which as you observe, have poured in from all quarters of the Union, are indeed an incourageing, and gratefull reward, for his Labour- ious and hazardous exertions in the publick Service; whilst the rising Generation, upon whom the hopes and expectations of all America is fixed, for their Security, and Defence are zealous, and sincere, with their profferd Lives, and fortunes, Their Fathers 1 Nicolas Frederic de Steiguer (1729-1799). 1799] TV arren- Adams Letters 34i may be permitted to repose; having performed their Routine of active Duty, and spend the remnant of their Days, in devoute suplications for the success of their offspring. The president directs me to reciprocate the Kind wishes of his Friend Genii. Warren, and to assure him that he retains a pleasing remembrance of the past they have acted together in the defence of the Liberties of their common Country. Mr. and Mrs. otis the Elder and junr. are both well, were with us last evening. I most ardently long for a visit to Quincy, the Green fields, and shady Groves would be a pleasing contrast to the Brick Walls and crouded streets of Philadelphia, particularly so, if I could shut out all the political clouds which darken our horizon With a kind remembrance to every Branch of your Family particularly the Little Marcia I am, my dear Madam, your Friend and Humble Servant, Abigail Adams Abigail Adams to Mercy Warren Quincy, October 5, 1799 As I have an opportunity by the Lieut Govenour I send you a late publication by the Abbe Barruel , 1 which will remove I pre- sume all doubts from your mind, respecting the existance of such a person as wishaupt : 2 when you have read the Books, you will oblige me by returning them to Judge Cranch’s. the Abbe was the writer of the History of the French Clergy, you will perceive that he is a Bigoted Catholick, but a man of science, and great indus- tery, the system which he discloses freezes one with horror, it was reserved for wishaupt to put in practise, the principles of Voltair, and the whole junto of French phylosophers, aided by Frederic the Great as he is call’d. 1 Augustin de Barruel (1741-1820), whose Memoires sur le Jacobinism appeared in 1797 and was translated into English and published in London in 1797-98. 2 Adam Weishaupt (1748-1830), founder of the Order of the Illuminati. 342 JVarren- Adams Letters [1803 you will be so good as to present my Respects to the Genii, and to believe me at all Times your truly affectionate friend, Abigail Adams Abigail Adams to Mercy Warren Quincy, Janry. 16th, 1803 My Dear Madam, — It was with much pleasure I recognized the Hand writing of an old Friend, tho only in the signature of her name, it recall’d to mind those days of pleasureable intercourse, “when thought met thought,” and a happy union of sentiment endeard our Friendship, which neither time, or distance has effaced from my Bosom. I have sympathized with you, in sick- ness and in sorrow, much oftner than my pen has detailed it to you. I too have tasted of the bitter cup of affliction — and one is not, cut off in the Meridian of Life. I was happy that my son had an opportunity of paying his respects to the ancient Friends of his parents. We should be equally glad to see your sons whenever they pass this way. his visit to plimouth was necessarily short, or he would have spent more time with you. You observe that you have not seen any effect of my pen for a long time; Indeed, my Dear Madam, I have avoided writing for these two years past a single Letter, except to my Sister, and Children. The sacred Deposit of private confidence has been betrayed, and the bonds of Friendly inter- course snapt asunder to serve the most malicious purposes: even a jocular expression, has been made to wear the garb of sober reality: the most innocent expressions have been twisted, mangled and tortured into meanings wholly foreign to the sentiments of the writer. I have been ready to exclaim with the poet, “What sin unknown dipt you in Ink?” There now lies before me an Aegis of the present year; in which is draged to light the intercepted Letter, 1 said to have been written to your worthy Husband, in the year 1775, and publishd in an English Magazine. The design of the publisher appears I See Vol. 1, 88, supra. The National Aigis was published at Worcester. JVarren -Adams Letters 343 1803] from the introduction of the Letter, to make it believed, that the person alluded to as a pidling Genius, was Genii. Washington, and that the supposed writer, was engaged in a plot to get him re- moved from the command of the Army, that he possest a san- guinary revengefull temper, and was desirious of punishment without mercy: without adverting to the period when the Letter was written the state of the Country at that time, before the declaration of Independance had sit it free from the shackles and chains which were prepared for it, and when we were hazarding an attempt to form a Government for ourselves, it was natural for the Letter writer to inquire: will your judges be Bold? will they feel firm? will they dare to execute the Laws under their present circumstances? with their Capitol in the possession of a powerfull enemy, and many of their near and dear Friends shut up within it, prisoners to them. The old Actors are gone off the Stage, few remain who remember the perils and dangers to which we were then exposed, and fewer still who are willing to do Justice to those who hazarded their lives and fortunes, for to secure to them the blessings which they now possess, and upon which they riot and scoff, little regard is paid to the prohibition, thou shalt not bear false witness, or to that system of Benevolence which teaches us to Love one an other: and which I trust, we my dear Madam shall never lose sight of, however reviled and despight- fully used. Your Friends tho not exempt from the infirmities of age, are in the enjoyment of many blessings, amongst which is a comfortable portion of Health, and rural felicity, we enjoy the present with gratitude, and look forward to brighter prospects and more dur- able happiness in a future state of existance, where we hope to meet and rejoice with those whom we have loved, and revered upon Earth. as to the little pecuniary matter between us, which but for your reminding me of, would never have been recollected by me, I know not where the papers are. I have not seen them or thought of them for many years: I have not any thing upon Book and the amount can be but a triffel, and I beg you not to give yourself any further concern about it, as I have not any demand upon you, but 344 JV arren -Adams Letters [1803 a continuence of that Friendship and regard, commenced in early Life, and never designedly forfeited, by your Friend, Abigail Adams Both Mr. Adams and your Friend unite our best wishes for the Health and happiness of Genii. Warren and yourself and Family. Mercy Warren to John Adams Adams mss. Plymouth, August 28th, 1803 Sir, — The painful tidings I have this afternoon transiently heard relative to the health of my long beloved friend, Mrs. Adams, induce me to trouble you with a line to enquire what is her present situation, of which you will be so kind as to inform me by the return of the post. I pray that she may not be in so hazardous a state as is reported, but that her useful life may be protracted. You will mention me to her with my best affection — affection which has not diminished with time, and with esteem and friend- ship reciprocated through the Varieties of life, which I hope will be continued in a more perfect state, whichever of us first changes her existence. With much respect, I am, Sir, your Obedt. Hble. Servt. 1 Mercy Warren John Adams to Mercy Warren Quincy, August 30th, 1803 Dear Madam, — I received, with much Pleasure, late, the last Evening your kind Letter of the 28th of the month, and should have answered it sooner, if it had come earlier to my hand We have been in great affliction in this Family for more than three months, on Account of the dangerous illness of your Friend my Companion, on whose preservation all my hopes of Comfort in this World, seem to be suspended. An Unfortunate Fall, first threw her into a fever, a return of that obstinate Intermittent, 1 The body of the letter is by another hand. JV arren - Adams Letters 345 1803] which has distressed her at times for so many Years, and brought again that chronic Diarrhea, which a few years ago threatened her Life for a long time. This was followed by a Carbuncle, which is still in Operation. She has suffered, through the whole extream pains, and has been reduced so low, that it has often seemed im- possible to support her Strength in a degree sufficient to sustain her. She desires me to present you her best Thanks for your kind Enquiries and friendly Sentiment, and Authorises me to say that she thinks herself better this morning than she has been for many days past, having rested more quietly than she has done for a long time. Although her own opinion has been that she should not survive this Disorder, she has been in a very happy State of Mind, calmly resigned to her Destiny and the Will of the Supream Ruler. The Day is far spent with Us all. It can not be long before We must exchange this Theatre for some other. I hope it will be one, in which there are no Politicks. With great Esteem and regard to you and Mr. Warren, I am, Madam your Friend and humble Servant, John Adams Thomas Jefferson to Mercy Warren Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to Mrs. Warren and returns her the paper she had been pleased to inclose to him with his own subscription and that of the heads of departments except General Dearborne, who had signed another paper . 1 he learns with great satisfaction that Mrs. Warren’s attention has been so long turned to the events which have been passing, the last thirty years will furnish a more instructive lesson to mankind than any equal period known in history, he has no doubt the work she has prepared will be equally useful to our country and honour- able to herself, he prays her to offer his respects to General Warren and to accept herself his salutations and assurances of high consideration. Washington, Feb . 8, 1805. 1 A subscription paper for her History. 346 JVarren- Adams Letters [1805 Mrs. Judith Sargent Murray to Mercy Warren Boston, Franklin Place, June ist, 1805 Respected Madam, — It was with pride, and pleasure, that I received your Prospectus — pride, that my name was still found written in the volume of your memory, and pleasure, that you had at length determined to endow the world with a production it has long wished to see issue from the press, upon which antici- pation delights to dwell, and which is considered as a fund in re- serve, containing historical facts, biographical information, moral truths, and elevated sentiments, cloathed in habiliments, whose substantial texture are evincive of strong, and abundant resources, inwove with all the brilliant, and variegated powers of fancy, and receiving their beautiful finishing, and last gloss, from the fashion- ing hand of elegance and taste. May your volumes obtain the celebrity they will no doubt merit, and may the publication look with a benign aspect upon the evening of your useful, and digni- fied career. I have been induced to delay returning the subscription paper, by a hope of augmenting my list of suffrages, but I have been disappointed. I persuade myself, it is not necessary to observe, that I have not been negligent in exhibiting your proposals but, in almost every instance, apologies have been the only result of my solicitations. The Life of Washington, 1 it is said, forestals, if not wholly precludes, the utility of this history; and, very many urge the political principles attributed to the otherwise admired writer, as a reason for withholding their signatures. Genius revolts from an idea so contracted; but Genius is not possessed by the multitude, and Mrs. Warren must be apprized, that, in this Commercial Country, a taste for Literature has not yet ob- tained the ascendency. I have the honour to reciprocate those sentiments of amity, which constitute the conclusion of your letter, and I am, with affectionate admiration, etc., etc., Madam, your most obedient J. Sargent Murray 1 By John Marshall. See Beveridge, Life of John Marshall, hi. 223. 1805 ] JVarren -Adams Letters 347 John Dickinson to Mercy Warren My esteemed Friend, — Thy Letter with its Inclosure came to my Hands Yesterday, for which I return many Thanks. Thy Approbation I consider as a real Honor, and it is greatly endeared to Me, by coming from a Sister of my very deserving and highly valued Friend James Otis. Our Acquaintance with one another was formed at the first Congress held at New York, in the Year 1765; and it soon grew into Friendship. At this distant Period I have a pleasing Recollection of his Candor, Spirit, Patriotism and Philanthropy. [With a lonjger continued Existence on this Earth [than was] allotted to him, I have endeavoured, as well as I could, to aid the Cause in which his Heart was engaged, by asserting and maintaining the Liberties, for which he would have been willing to share in all the Distresses of our Revolution, and, if necessary, to lay down his Life. It soothes my Mind, to hear this pure Testimony to departed worth. May Divine Goodness graciously bestow on his Relations, a plentiful portion of Consolations. Thy generous Exertions to inform thy fellow Citizens, and to present thy Country before the World in a justly favorable Light, will be, I firmly believe, attended with the desired Success. With every respectful Consideration I am thy Sincere Friend, John Dickinson Wilmington the 25th of the 9th Month 1805. Thomas Jefferson to Mercy Warren Th: Jefferson presents his respectful compliments to Mrs. Warren and his thanks for the copy of her History of the Ameri- can revolution which he received yesterday. 1 his emploiments have not yet permitted him to enter on it’s reading; but he 1 A copy of the History was in the Jefferson Library when purchased for the Library of Congress. 3+8 JVarren- Adams Letters [1806 anticipates much pleasure from the perusal of a work which taking truth, both of fact and principle, for it’s general guide, will furnish in addition original matter of value, not before given to the public. He prays Mrs. Warren and Genl. Warren to accept his friendly salutations and assurances of high respect and esteem. Washington, Apr. 26, ’06. John Dickinson to Mercy Warren My greatly esteemed Friend, — In thy Intercourse with the World thou must have observed, how much Pleasure may be derived from a Communion of Minds without personal Acquaint- ance: That Pleasure I perceive to be strongly communicated by thy Correspondence. I am gratefully sensible of thy kind Enquiries about my Health. Excepting a pain in the small of my Back at times severe, it is good, considering my Age, having entered upon my seventy fifth Year on the thirteenth Day of last Month. I see, and hear, and walk, and ride, as well as I did in my Youth. Such an old Age could hardly be expected by a Man born in the Middle part of Maryland. These and several other Circumstances, relating to private Condition are gratifying: But — When I look at the State of the world, I see Cause, according to the apostolic Language, to be “troubled on every Side, and perplexed; but not despairing.” Great Changes have taken place; and as great, I presume, will succeed. Human Affairs are now flowing along in a vast Torrent. It will not continue. It does not appear to Me likely, that any of the Actors in the present Tragedies will establish the Jews in the Land of Canaan. The best Commentators I have met with, when speaking only of their general Conversion, represent that Event as two or three Centuries remote. That Nation is indeed, to use thy Expression, “a standing Miracle,” and most certainly and wonderfully will be instru- mental in accomplishing the divine purposes. 1 806 ] JV arren - Adams L etters 349 Connected with their general Conversion will be the mighty Revolution in papal Christendom, and the fall of the Turkish Empire. These Things seem to be rapidly approaching; yet, they are not very near, unless some Errors have been committed by Commen- tators in their Calculations. Tho I do not believe the present state of France to be particu- larly designated in any Prophesy, yet I doubt not, but her Con- duct will under providential superintendence, be made to promote beneficent Plans of Infinite Wisdom. When I recollect, how amazingly the Roman Conquest facili- tated the propagation of the Religion of our Blessed Saviour, I cannot forbear applying to him the Expressions used by the poet with an other Meaning — For him the self-devoted Decii dyed, The Scipios conquered, and the Fabii fell. Again — When that Empire having attained its utmost Gran- deur, as all things human how ever magnificent tend to Decay, was dissolving, to how many barbarous Nations “walking in Darkness,” did its expiring Agonies convey the Light of the Gospel! Coming nearer to our own Days we may observe, that when the Christian Verity was deeply corrupted, the Abomination of the Court of Rome and the inordinate passions of Princes, became subservient to a wholesome Reformation. In this Retrospection it is found, first, that the Effects produced, were directly contrary to the Intentions of the Agents: and sec- ondly, that the Agents were generally bad Men. Such Instances of over-ruling Government, seem to hold for Encouragement in these convulsive seasons. “The Lord reigneth, let the Earth rejoice.” Limited as our Capacities are, We are favored so far as to per- ceive, that the Sovereign of the Universe can deduce Good out of Evil; and that he is inclined so to do: But our sentiments on this Head must be mingled with pure Humility, for “who hath known the Mind of the Lord? or, who hath been his Councellor?” 35 ° TVarren -Adams Letters [1807 That every happiness may attend the Sister of the Man I loved, herself worthy to be loved, is the Prayer of thy sincere Friend John Dickinson Wilmington, the 22 d of the 12 Month, 1806. I received from Matthew Carey of Philadelphia on the 4th of the last ninth Month, the two setts of thy valuable History for which I had subscribed, and paid him for them twelve Dollars. James Winthrop to Mercy Warren Cambridge, 4 Feb., 1807 Madam, — I cannot avoid writing to express the pleasure I derived from reading your history of the revolution. It is a well digested and polished narrative, and gave great satisfaction. But I am afraid you will not believe my praise unless qualified with some remarks to shew that I gave it a critical reading. To say that we are pleased with a book, that we have read so carelessly, as hardly to know what is in it, is hardly giving any praise at all. It is only saying that we met with nothing offensive, and that is hardly to be deemed praise. I must therefore give you proof that I have read it. In Vol 1. It is said that Mr. Bernard retired with a title and a pension of a thousand pounds sterling a year. Of the pension I have nothing to remark, but the proof of royal favor in granting him a title was a considerable time before he left the government. I have heard Mr. Otis fill up a Chasm in his public speech, with Mr. Bernard’s titles at full length “His excellency Sir Francis Bernard of Nettleham, Baronet, Governor and Commander in chief of his Majesty’s province of the Massachusetts in New England, and vice Admiral of the same.” To a man of the Gov- ernor’s disposition, pleased with those little exterior circumstances, the ridicule was well applied and the hearers generally understood it. 1 1 In April, 1769, Bernard was created a baronet as of Nettleham in the county of Lincoln. 1807] TV arren- Adams Letters 351 In the last Volume I suspect an anachronism, as respecting one of the attacks on the island of Jersey. The first expedition was some time in the summer, I believe before Cornwallis had got into difficulty in Virginia. Yet the Commodore is charged with blame in not hastening to America where he might be wanted. I do not know how it would stand on a strict comparison of dates. This was merely the impression made on me in reading. There are several passages in the course of the work which mark the goodness of the Author’s mind, and probably if her system of kind treatment could be applied to a state of war, the condition of mankind would be ameliorated. But I have serious doubts whether the maxims of friendly intercourse can be applied to such a state. It seems to me that the nature of war requires the parties to do all the hurt they can. The mildest, that has been supposed to [be] a true maxim, is that the conquerors succeede to all the rights of government, possessed by their immediate pre- decessors. In some cases this may be true, where an extensive country is obliged to submit, the Victor wants the revenue, and of course must preserve things as free from change as possible, not indeed from any sense of duty to the vanquished, but from a regard to his own interest. This does not go so far as to justify a state of war, but merely to define the rights resulting from that state. War is a state that I believe is always to be deprecated, when it does not arise from inevitable necessity. But when one nation, depending on its strength and not on the justice of its cause, makes war upon another, the necessity of war is inevitable on the part of the invaded State. The two nations are to be con- sidered as two individuals in a state of nature. The invader will do all he can to enforce submission or to destroy his antagonist; the invaded has acquired a right to do all he can to repel or even to destroy the invader. In the quarrel of two individuals, it ends with the life of one of them, when carried to the utmost length of war. In such a case between nations it ends with the submission or conquest of one of the parties. This is the political death of one of the nations. Private citizens are only to be considered as members of the body politic, and in a dispute between two govern- ments, their subjects immediately are exposed to annoyance, as 352 JV arren -Adams Letters [1807 members of the same body with the government. It will not do for the citizen to say because I am not concerned in directing national affairs I am in no degree answerable for the public pro- ceedings. All being members of the same body, and joined in the same social compact, must stand or fall together. A Government making war without its subjects is as bad a supposition as a man’s head quarrelling with a neighbor without the support of hands or feet. As to the right of retaliation for all unnecessary cruelty it ap- pears to me as strict a right as that of defence in any other form. No principles of morals oblige us to take all the disadvantage of our principles, and leave all the advantage of them to the adver- sary. When the enemy admits a good principle in common with us, we are bound to allow him as much benefit from it, as we derive from it ourselves. But if the enemy denies or resists the rule of good conduct, he ceases to be a Christian, and becomes in our view an heathen and a subject of coercion. Don’t set me down as an heretic, tho’ this is my construction of the good book. My respects to the General. Mrs. Hilliard joins in good wishes to you and your family. I am, Madam, with much respect Your obedient Servant James Winthrop Abigail Adams to Mercy Warren Quincy, March 9th, 1807 My Dear Mrs. Warren, — To your kind and friendly Letter I fully designed an immediate replie, but a severe attack of a Rheumatick complaint in my Head has confined me to my Chamber for several weeks and renderd me unable to hold a pen. tho recovering from it, my head still feels craked: shatterd I am sure it is. you will therefore pardon any inaccuracy I may commit, my Health which you so kindly inquire after, has been better for two years past, than for many of those which preceeded them. I am frequently reminded that here I have no abiding place. I bend to the blast, it passes over for the present and I rise again. 1807] W arren -Adams Letters 353 your Letter, my dear Madam, written so much in the stile of Mrs. Warren’s ancient Friendship, renewed all those sensations which formerly gave me pleasure, and from which I have derived sincere and durable gratification, and I anticipate a still closer and more cordial union in the world of spirits to which we are hasten- ing, when these earthly tabernacles shall be moulderd into Dust. If we were to count our years by the revolutions we have wit- nessed, we might number them with the Antediluvians, so rapid have been the changes: that the mind tho fleet in its progress, has been outstripped by them, and we are left like statues gaping at what we can neither fathom, or comprehend. you inquire what does mr. Adams think of Napolean? If you had asked Mrs. Adams, she would have replied to you in the words of Pope, If plagues and earthquakes brake not heavens design Why then a Borgia or a Napoline? I am Authorized to replie to your question, What does mr. Adams think Napoleon was made for? “My answer shall be as prompt and frank as her question. Napoleon’s Maker alone can tell all he was made for. in general Napoleon was, I will not say made, but permitted for a cat-o’nine-tails, to inflict ten thou- sand lashes upon the back of Europe as divine vengeance for the Atheism, Infidelity, Fornications, Adulteries, Incests, and Sodomies, as well as Briberies, Robberies, Murders, Thefts, Intrigues, and fraudelent speculations of her inhabitants, and if we are far enough advanced in the career, and certainly we have progressd very rapidly, to whip us for the same crimes, and after he has answerd the end he was made, or permitted for, to be thrown into the fire, now I think I have meritted the answer from Mrs. Warren which she has promised me to the Question, what was Napoleon made for?” May I ask Mrs. Warren in my turn, what was Col. Burr made for? and what can you make of him or his projects? enveloped in as many Mystery as Mrs. Ratcliff’s castle of udolphus? how he mounted to power we know, and a faithfull historic page ought to record, and after he had answered the end for which he was 354 JVarren -Adams Letters [1807 permitted, we know how he fell, what is yet left for him to per- form, time must unveil. I thank you, my Dear Madam, for your inquiries after my Daughter, she was well a few days since, she had Letters from her son dated in Novbr. he was then at Trinidad where he expected to pass the winter, a don Quixot expedition 1 which could never have met with his Grandfathers or my assent or consent, if it had been known to us before he had saild. it has been a source of much anxiety to us, and to his Mother. I cannot close this Letter, without droping a sympathizing tear with you over the remains of your belovd Neice, and my valued Friend . 2 She was from her youth all that was amiable Lovely and good, the youthful companion of my daughter, I always saw her with pleasure, and parted from her with regret. She was endeard to me by the misfortunes of her youth which from her strong sensibility and dutifull affection, I was frequently made the depositary of her sorrow and tears. She always exprest for me a sincere Regard, when I learnt her new engagement, knowing the delicate state of her Health, I feard she might find it too arduous for her, but her companion she had long known, esteemd and valued as his many virtues deserved. Heaven spared her to act well the Mothers part towards her sons, to whom she devoted herself and having reared them to Manhood, for wise ends which we cannot comprehend, took her out of Life, what can we say, but that the ways of Heaven are dark and intricate. I pray you to present Mr. Adams’s and my regards to Genii, Warren, we both of us rejoice to hear that he enjoys so much health at his advanced period of Life, we shall always be happy to hear of the welfare of Friends whom we have loved from our early years and with whom we have past many, very many social hours of pleasing converse, in unity of Bond and Spirit, with Sincere Regard I subscribe your Friend Abigail Adams 1 That of Francisco Miranda. 2 MaryOtis, widow of Benjamin Lincoln, Jr., andwifeof Rev. Henry Ware of Cambridge. She died February 17, 1807. 1807] Warren -Adams Letters 355 James Winthrop to Mercy Warren Cambridge ii March, 1807 Madam, — Your letter of 4th Feb. I was favored with, and I need not add gratified by receiving on the tenth of that month. It was written at the same time with mine and gave me additional pleasure when I recollected that we thought of writing at once. There was no doubt in my mind, that you had sufficient evidence to justify the statement made in your history respecting Mr. Bernard’s civil promotion. The Remembrancer does not contradict my idea, that he was made a baronet before he quitted his govern- ment. This is an high and the only hereditary order of knighthood. The Remembrancer states that after his leaving America he was still further promoted to the title of Baron Nettleham. This was ennobling him. I had never, till the receipt of your valuable letter, any knowledge of this last promotion, and do now rather suspect that the compilers of the Remembrancer, tho’ in general they may be correct, have in this instance confounded the two things and that Mr. B. remained Sir Francis till his death, without acquiring the degree of My Lord. At any rate an historian in following the documents, is intitled to the respect of the reader, and is exempted from any charge of inattention or carelessness. But when a work so extensive as yours discovers such long continued attention in arranging multiplied materials into an elegant and well formed narrative, there is not only a freedom from blame, but a great degree of praise attached to the author. The Major, I presume, told you of the other part of my remark, made to him at the same conversation, “that if I was about to review the book, for the public eye, such a minute criticism I should be ashamed to insert.” Please to present my respects to the General and your young friends, whom I also claim as belonging to my list. Accept my sincere condolance on the death of Mrs. Ware. It is a melancholy proof that even the best principles when carried to excess terminate in evil. Nobody doubts her being a woman whose conduct was regulated by piety and good conscience; yet perhaps a fear that she had not come up to her own standard, by occupying 35 6 Warren -Adams Letters [1808 too much of her attention, produced such a dreadful subversion of mind . 1 I am, Madam, very sincerely Your most obedient servant James Winthrop James Winthrop to Mercy Warren Cambridge, 3 May , 1808 Madam, — A few days ago I received the honor of your letter of 20th April, and need not add, was flattered by the sentiments of friendship contained [in] it. The pleasure it gave me by the assurance, that all our Plymouth Friends are in health, was very great, and next in degree to the enjoyment of my own health. Your polite invitation to take a trip to Plymouth, I hope, will take effect some time in July. Our Courts will hold on till the latter part of June, as they have for two months past, every second week, and sometimes oftener. They hardly leave me time to rest myself between them. From the end of June to the middle of August, we shall have a vacation, and hope to improve part of it in a tour to the old Colony, and to have the honor of paying my respects in person to you and the General. Not that I consider the reason assigned in your letter as the most operative; tho’ generally I feel disposed to adopt your reasoning, but in this instance it would grieve me to have it just. The reason implied in the ques- tion “Do you not wish to see your old friend General Warren once more before he is gathered to the band of worthy patriots who are swept off before him?” is, that the time may be short. True, it may be short, but I hope otherwise. I hope to have the pleasure of seeing him many times, and enjoying his conversa- tion often, before our separation. It is to me surprizing that a political faction should have been able to produce so great an effect on the mind of the community, by their misrepresentations of the embargo. The election of Sen- ators seems to be so far influenced as to deprive the republicans of 1 The series of letters exchanged between Mrs. Warren and John Adams in July and August, 1807, on her History, is printed in 5 Collections, iv. 317. In the same volumes are letters from Elbridge Gerry to Mrs. Warren on the controversy and breach of intercourse to which it led and on the eventual reconciliation, largely due to Gerry’s tactful handling. 1808] JVarren- Adams Letters 357 their majority at that board, and merely to gratify a few traders, who depend on the commercial credit given them by Great Britain. Those merchants, whose large capitals enable them to trade to all parts of the World, are represented as acknowledging the wisdom of the embargo. A few men, whose politics reach no further than their own counting house, and their habitual course of negotiation, seem to think the whole world is going to overset, because they are for a little while interrupted. A very little attention would shew them how to employ their stock in a different mode, by which the community would be enriched and the nations who have interrupted our old modes of supply would be punished by the permanent loss of our customs . 1 Mrs. Hilliard joins in respects to the General and you, and is much gratified to find by the friendly inquiries you made respect- ing her that she has not slipt through your memory. Please to present my remembrances to your Sons, who sometimes dot in upon us, but will not be prevailed on to make a visit. I intend to be better in this respect than they. I am, Madam, with much respect, Your most obedient Servant, James Winthrop James Winthrop to Mercy Warren Cambridge, i Octo., 1808 Dear Madam, — I am much gratified by a visit from your eldest son, who is now here. He did me the honor of presenting your letter, which contains a review of my book consistent with your habitual politeness . 2 I will not teaze you with a long argu- ment on this subject, for to be honest about the matter, we all of us have our own courses of reasoning, and I cannot expect those, who have been used to a different theory, at once to abandon it for 1 This situation led to the election of James Lloyd, Jr., and the resignation of John Quincy Adams as United States Senator from Massachusetts. See “The Recall of John Quincy Adams in 1808,” Proceedings, xlv. 354. 2 This could refer to his Attempt to translate the Prophetic Part of the Apocalypse of St. John into Familiar Language, Boston, 1794, or Attempt to arrange in the Order of Time those Scripture Prophecies yet remaining to be fulfilled, Cambridge, 1803, or his essay, about to be published, Appendix to the N ew Testament. 358 M^arren -Adams Letters [1808 the sake of supporting mine. I confess therefore that I did not expect so many complimentary expressions, where I did not hope so much for conviction, as to lay open what I think a connected System. What the clergy consider as a political statement, I con- sider as the application of prophecy to the visible church compre- hending the whole body of believers. The raising of the new order of things in their favor, as is now going on, I consider as the Kingdoms of the World becoming the Kingdoms of the Lord, and the resistance of the Popish and British powers as producing that time of trouble of which Daniel speaks in the beginning of his last chapter. In Justification of this mode of applying it, I will at present only state, that all the commentaries on the Revelation, that I have seen, begin with applying the prophecy to the visible church, and to human empires, until their stock of history was run out. Many of the boldest figures of the Apocalypse are agreed to apply to events that have already taken place. The beginning of the ninth chapter is agreed to shew the rise of the Mohometans, and that of the thirteenth to relate in the same manner to Popery. Yet, as if the Commentators were afraid to trust their own principles of construction, they have supposed both these powers destined to a miraculous fall. I have taken the same principles and read the whole book by them, and find them true and the book also intel- ligible, consistent and true. Let me ask, where would have been the surprise, if the whole matter had been expected, as it has happened? Yet you will find toward the conclusion of each series, into which John divides his book, abrupt warnings to be upon the watch. That the book shall remain obscure till toward the conclusion, when it shall become plain. Charge not my opinion with vanity, If I say the book now under consideration resolves the problem. Pardon my having trespassed so long upon your patience. It was not intended at the setting out. By Mr. Warren I send for your perusal two small volumes con- taining the poems of Sir William Jones . 1 Knowing your taste for fine writing, I have presumed, that you will incline to look into I Poems , consisting chiefly of Translations from the Asiatick Languages, 1 772. i8o8] Warren -Adams Letters 359 the Hindoo mythology, and that you [will] be pleased at finding his elegant pen employed in giving that mythology an English dress. Please to make my respects to the General and to the Major and his family. It is not from forgetfulness if we do not com- municate oftener. I am, Madam, with perfect respect Your most obedient servant James Winthrop The passion flower which I undertook to preserve was lost. I then desired Mrs. Craigie to preserve one, and she undertook it I have sent to her this afternoon for it but she has forgot, what book she put it in, but has promised to look for it and send it here. She was sorry for having mislaid it. Samuel Latham Mitchill to Mercy Warren Washington, Novr. 28, 1808 Madam, — As one of the joint committee appointed by the two houses of congress to provide books for their Library, I do myself the pleasure of acknowledging the receipt of your history of the rise, progress and termination of the American revolution. By some oversight of the committee, it had happened, that your excellent performance had not been purchased. It has therefore arrived in good season and is the more acceptable to us. And they who search this collection, for the history of their country, will be sure to find the Volumes of Mrs. Warren on the same shelf, with those of Gordon, Ramsay and Marshall. Permit me to assure you of my high and sincere respect. Sam. L. Mitchill James Winthrop to Mercy Warren Cambridge, ii Deer., 1808 Madam, — Tho’ nothing is to be expected from me, on the melancholy occasion of the death of a friend, 1 which is not already 1 General Warren died at Plymouth, November 27, 1808. 3 6 ° W arren -Adams Letters [1808 familiar to your own mind, yet as novelty is not always to be steered for, but the satisfaction of comparing ideas, and being reminded by our friends of the consolations, which we have administred to others in affliction, I hope you will not consider my condolence as impertinent. It is impossible that the habitual exchange of good Offices between you and General Warren, which continued for half a century, with unremitted attention on both parts, should now be suspended, without your feeling an important loss of happiness. Though we all admit that the necessity of parting with our friends must at some time or other operate, yet we are seldom prepared to say, that now is the right time. But let us endeavor to satisfy ourselves, upon almost any supposition, that a different time would be better, and we shall find so much greater inconveniences staring us in the face, as to oblige us to relinquish our amendment, and to confess that Providence has contrived the event better for us than we could for ourselves and that he does not willingly afflict his children. When we consider how soon the services of a valuable man are forgotten, even by those who knew him in his best days, we can hardly form a wish, that a friend should outlive his usefulness, and should for any length of time survive that energy of mind, which made us respect him. This is an inconvenience necessarily attached to extreme old age. On the other hand, it is exceedingly grievous to lose a friend in the vigor of life, and while there was a prospect of many years useful- ness to others, and of enjoyment to himself. Between these extremes is the case before us. Having lived in times that required uncommon exertion, and acquitted himself with honor, having without any remarkable decay of either body or mind surpassed the age which even but few attain, he died peaceably in the bosom of his family, wept by them, and regretted by his other friends. If death can ever be a kindly visitant, it must I think be in such circumstances. I am sensible that at the first stroke, feelings must have their way, but if we can for a moment interrupt grief by the suggestions of reason, or the still more consoling prospects of another life, every succeeding effort will be better than the former, and the mind becomes tranquillized under our loss. I know that to press these things upon your well regulated mind, would not only 1809] IVarren - Adams ‘Letters 3 6 1 be impertinence but folly in me. You have so often been called by the loss of very valuable friends to fortify your mind, You are so well instructed in the doctrines of the bible, and in the principles and hopes of Christianity, that while you consider the parting of friends as an evil, you find it diminished by the idea of its being temporary. “We shall rest for a season, and stand in our lot in the latter days.” Tho’ death is the last enemy that will be over- come, yet he must at last submit, and we trust that ourselves with many who have gone before us, will have the benefit of the promise. I trust you have seen a tribute of respect to the memory of the General in last Thursday’s Chronicle . 1 It would have found its way there sooner, if I had not expected it from some other quarter. My respects to your sons and connections. I am Madam with perfect respect Your most obedient Servant James Winthrop For a rarity this letter was written without the aid of glasses and revised with them. Harrison Gray Otis to Mercy Warren Boston, 4 feby., 1809 My dear Aunt, — If I could allow the right of any person to interrogate me as to “what I am about,” you may well suppose that there is no individual of your political party, whom I would prefer for a confessor to your much respected self. But it certainly must occur to you that if I have really turned conspirator against the State, I ought not to put it even in your power to hang me; nor even to write a letter which under the present arbitrary gov- ernment, might by a forced construction, if found by accident, be construed into evidence of treason. Your enquiry therefore if it extends to my secret machinations, you must permit me to decline, and if it applies only to my overt acts, it is superfluous, as they will appear on record in the public and political bodies with which I am associated. 1 December 8. 362 Warren -Adams Letters [1809 To be serious, my dear Aunt, my respect and affection for you, are so utterly at variance with the political views and party attachments which to my great sorrow and mortification, you have been led to embrace; that I have for twenty years, studiously evaded all discussions of the last, lest the former might be brought into jeopardy. And from this determination I cannot consent to be diverted, at this late period of your existence, when my duty and your afflictions equally require, that all the sentiments which I have an opportunity to express to you, should breath nothing but tenderness consolation, and respectful love. To mingle with these the acidulating, corrosive ingredients of political creeds, would be to turn the milk of human kindness into poison. I will not engage in such a process. I will not disturb the vale which is consecrated to repose, and bedewed with sorrow, by the noisy echos of party disputes. I will not agitate the groves of cypress and weeping willows by the noise and bustle of excited passions. When I enter these retirements I will put off my shoes. When I write to them my letters shall not be bearers of the “fierce debate and tart reply,” but so far as depends on me, they shall be the messengers of affection and of peace. It was my firm intention to have made you a visit soon after the death of my uncle, but I have been constantly overwhelmed with the concerns of others from which I have not been at liberty to escape. Whether I live in vain or even worse than in vain, I can truly say, I have not yet had a chance of living much for myself, nor for the pleasures and advantages of sweet communion with any particular connections. I sometimes am so sanguine as to hope that these blessings are not forever alienated from me even in this world, but the hours fly, and my white hairs become daily more discernible. My family all unite with me, in the sincere assurance] of regard and duty to you and yours, with w[hich] I am, dear Madam, Your dutiful Nephew , 1 H. G. Otis 1 A letter from Elbridge Gerry to Mrs. Warren, June 5, 1809, is in 5 Collections, iv. 498. 1809] TVarren - Adams Letters 363 James Winthrop to Mercy Warren Sept. 4, 1809 Madam, — When I wrote last, and to which your very polite answer of 19 Aug. has been received, I did not mean to waste any of your time in wandering through the mazy nonsense of heathen- ism, but only to suggest that in the origin of society consecration to religious uses was one of the arts used to preserve useful know- ledge and useful things from being destroyed by an unthinking people. The consecration lasted in many cases longer than the reason on which it was founded. Many useful improvements were preserved among the Hebrews by being applied to the service of the tabernacle. Now in a cultivated state of Society it would be superstitious to accumulate things of the kind in churches, when there are so many reasons for preserving them in other places. Hence I rather consider the heathen idolatry, as exceeding the reason on which it was founded, and lasting much longer than any consecration reasonably required. Some things in it were too gross to admit even of this palliation and we can only say with the Apostle, that they were times of ignorance. Since the Gospel has appeared and brought with it light to all nations, this ignorance has been gradually decreasing, and I think we stand a good chance to see the bible universally allowed to be preached in all countries. The vast extension of European Colonies within a few years past, and the pains taken to distribute the bible in the native language of each country are circumstances which promise speed- ily to realize the Universality of the Gospel. I am a little apprehensive that the passion flower suffered on its journey. It is very tender, and is hardly ever, when left upon the vine, found expanded on the second day. If any body in Plymouth has Martyn’s botany, there is an handsome figure of it, and if the plates are colored, as is sometimes the case, It is a good likeness. My Brother’s catalogue 1 is not sent to the press and it seems to me that he aims at an ideal perfection which prevents us from having it at all. He is now gone to Brunswick commencement. You must not let any despondency cloud the evening of your 1 William Winthrop and a manuscript catalogue of Harvard graduates. J Varren - Adams Letters [1809 3 6 4 days. Some clouds seemed to be hovering about when you wrote last, but there were also clear shinings between them. And I am in hopes that every effort will be attended with success, which has for its object the giving permanence to the habitual serenity of your thoughts. Every time I receive your signature, it gladdens my heart, by proving that my name is recorded in your memory. But this is not the only pleasure. I always find those just sentiments in the letter which are worthy of your adoption. I am, Madam, very sincerely Your most obedient Servant James Winthrop James Winthrop to Mercy Warren Cambridge, 12 Nov., 1809 Madam, — Agreeably to your directions of the 4th instant I saw Mr. Baldwin, and requested the loan of Mr. Dickenson’s works. He had been prepared for the application by Judge Thatcher, and with great politeness agreed immediately. I have, however, no doubt of his complying even as readily as he did, without any such previous application. The goodness of his disposition and the habitual intercourse between us would have been sufficient. To morrow I propose to carry the books to Boston in order to their being forwarded in the way you propose. I long to see Maria, but hardly expect it this time, so give my love to her when you see her. You have often checked me for indulging in such levity of imagination, and trivial conversation; but I do it partly upon the principle of its restoring the equilibrium of my faculties, when fatigued by severe application either to study or business. I find by experience, that what is called generous living does not answer the end. Two or three times since my last visit to Plymouth, I have tried a glass of wine, but it each time did me hurt. With respect to the produce of the vine I am almost a nazarite , and find the meagre draft of warm water to produce more uniform health and spirits, than is derived from wine. About three months ago I collected my tracts on the prophecies, i8io] Warren -Adams Letters 365 and republished them, with some additional remarks . 1 The whole makes a book of about the size of a Psalm Book. The printer undertook to sell them and to allow a year for doing it, provided I would advance a certain sum to begin, and I promised at the same [time] not to distribute any till he had made his trial. I believe he has sold about half a dozen in this vicinity. If it goes on in the same proportion in other towns, I must make my savings against next summer in order to indemnify him. In the additional remarks one or two pages are bestowed upon the New testament principles of health. It is hoped that the clergy, if any of them will be at the trouble of examining them, will find the opinions sufficiently orthodox. The privation of the Pope of his temporal sovereignty is an additional proof of our general theory. My best respects to your immediate connexions, and my best wishes for the confirmation of your health and prosperity. I am, Madam, with great respect Your most obedient servant James Winthrop James Winthrop to Mercy Warren Cambridge, 25 July, 1810 Madam, — This morning I received the honor of your letter dated the 20th and it can hardly be necessary to say that I was exceedingly gratified. The ease and the politeness with which you have stated your opinions upon certain points of our faith, dis- cover the same elevated and discriminating mind, which has always marked your writings, and been the admiration of your friends. Though I have given a view of the subject of prophecy, which appears to me to be more connected and systematic, than any other work that has come to my hands on this subject; though my understanding is convinced, so that repeated reviews of the work have not shewm me any error; yet I cannot blame those whose habits of considering the subject are different from mine, for not 1 Appendix to the New Testament, printed by Hilliard and Metcalf, Cambridge, 1809. 366 JV arren - Adams Letters [1810 being ready at once to change their opinions. We both look for the coming of the Lord, and for his setting up in some part of the creation, a visible kingdom, where his saints “will see him as he is,” at that time; and the reason assigned is that they will have bodies like his. Whatever may be the texture of spiritual bodies, they will be discernible by spiritual organs, as material bodies are perceived by material organs. Hence Saint Paul draws the con- clusion, that we shall be like him for we shall see him as he is. So far we all agree. The question that remains is, where this is to be? It will be readily confessed, that it is equally in the power of Deity to pre- pare for himself a throne, either on this planet or in any other part of the Universe, on which he will not disdain to sit. Wherever it will be, his condescension will be manifested by his becoming the visible president of his creatures. Commentators in general have supposed some other place for the consummation of these prophecies, but I have adopted that which fulfils them here as being more systematic, and more consonant to the measuring of them by time. And I believe the system you have just read provides for all the times mentioned, and estimates those that are future by the same principles as those already past. This is an advantage. The instances of visible translation which you have with so much ability stated all of them apply to the intermediate state. It is expressly declared of Christ that he will again appear to his disciples in the same visible form as when he was taken from among them. We believe the same thing of Enoch, Elijah, and all the dead saints. The mode of their recovery or return is no where explained but we believe in the event. Prophecy in this, as in most other instances, has mentioned the event without pointing out the mode. As a large part of the series is already completed, and appears to have come round naturally, the conclusion seems to be just that the residue will also be fulfilled in such a manner as to give the least possible shock either to our sense or our under- standing. As for example Christ is to be the Universal Prince, the preparation is now making by the Union of a number of European States to establish a maritime law of Nations. This is i8io] JVarren - Adams Letters 367 from time to time published by the head of the confederation. When this business has become Universal, the guardian of the law will reside at Jerusalem, and all the questions of the Intercourse between Nations will be referred to him, and his decision will be final. At present people are classing into parties upon this very question. One party looks with horror upon the European Con- federation, while the other party thinks a law of nations to be precisely what is wanting to secure the freedom of the seas. But a law without any officer having authority to execute it, is an absurdity. Hence arises the need of an Universal Government, and as I read the prophecies such an one we shall have in about half a century. The Judgment on the Ancient establishments is now far advanced, and reckoning the fall of Antichrist as the signal, the time fast approaches for the triumph of the saints. But I shall tire your patience, and must therefore conclude with adding the wishes of Mrs. Hilliard to my own that your health and enjoyment may still remain an happiness to those who are already advanced in life, and a light to those who are advancing. I am, Madam, very respectfully Your most obedient servant, James Winthrop James Winthrop to James Warren Cambridge, ii Nov., 1810 Dear Sir, — I thank you for your appendix to Madam’s letter. If I can learn what book or kind of book you wish to read, it will part of my happiness to help you to it. It is diverting to see Great Britain nestling in a distress of her own creating. When her orders in Council were made, it was with an evident view to monopolize all the trade of the World; but if she had, it could not have supported her. It is true that the trade of neutrals was cramped, and by the countervailing orders of France nearly annihilated. Very little trade was carried on with France, except by English vessels specially licensed by both governments, and the case was the same in England. Thus these two powers ex- cluded neutrals and paid each other for making war. They have 3 68 JVarren- Adams Letters [1810 now got to understand it. The neutrals have begun to establish manufactures for their own supply, the English have found so little vent for their fabrics, especially woollen, that they sell for little more than half the usual price, and when we take into consideration the improvement made by their importation of Spanish sheep, the cloths do not probably sell for a quarter of the price, that cloth of equal goodness would have borne two years ago. Ca ira , they fall into a pit of their own digging. Yours sincerely, James Winthrop James Winthrop to Mercy Warren Cambridge, Deer. 14, 1810 Madam, — At the end of the College Vacation in February, I received from you Mr. Baldwin’s books, accompanied by your charming letter. I immediately returned the books to the owner and delivered him your message. He desired me to make his respects to you, and to say that whenever he goes to Plymouth he will not fail to wait upon you. He was gratified with the idea of having rendered a service, tho’ a small one, to a person of your eminence in the literary as well as polite world. I have not seen the JEgis. Nobody here takes it. I take the Chronicle and other Democratic papers from Boston, except the Patriot which did not need aid. The eastern papers I took while they continued democratic. When they apostatised, they lost me for a customer. I do not now take the Boston papers for the sake of reading them, but it is necessary to contribute toward public information, and I have chosen the democratic side. The federals are willing to read if they are not called upon to pay. By this means readers are found. They do not however always read with judgment. An instance I recollect. One of my federal neighbors with whom the Democrat was left, sent it home after he had read it and sent me word that there was a most excellent speech of Mr. Otis in it. I a little wondered at the intelligence, and on searching for the speech found only the remarks upon it. It happened to be on the opposite side of the question from my i8io] TVarren -Adams Letters 369 federal neighbor. To return, not having seen the JEgis I am unable to give any opinion of the review. Though in a former letter I mentioned your friendly remarks as an inducement to try to justify indulging in light and trivial conversation, it was not done on any supposition of deficiency of candor on your part. So far from it, that if I had suspected any want of candor, I should not have given any reasons at all. But knowing the high value you set upon that virtue, I was willing to inform you of all the operations of my own mind, so far as they influence my outward conduct. The reasons did not arise from pique, but from confidence. All this winter I have been occupied, except when engaged in business, in peeping into the Russian language. As I could not buy a dictionary, I have been engaged in epitomizing a borrowed one. It seems to be an odd pursuit for a person just compleating his fifty-eighth year; but it is not so bad as Cato the censor, who learned greek at upward of eighty. But the more languages we learn, the easier new ones become. We see more of their resemb- lance in construction and learn to apply general principles, as we do in other branches of knowledge. It every -day becomes more evident, that all languages are branches of one original, as Moses has declared. Mrs. Hilliard and Harriet send their respects, and thanks for your congratulations. The occasion however has not yet fully matured, but it is apprehended will take place. I am glad to learn by Mr. Warren’s letter, that your health continues as good as usual . 1 I am, Madam, with great respect Your most obedient servant, James Winthrop I A letter from Elbridge Gerry to Mrs. Warren, November 7, 1811, is in 5 Collections, iv. 499. 37 ° Tl^arren -Adams Letters [1812 James Winthrop to Mercy Warren Cambridge, 8 Feb., 1812 Madam, — This morning I was honored with the receit of your letter of the 5th. inst. inclosing one of 31 Aug., 1811, intended to have been delivered by Mr. Judson Jr. When last at Plymouth I had the pleasure of seeing him, and the pleasure would have been renewed and heightened by his bringing your letter. I do not know how long it is since any communication has passed between us, but it is very long; and give me leave to add, that it has not been owing to neglect or forgetfulness on my part; but to the want of any other matter, than such as we suppose always exists in the minds of those, who are in the habit of friendly intercourse. I should have been glad to have seen Mr. Judson 1 before his departure from his own country to Calcutta, but as by this time he has probably gone, the attempt to see him would be vain, and writing would be little if any better. I wish him all the success, that the nature and importance of his Enterprise deserve. As it respects Christianity, this is an eventful and interesting time. The Exertions made in England and in this country to propagate the knowledge of the Bible in the most remote and benighted corners of the earth, are so great and at present so prosperous; that a very few years will probably shew Christianity to be the prevailing religion all over the World. At present it is the only one of any note in America. In Russia it is the religion of the Govern- ment and generally predominant among the people. In India and the Islands, so far as they have been subjected by the English or Dutch, it is the religion of the Government and common among the people. In China and Persia the Government has little to do with it, but a large proportion of the people adopt it, and an en- terprising Christian probably would not be without supporters. China and Japan still reject it. But as the power of the Christians prevails in India, it will not be long before some question arises between them and the Chinese, which may require force to determine. In that case the resistance of China would be very 1 Adoniram Judson (1788-1850), whose life was written by Francis Wayland (1853) and his son Edward Judson (1883). IVarren -Adams Letters 37 1 1812] short. These things will all be done within half a century. And about 1866 Mahometanism will be diverted, and the Messiah’s Kingdom established at Jerusalem and the Arabian peninsula will be his Domicil of Empire. I wish Mr. Judson would send me a catalogue of the books printed in the Oriental languages at Cal- cutta with their prices, including bibles, dictionaries and gram- mars. They are printed to be sold cheap, but we want to regulate our expence, and not run into a thoughtless expenditure. If he has not already gone, I shall be obliged to you to get him to make a memorandum of my wish and as soon as he can after his ar- rival to transmit it to me. It is a branch of learning in which I am at present interested. If he has already gone, his father will have no objection to inserting such a clause in his first letter. If there be any expence in procuring such a catalogue, I will gladly defray it, but without it I know not what books to try for. Dr. Marchman the Baptist Missionary at Serampore, and one of their principal translators, will easily help him in this respect. I hope your health remains good, and that your eyes have amended. Let me hear from you soon. My best regards to your children. I am with much respect, Madam, Your most obedient Servant, James Winthrop James Winthrop to Mercy Warren Cambridge, 13 Deer., 1812 Madam, — I hope your health continues as good as it has been for some time past. It is long since I have heard directly from Plymouth. Has any communication been yet received from Mr. Judson in India. How does his father bear his absence? Two events have, since the Commencement of the French Revolution, taken place, which have satisfied me of the detestable maxims of the old governments of Europe, and convinced me that they ought to be extirpated. One of them was that Louis 16th. paid two armies at the same time for fighting with each other. As King of France he was commander in chief of all the armies 37 2 TV arren -Adams Letters [1812 of the state, and he put them in motion to defend the country against the German Armies and the French Emigrants. He at the same time was paying the emigrants for invading their country, under the pretence of restoring the King to the ancient preroga- tives, that he had himself renounced. When this fact was ascer- tained, it cost him his head. The other events which characterize the extreme depravity of the old governments, are the late Conduct of the Russians in setting fire to their towns, when they found themselves unable to resist the french invaders in the field. They have claimed the honor of a great victory over the french army because they held in check the column of the latter which was on the right of the French and nearest to Moscow. In the centre and on the left Victory was decisive in favor of the French. So that as it respects the whole battle the Russians were the losers. Their subsequent conduct, shews pretty plainly what sort of victory they boasted of; for the next view we have of this same victorious army is that it retreated, the french continued their march toward Moscow, and the governor in despair of making any effectual defence set on fire and actually destroyed great part of the city, when the arrival of the French saved the remainder, and stopped the con- flagration. If this can with any propriety of speech be called a victory it is difficult to determine what is not one. Moscow is described as the most extensive town in Europe being about twenty four English miles in circuit, and tho’ larger than London or Paris, did not probably contain more than a quarter of the population of either of those cities. The houses were chiefly of wood, and at a distance from each other. This accounts for the time it took to burn so much of the town as was consumed, and the number of fires to be kindled. But it seems the french Troops, whether from seeing the flames at a distance in the bearing of Moscow, or from other means of intelligence, took the alarm and arrived in time to save the greater part of the city. While the Russians were destroying their own towns and turning out the inhabitants at the beginning of winter to perish by cold and hunger, the french appeared as their saviors. Can there be any doubt to which party the affections of those distressed people Warren -Adams Letters 373 1812] will incline? The same policy, barbarous and mistaken as it was, had been pursued by the Russians at Smolensko and other places which they had lost, and was pursued so constantly and system- atically, as to leave little doubt of being grounded on imperial orders. But surely no government has a right to distress or destroy a part of their subjects, whom it finds itself unable to protect. Accordingly it has been the policy of European Nations, when they found it necessary to leave a place to the mercy of an enemy to withdraw their troops and let the inhabitants make the best terms they could with the victorious general. At the end of the War it has been customary to restore conquests. But what claim can a government have to the benefit of the rule, who con- sider it not as their duty to preserve their people, but suppose they have also a right to destroy them. A reverse of the British influence seems to have taken place in Spain. Madison probably re-elected. All these things tend to give us peace. Our friends here all join in respect to you and yours, please to accept my best respects for you and your children. I am, Madam, with great respect Your most obedient Servant James Winthrop Elbridge Gerry to Mercy Warren Cambridge, 17th Deer ., 1812 I have received, my dear Madam, your friendly letter of the 7th, and proposing a ride to Quincy yesterday, I called at the Post office and was favored with that of the 12th and with the copy it enclosed. Your congratulations are always a source of great pleasure, especially when they respect my family or self; because I am sure they are the sincere effusions of friendship. Those which respect the health of Mrs. Gerry, as you justly conceive, relate to a primary object; one that is essential to my happiness. And those which regard my supposed election, are highly flattering; as well for the sanction they imply of my political conduct, as for the 374 JVarren -Adams Letters [1812 interest they manifest, in whatever concerns myself or family, for these unequivocal expressions of your good opinion and friendship, accept Madam my sincere and grateful acknowledg- ments. The re-election of Mr. Madison was in my mind an event of vast magnitude; for had it been defeated, G. Britain would have had a well founded prospect of a triumph over our liberty, and with all the Powers of Europe, would have considered her corrupt influence over us, as being paramount to our political Virtue, and to our sense of national honor. My opinion of Mr. Madison, is perfectly coincident with your own; “that we have more to hope” from his election, than from that of any other person “that could have been selected in the U States.” The Sphere of the Vice-President is contracted, and the public expectations, it is conceived, will not extend beyond its limits. At Quincy, I had a very agreable Interview with President Adams and his Family; and in a tete a tete, with Mrs. Adams, I remarked on the pleasure which I had derived from the informa- tion received of her visit with her daughter and one of her grand daughters, to Plymouth. I likewise stated the pleasing impression made on my mind, by the proposition of the President for termin- ating the differences which had existed between him and yourself; to which she replyed, that as they were not accepted, the Presi- dent did not regret this circumstance, conceiving as he did, that he had gone too far in his advances. This conversation happened, in the absence of the President, who was called on by a person in waiting, and who returning, prevented further observations. Circumstanced as this affair then was, I deemed it ineligible to pursue the subject further at that time; especially as Mrs. Adams appeared to me a little uneasy; and to be guarded in her observa- tions. Should there be any future prospect of restoring mutual friendship to my respected, my highly respected friends; I shall pursue the object with unremitted endeavours. I return the letters and answers by your Grandson Mr. Winslow Warren; and having attentively perused both, my desires are more ardent to terminate amicably, this unhappy dissention between a Lady and Gentleman; who were once affectionate friends, and always, Ornaments of Society. The productions alluded to, if they Warren- Adams Letters 375 1813] should attain publicity, will be sedulously applied to the injury of the fame of both parties, by their respective enemies. I regret exceedingly, that existing circumstances, seem to increase the difficulty of approximating to each other my particular friends; but despair is inadmissible, in any case, accept, I pray you, Madam, with every member of your amiable family, the affec- tionate regards of my own, and of your sincere and respectful friend, E. Gerry P. S. A visit to Plymouth this winter, will I fear be impractic- able. It would give me great pleasure. 1 James Winthrop to Mercy Warren Cambridge, 28 Feb., 1813 Madam, — Your two letters of Jan. 6 and Feb. 21. I received with great pleasure in due season. The first of them gives a true, tho’ melancholy picture of the weakness and absurdity of the old establishments of Europe, and of the World. They have been now for a number of years on the decline, and are now mostly blotted out from the map; or in the scripture style are judged by righteous men. We trust that a better order of things is begun on that Continent. I am sorry for the disaster of the french army in the north. Napoleon’s commission seems to be to reform the Western Roman Empire. Nearly all of it is now reduced. Only England still sur- vives with the little kingdom of Portugal. This remainder will soon vanish. But the northern powers or Gog will require some time longer. Ezekiel, if I rightly understand his 39th chapter allows seven prophetic years or 2520 common years for the con- test between the believers and unbelievers. These are to be reck- oned from the rise of Antichrist in A D. 532. When the judgment on Antichrist begun in 1792, half the period was elapsed. At the 1 A letter from Mrs. Adams to Mrs. Warren, December 30, 18x2, and Mrs. Warren’s reply, January 26, 1813, are in 5 Collections, iv. 501, 503. 376 M^arren -Adams Letters [1813 commencement of the second half begun the judgment on Anti- christ, the 70 years of Jewish expectation and the Judgment on Gog or the northern powers. For this last Ezekiel allots seven months or 210 common years. It will therefore end about the year 2000. He says the place of their defeat shall be on the east side of the sea, in the valley of passengers, and shall be called the valley of Hamon Gog. Ez. xxxix. 1 1. 12. The valley of passengers or resort of travellers agrees remarkably well with the Nether- lands, which have for many years been distinguished as a principal part of the grand tour , and are on the East side of the Ocean. If then that part of Europe is still to be the seat of war between the northern and southern states of Europe till Gog is exhausted, we may not look for its speedy reduction. The other powers we may consider as revolutionized already beyond a recovery. The Judgment on Antichrist will determine, according to Daniel, about 1821. The federal or british party are much elated by the late dis- tresses of the French army; but I believe their triumph will be short Mr. Madison’s election goes but little way in the scale of these great events; but it shews the preponderating sentiment of our nation. It seems to me that Great Britain will hold Portugal but a very little longer. Their power in that country will be of still shorter duration, if they send any considerable reinforcement to Canada; for I do not think, they have army enough for both services. I am sorry the missionaries failed of their admission to India, and suspect it was not so much owing to their being Americans, as to their design of teaching Christianity. I believe that at present the religion of the New Testament is at as low an Ebb in India as in any part of the World, unless it be in Japan. If I recollect rightly, Buchanan 1 says the Government there prefer a native heathen before a Christian for the Offices in their gift; and that a revenue is raised from some parts of Idolatrous worship. It is then no wonder that they are loth to establish a better sys- tem. The repulsed missionaries are reported to have gone to Madagascar. But they will probably not fare much better there. 1 Claudius Buchanan, who wrote much on mission work in Asia. Warren -Adams Letters 377 1813] The island is now in possession of the English, who during the present war reduced the french colony there. The natives are still in a most barbarous state. Accept reciprocal Congratulations on the Commencement of the New Year, and on having entered your 85th. Very few have the indulgence of so long a term for the enjoyment of their facul- ties in so much ease and comfort. It is however a blessing which your friends enjoy with you. I am sorry for the disease of my friend Henry Warren. I have taken a week to enquire for some leeks, but have not yet met with any. There are none in the Botanic Gardens, nor in any other, that I can hear of in this vicinity. There are however some in- stances of outgrowing the disorder. The late Rev. Mr. Badger of Natic was one. 1 My love, if you please, to Maria, I long to see her, and to your children. Mrs. Hilliard joins her good wishes to those of Mrs. Peck and myself for the continuance of your health and happiness. My brother has been unwell this winter, but is now pretty well reestablished. He superintends his farm in this neighborhood and about 18 months ago built him a new house on the old site, in which he lives. I am, Madam, with much respect Your most obedient servant, James Winthrop Abigail Adams to Mercy Warren Quincy, April 9th, 1813 My dear Madam, — I cannot let my son pass through Plimouth without stoping to inquire after your Health, and that of your Family! Nor of asking you who have lived many Years, and whose observations and experience must have excited in your mind, Reflections which ought not to terminate with your days. what is your opinion of the great and important events which are taking place in the civilized world? will they terminate in the 1 Stephen Badger (1725-1803). 37 8 JiArren- Adams Letters [1813 freedom and happiness of the Great Family of Man? and are the Members of that great Family capable of appreciating and enjoy- ing so great a Blessing? Do we who boast of being the most enlightend Nation use our Liberty, without abusing it? what shall we answer? verily we are Guilty. So great a system seems to be unfolding that the mind is be- wilderd in the contemplation, it can only rest upon the belief that there is a wise and just Moral Govenour of the universe, who will order and direct all things to his own Glory. Let me again see the Signature of my Friend to convince me that she is yet a sublinary Being, which will give pleasure to her assured Friend, 1 A. Adams John Adams to Elbridge Gerry Quincy, April 17, 1813 Dear Sir, — Since I have read again, your Law “for encourag- ing the fitting out armed Vessells,” printed in Edes’s Watertown Gazette of the thirteenth of November, 1775; I have had the Curiosity to look into several of our Historians, in order to see what notice they have taken of this Transaction, which had such important Consequences. It was natural to begin with Mrs. Warren, as she was a native of this Province, a Daughter of the first Member of the Counsell, and the Consort of the Speaker of the House, composing the Legislature which enacted it. In the first Volume of her History, page 239, Chap. 7. 1775, after representing the want of Arms and Ammunition she says: These Circumstances accellerated a spirritted measure, before contemplated only by a few; the arming and equipping of ships to cruize on British Property, was a bold attempt, that startled the Apprehensions of many, zealously opposed to the undue exercise of British power; but necessity impelled, and the Enterprize 1 A letter from Elbridge Gerry to Mrs. Warren, April 20, 1813, is in 5 Collections, iv. Warren -Adams Letters 379 1813] was pursued. The General Assembly of the Massachusetts soon resolved to build, equip, and arm, a number of Vessels suitable for the purpose, to cruise and cap- ture any British Ships that might be found, on or near their Coasts. They granted Letters of Marque and Reprisal to several Adventurers, and appoint Courts of Admiralty for the Tryal and condemnation of any captures within those Limits. By these means, the seasonable capture, in the beginning of this Enterprise, of a British Ship, laden with Ordnance, and an assorted cargo of warlike stores, sufficiently supplied the exegencies of the Army and dissipated the fears of those, who had suffered the most painful Apprehensions for the safety of their Country. These Naval Preparations may perhaps be said, not to have been merely of a defensive nature, the Line yet avowedly observed by the Americans, But they had advanced too far to recede. Sophistical distinctions of Words or names were laid aside. It is a Fact of which every one is sensible that successful Opposition to arbitrary sway, places a civic crown, on the head of the Hero that resists; when contingences that defeat, confer an hempen cord, instead of a wreath of laurel. The Success and Catastrophe of the infant Navy of America, will be shewn in the succeeding Pages. I should have expected that this ingenious Lady would have at least inserted your Law, which is certainly one of the most impor- tant Documents in the History of the World, in her Appendix to this volume. But no; the above Paragraph is all she says upon an Event so extreamly important to the Salvation of her Country at that time and at this. Had that Law been conceived or drawn by her Brother, her Father, or her Husband, Her Reader would have been favoured with a more ample detail and a more elegant panegyrick. But I presume this was written after She had con- ceived the horror of a Navy, which appears in other Parts of her History; and after she had acquired the habit of concording with my Enemies, in condemning me and my zeal to promote a Navy in 1798. In page 247 are recorded the Proceedings of Congress towards a Naval Establishment, in a still more summary manner. Many Gentlemen, sanguine in Opinion, that an American Navy was no Utopian project, but that her Marine might rapidly rise to a respectable height; engaged with an energy that seldom fails of carrying into, execution any Attempt the human mind, on principles of reason is capable of forming. They accordingly built, on the large rivers from Portsmouth to Pensylvania, a Number of Vessels, Row Gallies, and Frigates, from four to forty Guns; fitted manned, and com- pleatly equipped them for Sea in the Course of a few Months, All encouragement was given both to public and private Adventurers, who engaged in the Sea 38 ° JVarren- Adams Letters [1813 Service; Success was equal to expectation; many very valuable Prizes, and a vast number of Provision Vessels, from England, Ireland and Nova Scotia were captured, and by this means, the Americans were soon supplied, not only with the Necessaries for War, but with the conveniences and the Luxuries of Life. Is this not strange, that one of the boldest, most dangerous and most important Measures and Epochas in the History of the New World The Commencement of an independent National Estab- lishment of a new maritime and Naval military Power should be thus carelessly and confusedly hurried over? Had the Historian never read the Law of Massachusetts? Nor the Journal of Con- gress? One would think that this momentous Business was all per- formed by a few rash Individuals and private Adventurers. History is not the Province of the Ladies. These three Volumes nevertheless contain many Facts, worthy of Preservation. Little Passions and Prejudices, want of Information, false Information, want of Experience, erroneous Judgment, and frequent Partial- ity, are among the Faults. Other Historians shall soon be exam- ined, by your faithful Friend, John Adams John Adams to Elbridge Gerry Quincy, April 26, 1813 Dear Sir, — Although Governor Gage’s Prediction to General Jo. Warren has not yet been fully accomplished in this Country; yet as his observation was suggested by History, it will be found too just, some time or other. Selfishness has disappointed The Hopes of Patriotism and Philanthropy in all Ages, not only in England at the Period of her Commonwealth. Edes’s Watertown Gazette shall be carefully returned to you or Mr. Austin if he requires it. Had your Motion in Congress been adopted, and a Man of Sense and Letters appointed in each State to collect Memorials of the Rise Progress and Termination of the Revolution: We should now Possess a Monument of more inestimable Value than all the Histories and Orations that have been written. The Few , JVarren- Adams Letters 381 1813] if they are not more selfish than the Many, are more cunning; and all the Ages of the World, have not produced such glar- ing proofs of it, as the History of this Country for the last thirty years. I look back with Astonishment at the Height and Depth, the Length and Breadth of this Stupendous Fabrick of Artifice. If I had suspicions of the Depravity of our Politicians, I had no Idea of their Genius. That Mr. Jay, the President of Con- gress when your motion was made, admired it, is no Surprize to me. His head could conceive and his heart feel the importance of it. Your Allusion to the Controversy with Governor Hutchinson has touch’d me to the quick. I want the Journal of the General Court, which contains his Speeches and the Answers his Replica- tions and your Rejoinders. These were printed alltogether in a Pamphlet. But I cannot find that Pamphlet nor hear of it. Governor Adams once showed it to me, and Judge Paine men- tioned it to me, a year or two ago: but I dared not say a word to him about it, much less to ask the Loan of it. You, my Friend, have been hurt by your Country: so have I. We have sacrificed our Lives our Families our Popularity, our Reputations our Pleasures our Comforts to the Publick: while the Politicians have accumulated Fortunes, Palaces in the City and Villas in the Country. It is in my opinion our duty to brave the Imputation of Vanity and Egotism by recording Facts that no other human Beings know. Our Country will be benefited by it, some time or other. There are a few Anecdotes which I wish to reduce to writing, particularly the Impeachment of the Judges and the Controversy with General Brattle. You talk to me at seventy-seven Years of Age of Writing History. If I was only thirty, I would not undertake an History of the Revolution in less than twenty years. A few Facts I wish to put upon Paper: and an Awful Warning to do it soon has been given me by the Sudden Death of our Friend Rush. Livingstone and Clymer had preceeded him in the same Year; the same Spring . 1 How few remain. Three in Massachusetts I believe are a 1 Benjamin Rush died April 19, 1813; Robert R. Livingston, February 26; and George Clymer, January 23. 382 IVarren- Adams Letters [1813 Majority of the Surviving Signers of a Declaration which has had too much Credit in the World, and the Expence of the most of its Signers. 1 As a Man of Science, Letters, Taste, Sense, Philosophy, Patriotism, Religion, Morality, Merit, Usefulness, taken all- together Rush has not left his equal in America, nor that I know in the World. In him is taken away, and in a manner most sudden and totally unexpected a main Prop of my Life. “Why should I grieve when grieving I must bear?” I can conceive no reason why Governor Plumer may not be furnished with every Scratch of a Pen relative to the X, Y, and Z Embassy. I know not where to look for any one Paper relative to it. It would give me great Pleasure to see Commodore Williams. 2 His List of Prizes would be very acceptable. I wish he would write his own Life. With high Esteem and strong Affection, John Adams Abigail Adams to Mercy Warren Quincy, June 20, 1813 Such is the warlike state of Nations and their various destinies, that we cannot calculate what is to be the end of these things, who are to be the conquerors, or why they thus destroy each other, but thus it has been from Age to Age, and will continue so, as long as time endures. Whether Bonaparte is again to become the conqueror, time must decide. The conduct of our own State Government cannot surely meet the approbation of any real American. I should much rather chuse, that the Name of my Family should be blotted from the page of History, than appear upon Record as the proposer of 1 Samuel Adams died in 1803, leaving John Adams, Robert Treat Paine and Elbridge Gerry the surviving Signers from Massachusetts. Paine and Gerry died in 1814. 2 John Foster Williams (1743-1814), but he does not appear to have held the rank of commodore. Warren -Adams Letters 3 8 3 1813] such a Resolution as past the Senate in their late Session . 1 I do not view this war, as waged for conquest, or ambition, but for our injured Rights, for our freedom, and the security of our Independ- ence, and therefore shall rejoice when any Naval victory, or mili- tary success attend upon our Arms, which may give us any hope or prospect of Peace, which always ought to be the object aimed at, and I sincerely believe is so by our Government, most sincerely do I wish that war could have been avoided. I inclose to you for your perusal several Letters from my son , 2 they will perhaps give you a better Idea of the contending powers than I am able to. you will be so good as to return them when read. I am dear Madam with sentiments of Love veneration and esteem, your Friend, Abigail Adams Abigail Adams to Mercy Warren Quincy, July nth, 1813 My Dear Madam, — I received your obliging favour with the Letters inclosed, and was gratified that the sentiments which they containd met your cordial approbation, and excited congenial feelings in the Bosoms of your sons — if I may judge from the marks which distinguish them. I have indeed great cause for pleasure and satisfaction, in the ability, integrity, and fidelity with which my son has devoted himself to his Country, and if in the hand of providence he may be instrumental in restoring peace to it, it will enhance every other pleasure and compensate me for the loss I sustain in his company and society, which would be most dear to both his Father and Mother, who know that they have but a short space of time left to enjoy it. Read, my dear Madam, the inclosed Letter, which altho written 1 The Remonstrance against the war adopted by the General Court June 15, 1813. It is printed in the Columbian Centinel, June 23, 1813. 2 John Quincy Adams. 3 8 4 // "arren - Adams Letters [1813 more than a year since, I received but yesterday, and as usual opened. I rather wonder, when it containd such [cut] kers, that they were good enough to forwafrd cut ] the account of the Char- acters which are [cut] for any political information which it con- tains. What favorable issue can we expect to negotiation with a ministry formed of such Characters? May not British faith bear a parallel with Galic? I am extreemly grieved at the party violence which prevails, and which leads to such disgracefull outrages as that committed upon your Son. I hope the injury not so great as you at first feard. pray let me hear how he is. There is yet Law and I hope justice, to [punish] such offenders, and to bind them to good behaviour, the scripture calls for an eye, for an eye, yet even that will not restore lost sight. Since I received your Letter in which you so kindly interest yourself for my Dear Daughter Smith, I have received a Letter from my Grandson John A. Smith, who writes to me, that it is his Mother’s most earnest wish to be brought to Quincy, and that altho for six weeks she has not been able to get across her Room, yet he thinks she has gained some strength; and in compliance with her desire he has undertaken to journey with her by slow degrees, and if possible get her here, which will relieve my mind of that constant anxiety which I daily have to know how she is. her son gives me but a melancholy account of her health. I hope the journey and change of air, society of her family and Friends, will have a favorable effect. “God tempers the wind to the shorn Lamb,” Sterne tell us, and all our troubles in this Life are no doubt designed for salutary purposes, with them is blended goodness and mercy — and with Jobe, I would say, altho he slay me, I will trust in him. with an affectionate remembrance to all your family I subscribe yours as ever, Abigail Adams IVarren - Adams Letters 385 1813] Abigail Adams to Mercy Warren Quincy, Sep’br 5th, 1813 My dear Madam, — Your kind and sympathetic Letter de- mands my thanks, and receives my gratitude. My own loss is not to be estimated by words, and can only be alleviated by the consoling belief that my dear Daughter is partakeing of that Life and immortality brought to light by him, who endured the cross, and is gone before to prepare a place; for those who Love him, and keep his commandments. 1 Her patience submission, and Resignation have been a lesson to me, neither to murmur or complain, but cheerfully to resign her into the Hands of that Being, who gave her to me, and who certainly had the best right to remand her, gratefull to him, that her sufferings were so soon terminated. She has left me a treasure, whose conduct upon this trying occasion, exemplifies her faith in the Religion of which she has been early in Life a public professor, and the precepts of which, its promisses and rewards, are the sources to which she resorts for comfort, deprived thus early in Life of a parent who was devoted to her, and to whom she was attached by the strongest ties of fillial Love duty and gratitude. The president thanks you for your sympathy with him. the precepts of phylosophy may teach us to endure what the laws of the universe make necessary, it may infuse stubborness but Religion alone can teach submission and patience, as Johnson remarks. My dear Caroline has exprest a wish in unison with your own, and gratefully accepts your kind invitation to visit the Ancient Friend of her Mother, and of her Grandparents, and to manifest to you the Respect and Veneration in which from her earliest years she has been instructed to hold the partial Friend of her Mother. It would give me pleasure to accompany her, but I feel more wedded to home than ever, and could not leave the Bereaved Father a prey to solitude. I beg leave to substitute in my Room an other Granddaughter, 1 Abigail (Adams) Smith died August 15, 1813. 3 86 IVarren- Adams Letters [1813 a good girl lively and affectionate. She is very desirious of paying her respects to, and being noticed by a Lady so highly and so justly respected as the venerated Friend of many years, the long tried and Ancient Friend of her Grandparents. She is the Eldest Daughter of my son Charles well known to you in early Life. 1 I regret that Mrs. Adams, 2 my son Thomas’s wife, cannot have the long anticipated pleasure of visiting you with them, as she was prepared to do, when yesterday she was summond to Boston to attend the funeral of her sisters child — an Infant of a year old, suddenly taken out of Life, by the disease of the season. In that warfare there is no distinction. I have not, dear Madam, received any late Letters from my son in Russia, when any arrive which I can communicate, it will be a double pleasure to know that my Friend will share it with me. Col. Smith the respected partner of my late dear Daughter accompanies the Ladies, and will do himself the pleasure of waiting upon you. be assured that I am what I ever have been, and ever shall be your affectionate Friend, Abigail Adams Mercy Warren to John Adams Adams mss. Plymouth, September 12, 1813 Sir, — I was much gratified by seeing your signature affixed to a Letter addressed to Mm. Warren. I am also gratified and obliged by the marks of your attention manifest in the interesting inclosures in yours under date September 1st, one of which deeply affected me as a Sister. 3 I have for many years known your 1 Charles Adams (1770-1800) married in 1795, Sarah Smith (1769-1828). Their eldest daughter Susanna B. (1796-1846) married (1) Charles Thomas Clark (1793-1818) and (2) William R. H. Treadway (1795-1836). 2 Ann (Harod) Adams. 3 A letter from Governor McKean, August 20, 1813, in which he wrote: “In the Con- gress of 1765 there were several conspicuous characters: Mr. James Otis appeared to me to be the boldest and best speaker. I voted for him as our President, but Brigadier Ruggles succeeded by one vote, owing to the number of the Committee from New York, as we voted individually: when the business was finished our President would not sign the peti- tions, and peremptorily refused to assign any reasons, until I pressed him so hard that he TVarren - Adams Letters 387 1813] respect and regard for a brother so justly esteemed by his connec- tions, his friends and his country. No American knew him better than the author of the dialogue, nor is any one more capable of portraying his character and handing it down to posterity than yourself. The sketch in my hand in connection with some of the greatest actors who have exhibited their parts on this narrow stage of human action, is a proof of your correct knowledge of history and your capacity for comparing the ages of Charlemagne, Frederick the Great, Rousseau and Otis, though in times so remote from each other, and drawing the results of their sentiments and trans- actions and the operations thereof on the moral conduct of man- kind in our own age and in that of Posterity. I have, Sir, availed myself of the liberty you gave me of extract- ing or copying any part of your communications. Depend upon it. I shall make no improper use thereof, though I have copied the Dialogue and taken a few sentences from Govr. McKean’s letter. I should as you enjoined have returned the Packet earlier, had not my own Optics been too weak and my other eyes so occupied, especially in the last six days, while so engaged and delighted by a visit from a part of your family. Lovely Girls ! sent by Providence to support the pillow of age, while nightly recollecting the tomb that encloses the most amiable of daughters. I am, respected Sir, with all due regard your friend 1 Mercy Warren at last said, ‘it was against his conscience ,’ on which word I rung the change so loud, that a plain challenge was given by him and accepted, in the presence of the whole corps; but he departed the next morning before day without an adieu to any of his brethren. He seemed to accord with what was done during the session so fully and heartily, that Mr. Otis told me frequently it gave him surprise, as he confessed he suspected his sincerity.” A second enclosure was a “Dialogue of the Dead,” apparently written by John Adams “of a musing moment of an evening at Richmond Hill when Congress sat at New York in 1789, immediately after the arrival of the news of Dr. Franklin’s death.” As Franklin died April 17, 1790, the year given by Mr. Adams was in error, but no copy of the Dialogue has been found. 1 The body of the letter is by a son and only the signature, very infirm, is by Mrs. Warren. 3 88 Warren- Adams Letters [1813 John Adams to Mercy Warren Adams mss. Quincy, November 24, 1813 Governor McKean’s notice of your brother I thought worth preserving in your family. The oddity of the Dialogue 1 and the particular moment of its composition, were the circumstances that made it rather an object of curiosity than use. I think, however, the Traits of Character are correct. I know not, Madam, what your Father, your Husband, or your Brother, would think of these times. A mighty effort of nature is in operation that no understanding below that Providence which superintends and directs it can comprehend. An entire separation, in government at least, between America and Europe seems to be commencing, but what will be its course, when and how it will terminate, and what influence it will have upon Asia and Africa, no living man, I believe, will pretend to foresee. We have acted our parts. The curtain will soon be drawn upon us. We must leave the future to that Providence which has protected the Past. This sentiment of duty and interest, I doubt not, Madam, will be approved by you, as I hope it is realised with gratitude and entire confidence and submission by your old friend and respectful humble Servant, John Adams Mercy Warren to John Adams Adams mss. Plymouth, December 22d, 1813 Sir, — Your Letter of the 24th ult. ought to be early acknow- ledged by one who, through a long life, has not been insensible of the worth of friendship, or negligent whenever in her power to cherish the invaluable treasure. I am, therefore, delighted to see our young people strengthening each other in that disposition which may be a source of happiness to them as they tread over the stage of life so replete with trial and change. 1 See page 387, supra . This letter is also printed in 5 Collections , iv. 504. ILarren - Adams Letters 389 1813] The pleasure I received from Mrs. Adams’ visit with her excel- lent daughter is delightful on reflection. Since which have been much gratified by a visit from the surviving partner of my dear Mrs. Smith and his daughter. You inform me your family were pleased with their visit, which leads me to anticipate another in some future day. I thank you for your candor and the interest you profess for each member of my family, and particularly for your expressions of approbation and esteem of my Mercy Otis Warren. It is impossible, Sir, for you and myself to correspond without recollecting past time, when my father, my husband, my brother and yourself were united in effort to emancipate their country from the yoke of foreign domination. I can easily conceive, had you not mentioned them, how pleasant it would be to you to con- verse with those departed worthies in this day of present difficulty and distress which seems to have pervaded the whole habitable globe. But all the wisdom and virtues of your former associates in the great struggle which we have witnessed might not be able to extricate from present evils, though with unparalleled wisdom and success, the patriots of the Revolution finished it with dig- nity to themselves and with the hope of universal benefit to man- kind. May I ask what is the present prospect and what may be the termination and final result of existing commotions, as they relate both to Europe and America? You have wisely and seriously observed in your last that “no understanding below that Providence which superintends and directs it, can comprehend the mighty efforts of nature which are in operation .” Yet it may not be improper or impious for us to converse on the adorable goodness that has protected in one age, and the immense power and wisdom that permits in another miseries of every kind to overspread the un- grateful nations which have not duly regarded the hand of the supreme Governor of the Universe in all his dispensations. I am pleased with the dialogue sent me. It evinces at once your veneration for the memory of your former friend and is a just tribute to the memory of a man who suffered so much as did Mr. Otis in the service of his country. The great characters which 39 ° barren -Adams Letters [1814 your imagination has grouped together in the regions of the dead are, I think, correctly portrayed. They, as you observe, with regard to ourselves, have acted their parts: when the curtain is drawn may we all find favor before the Judge of all the Earth, who will do right. As a ship from Gottenberg arrived in the harbor of Plymouth yesterday, my son, the Postmaster, had the pleasure this day to forward to your hand a Letter which we presume was from your absent Son. Your correspondence with him is among the rich treasures you enjoy in the downhill of life. I subscribe, respected Sir, your aged Friend and Humble Servant 1 Mercy Warren Mercy Warren to John Adams Adams mss. Plymouth, March 31, 1814 I doubt not, Sir, you will be pleased when I tell you that the Evening of my Life is smoothed by the intercourse with a number of sensible, pious, elegant correspondents. Younger than myself, indeed they are; but there are yet a few left who stand near the grade of old age as well as myself, though not so far advanced. It is truly a satisfaction to me to receive letters from a Gentleman with whom I have corresponded for near half a century, and to find therein the same flow of esteem, friendship and confidence, which used to drop profusely from his pen. That confidence is strongly exhibited in the inclosure of yours of the 24th Inst. It is, indeed, a very important Letter. The communication, however, i§ safe in the bosom of my family. While I congratulate my Country that she has such an Envoy at this important crisis at the Court of Petersburgh, I must again give you joy that you have a Son so capable of transacting the great affairs of Nations and of the World. He developes the in- trigues of European Courts with ease, and traces their Machia- velian Politicians with accuracy. He writes like a Patriot, a Politi- 1 Not even the signature is hers. Letters of John Adams to Mrs. Warren, February 2, and March 24., 1814, is in 5 Collections , iv. 505, 508. IVarren -Adams Letters 1814] 39 1 cian, and a Christian; but it is not possible for the wisest of them all to calculate on the mighty Revolutions and astonishing changes that our Children may see. While we are rapidly passing beyond the vale, what a consolation is it to reflect that infinite goodness, as well as wisdom and power sits at the helm of Creation, where this world would appear as a pebble to them, had mankind the intellect and the permission to take a view of it from the third heaven. The balm of sympathy tendered in your last letter was grate- fully received by both myself and my children. They offer, tho’ with a tearful eye, their high consideration of respect and regard to yourself and Mrs. Adams, who have felt that the stricken deer must have time to weep. You have learnt by lessons of severity as well as mercy the wisdom and peace of a resigned frame of spirit. They also adore the hand that smites them, and I trust will meet with becoming resignation the resumption of the choic- est comforts that have been loaned them for a time, by the bene- ficent being who gives all things in just measure. An admonitory sentence from one who has parted with the most amiable of Children, and has seen other comforts withering around him, will even be advantageous to those who are seeking after improvement in that wisdom which is from above. I anticipate the pleasure of Mrs. Adam’s letter, not only on account of the promise you made relative to her anecdotes of Madam de Stael, but for the many pleasant things I always find in her letters, which are always fraught with hints for moral and religious improvement, that the feeble mind of mortals stands in need of. The polite compliment from the Baron in the French stile was perhaps no more than was due to your Lady, but the bloom of an Angel when applied to your daughter would have diminished in his eye, had he been acquainted with the intellectual charms of my lovely friend. A Gentleman may be indulged in a little vanity as well as gaiety, when contemplating the blessings of his own house, more especially when writing to one truly attached to each member thereof. I return your son’s letter with the spirit of those who still cry 39 2 IVarren -Adams Letters [1814 more, more, however much good they receive. To the sweet Girls of your family name affectionately your Friend 1 Mercy Warren Abigail Adams to Mercy Warren Quincy, May the 5th, 1814 Dear Madam, — I most sincerely sympathize with you and the Bereved distrest Family at Washington, in the dispensation of heaven which has broken assunder the last paternal ligament; and left you the only surviving pillar, of the once numerous edifice. 2 To us, who in the course of nature expect, and hope to join the spirits of the just; are consolations, which to the bereved Widow; and Children, are more distant and remote; for they may survive, to feel all the anguish, of a long seperation; and to lament the loss, of a tender, affectionate, attentive, Husband, and doating Father. He died at his post, probably a sacrifice to over exertion, and too great a weight, and press of Business; for his years, he died, with the Love, respect, and esteem of his Country, having for twenty-five years, exhibited, a strikeing example of attention and punctuality worthy imitation. If we live to old Age, “string after string is severed from the heart” untill, as one expresses it, we have scarcly anything left to resign, but Breath. To a mind elevated and endowed like your own, full of confi- dence and hope, you can look through nature to Natures God and trust the Ruler of the skies, sure that all events are permitted and contrould, by infinite wisdom, justice, and Benevolence. The circumstance of loosing a Friend distant from home, must add to the pain of my dear Relative, and her return to her own habitation, be solitary indeed. Mr. Otis was a most pleasant companion, both at home, and abroad. when at Philadelphia, I lived in constant habits of intimacy, and Friendly intercourse with the Family, and was witness to the cheerfulness and urbanity of his manners, which in public Life 1 Only the signature is hers. 2 Samuel Alleyne Otis, died April 22, 1814. 1814] JVarren -Adams Letters 393 secured him against the shafts of malice, he was always moderate, and never imposed his own opinions upon those who dissented from him upon political Questions, he was firm in his own, and decided, but left others the same Liberty, accordingly for twenty- five years that he acted as Secretary to the Senate of the United States, amidst all the conflicts of party, he retaind, the Love and Esteem of that Body. I need not say to you, who so well know his Character, that he adorned the Doctrine which he professed, as a Christian Liberal, candid, and Charitable. His uniform habits of temperance and sobriety and uninter- rupted Health, gave him a vigor, which promised a much longer duration, and made him dear to his Family and Friends, few of the infirmities of Age were discoverable in him. his loss will be most heavily felt, by his partner and his dear daughters. I know, my dear Madam, you will offer to them, all the sym- pathy, and consolation which your own experience can suggest, and which supported you through a similar trying scene. That you may still enjoy the consolations and support of the most High, and finally be received to the Mansions of the blest, is ardently hoped for By your affectionate Friend, Abigail Adams John Adams to Elbridge Gerry Quincy, July 4, 1814 My dear Friend, — I have received your kind letter of the 30th of June with emotions, which it would be in vain for me to attempt to describe. My Attendance at Lexington is out of all question: the State of my health renders it both morally and physically impossible. I dare not express even to you, in a confidential private Letter, my recollections, my reflections, my feelings or Opinions, on this day and these times. Five and forty years ago, when any terrible News arrived from England of their hostile designs against our Liberties, when the 394 IV arren -Adams Letters [1814 people gaping and stareing, pale and trembling asked me, “What I thought of the News,” my invariable Answer was, “The worse, the better.” Nothing ever did arrouse this People, but the last and extream- est expression and Exertion of the Contempt, the Malice and Vengeance of Great Britain, and this, in my Opinion We shall soon see and feel. My Son, just beginning to be convalescent from a very severe and dangerous Sickness which has reduced him very low, has gone to Rhode Island for his health, your invariable Friend John Adams Mercy Warren to John Adams Adams mss. Plymouth, July 10, 1814 It is very many days since I addressed a line to any of my Quincy friends, and as I think I have been sometime in arrears for a very agreeable Letter from the late President, my first attention is due to him. I am quickened to discharge this obliga- tion from having recently heard by my sister Otis that your health is declining. The years you have counted up admonish that the harbingers of dissolution are drawing near after three score and ten. Yet I most sincerely hope that the life of a Gentle- man who acted so great a part in a revolution that astonished the world and lived to set his seal to an honorable peace after a desolating war, may be spared to see peace again restored to the United States, notwithstanding the severe threats of our old in- veterate enemy. I should like very much to hear your observations on the gloomy aspect of the times. I am disposed to ask you very many ques- tions which a Letter cannot contain. I sit in my elbow chair in the old corner and were you and Mrs. Adams and Mrs. Warren again to meet there before we meet in the eternal world, I think the conversation of this trio would be neither unpleasing nor unprofit- able. What think you, Sir, of a little jaunt to Plymouth in com- pany with Mrs. Adams and my sweet Caroline? The ride might i8i 4 ] JVarren -Adams Letters 395 contribute to your health and to that of my long tried friend, your excellent partner. I am told that my amiable young friend just mentioned contemplates a distant residence from that of her Grand-Parents. I expect to see her before she spreads her wings for the Southward. I cannot close this without inquiring when and what you hear from the Ambassador at the Court of Petersburg? My next question, Sir, you may deem impertinent. Do you remember who was the author of a little pamphlet entitled the Group? To your hand it was committed by the writer. You brought it forward to the public eye. I will therefore give you my reason for naming it now. A friend of mine who lately visited the Athenaeum saw it among a bundle of pamphlets with a high encomium on the Author who, he asserted, was Mr. Samuel Barrett. You can, if you please, give a written testimony con- tradictory of this false assertion. You and Mr. Gerry are the only surviving Gentlemen that I recollect, who know anything of the character, the manners, the movements, and a thousand circumstances that took place and occupied the attention of the Patriots who struggled and suffered in the cause of their Country from 1765 to 1783, when the instru- ment of Independence signed by yourself and others was acknow- ledged by foreign nations. Am I mistaken when I observe that the generations of men which have since arisen have been too notoriously negligent in their enquiries relative to the principles and the foundation of the rights and liberties acquired by the labours and blood of their Ancestors, that with few exceptions they appear a very ignorant and narrow minded people. I forbear to say more on this or any other subject, lest I should trespass on your patience. With the most cordial wishes for the restoration of your health and my affectionate regards to Mrs. Adams, to Susan, Caroline and others of your family, subscribes respectfully your Friend and Humble Servant 1 Mercy Warren 1 The entire letter is in the writing of her son. On July 15 John Adams replied and the letter is in Writings of John Adams, x. 98. A second letter from Mrs. Warren, August 4, 1814, is in 5 Collections, iv. 509, and was the last letter she wrote to Mr. Adams. She died October 19, 1814. 396 JVarren -Adams Letters [1814 John Adams to Mercy Warren Adams mss. Quincy, August 17, 1814 DearMadam, — I have certified in the book in the Athenaeum that to my certain knowledge, The Group was written by Mrs. Warren. Your polite invitation to Plymouth is esteemed as an effusion of friendship, ancient and modern: but three score and nineteen years have reduced me to the situation, the temper and humor of Mr. Selden, who Clarendon says, would not have slept out of his own bed for any office the King could have given him. The difference of Character and Conduct in New England for the last fifty years is not so great in reality as in appearance. The Tories had the ascendancy from 1761 to 1775 and then 1775 and 1776 scarcely turned the majority. Through the whole Revolution the Tories sat on our skirts and were a dead weight, obstructing and embarrassing all our Efforts. They have now the entire dominion of the five states of New England. Stoning- ton, however, appears to have shaken off their yoke, and New York is setting a good Example. Could you have believed forty years ago that in so short a time Plymouth, Duxbury and Boston, would have been rivalled and exceeded by New York in Patriotism, Fortitude and Courage? I do not consider the peace in Europe as yet concluded. The great questions of the Liberty of the Scheldt, of Ostend, Nieuport, Bruges, etc., are still to be discussed in a Congress of Ambassadors at Vienna, and other questions too numerous to be mentioned. The War between Protestantism and Catholicism lasted thirty years, i. e., from 1618 to 1648. The War between Republican- ism and Despotism has already reached thirty-nine years. The religious war is not yet ended. When the political war will ter- minate must be left to him who rules the armies of Heaven. In one thing I am clear. If the war continues between Great Britain and the United States, as I believe it will, it will soon rekindle the flames in Europe. . . . The alarm in Plymouth had no share in their [the children’s] early return to the mansion of your old Friend John Adams Appendix Appendix James Warren to Samuel Adams 1 Plymo. Novr. the 8th, 1772 Dear Sir, — I Received yours of the 4th Instant 2 with the more pleas- ure as the Contents Exhibit Instances of that Spirit in your Town still re- maining and reviving I hoped to the Salvation of this poor Country, after a Languor and feebleness which has discouraged almost every good man in it. May it Increase, flourish and be diffused in every Breast till Tyranny shall Tremble at the Foundation and Tyrants call on the Rocks and Mountains to Cover them. After I left Boston for so long a time and heard of no steps taken as proposed when I was there, I must own my sanguine Hopes were succeeded by a despondency Bordering on despair, and when I heard of a meeting of your Town, tho’ my Expectations were raised, yet I could not easily conceive what measures you would fall upon. Embarrassd as you are by the Timidity of Friends, and the Intrigues and power of professd Enemies, Internal and External, I hoped however much from your firm and unshaken Constancy and ardour which to your Honour I never yet saw damp’d. The Leading Steps you took are I think very well, as they serve the purposes both of Strengthing your Interest and holding him [Hutchinson] up in his proper colours, his Answer to your first Message is thought Insolent, that to your last Stupid, the General plan you have finally adopted, if it takes in the other Towns in general and is supported with Spirit, I think will produce great Consequences and I don’t know but Considering all Circumstances is the least the Times will Admit of. it may answer the same purposes to the Body Politick as removing Obstructions and promoting a free Circulation does to the Body Natural — Eradicate the seeds of the distemper and restore Health. I am now to acquaint you that I have talkd with many of my Townsmen since I received your Letter and have the pleasure to find their Pulse beating high and their Resentment equal to any I can suppose you have found in other Towns. I believe I shall have no difficulty in geting at meeting here and carrying the point to second you as proposed. One thing you may be assured of, no Assiduity in me shall be wanting. I am Ballanceing in my mind whether to Attempt it before we receive your 1 From the Samuel Adams Papers in the New York Public Library. 2 Vol. 1. 11, supra. 400 Appendix [1772 Letter and report, or wait till then. Some reasons determine me to the last, however, shall consult my Friends here, and should be glad to hear from you on the subject again. I cant but wonder that none of your Neighbouring Towns have Catched the glow, perhaps it is designed they should have before them a full view of the Transactions of the Metropolis. You will please to Excuse the Inaccuracies of this which is wrote in a Hurry to a Friend whose Candour is always ready to overlook faults that dont proceed from a wicked Heart. I am with great Sincerity Your Friend and Humbl. Servt. Jas: Warren James Warren to Samuel Adams 1 Plymo. Novt. 17th, 1772 Dear Sir, — I have the pleasure of Incloseing a Copy of a Petition, handed to me yesterday as one of the Selectmen of this Town, the Petition was signed by Capt. Thos. Jackson and a hundred other reputable Inhabitants, and at the same time Inform you that the selectmen have in Consequence of it Issued their Warrants for a Meeting of the Town on this day week, which, so far as we have gone, I hope will fully answer your Expectations from your Mother Plymouth and Justify my Engage- ments of Assiduity, etc. I can only add at present that the sentiments of the people here are very different from the Tory Representations you mention, they feel and Resent both the Indignities and Injuries repeatedly offerd them, and see the fatal Consequences of this last Ministerial Maneovre. I should be glad to hear again from you soon, and that you would furnish me with any materials for Conducting this matter so as best to serve a good Cause, it is the desire of the Petitioners that their Petition may be Inserted in the Papers, which I dare say you will have no Objection to, even if it gives you the trouble of seeing it done. 2 I am in great Haste your assured Friend and Humbl. Servt. Jas: Warren I desire you would send home my Collegue to do his duty on this and other Occasions. 3 1 From the Samuel Adams Papers in the New York Public Library. 3 Vol. 1. 12 n, supra. 3 Isaac Lothrop. Appendix 1772] 40 1 James Warren to Samuel Adams 1 Plymo., Deer, the 8th, 1772 Dear Sir, — Since my last disturbance I have the pleasure of re- ceiveing two Letters from your Town to the Selectmen of the several Towns in this County, which I have distributed to them with a degree of pleasure that might be sufficient to render an Apology for giveing me any Trouble unnecessary, what Consequences they may produce I cant yet determine. I shant fail to Exert myself to have a s many Towns as possible meet, but fear the Bigger part of them will not. they are Dead and the Dead cant be raised without a Miracle. I am sensible that the Tories spare no pains (as you say) to disparage the measures which with their other Conduct shews their Apprehensions. They are Nettled much, the Great Sachem of Chessemuttuck wrote to one of his Tools here to observe and give him a perticular Account of all our proceedings and especially for a Copy of the warrant for the meeting. The Enjoying £400 per annum Undisturbed by the Clamour of the Rabble, tho it be the wages of Un- righteousness is an Object of no small Consequence to a Poor Sachem who had spent all his Wampum and must appear in state equal to the Noble Blood runing in his Veins, the Letter of our Committee of Communi- cation to yours gives you the proceedings of our Town so far as they have yet gone, you may depend upon it the whole will be of a piece with this, the Hingham Letter, whether the produce of a Hingham Genius or fabricated in the Cabal, is a low dirty Business founded upon the Pillars and chief Corner Stones of the Tory Cause. Misrepresentation, or rather Lies and Scandal and defamation, however, a young Fellow here of a riseing and promiseing Genius, I thought, might begin his Operations upon this Occasion and has taken him in hand, and done pretty well for the first. I am glad to see in the last Spy the Motions in Marblehead. I wish the measure would take a general run. why does it Labour so in Roxbury. that damps the Spirit in some other Towns. I hope, however, it will terminate well there, do give me (in your next) what well Grounded hopes you have of success, and let me know if there has been any dis- sentions among the friends to the good Cause and perticularly between you and Otis. I have Occasion for frequent and perticular Intelligence to discountenance the Tory lies of the day. It is Court Week. I am obliged to write in a great Hurry and must now Conclude. 2 Your Sincere Freind and Humbl. Servt. Jas: Warren 1 From the Samuel Adams Papers in the New York Public Library. 2 See Vol. 1. 14, supra. 402 Appendix [1772 To Mr. Adams Adams mss. [By Mercy Warren] Though short! Far short my pen of the sublime That urges on and bids me write in Rhyme. And hope my Friend the Effort will Excuse Nor Blame the Heart: but check the Niggard Muse. Is it a Wild Enthupostick 1 Flame, That swells the Bosom panting after Fame, Dilates the Mind: with every sails unfurl’d, To catch the plaudit of a Gazing World. Is there no permanent, no steady pole, To point us on, and Guide the Wandring soul. Does prejudice and passion Rule Mankind. Are there no springs that actuate the Mind Whose deep Meanders have some Nobler source Than Vain self Love, to Guide their Winding Course. That Gen’rous Ardor stiled Benevolence, Is it an Art to Gratify the sense Or Give imagination further scope, That aeiry queen, who Guides the Helm of hope Holds A False Mirrour to the Dazzel’d sight, A Dim perspective, A Delusive Light, That swells the Bubbles of Life’s shortned span, While Wisdom smiles at the Deluded Man. Wrap’d in Extaticks, by imagin’d Fame, When the next Moment Will Blot out his Name. Can’t the Wise precepts of A platos school (or shall I Name a still more perfect Rule) Rouze up the soul, to that Exalted Height, To Walk by Reason, And Reject the Cheat: Or are the Fetters that Enslave the Mind Of that Firm Base, that Adamantine kind, So Firmly Lock’d, and so securely Reve’d, The more we search, the More are we Deceived. Are Truth, and Friendship, no where to be Found, And patriot Virtue Nothing but a Sound Then May A Cesar Equal Honour Claim With Noble Brutus, celebrated Name, 1 Thus in the text but an unknown word. Cf. entheus, imagination. 1773 ] Appendix 403 For the poor tribute of a short applause. One stabs A tyrant trampling on the Laws, While the proud Despot Marks his Baneful Way With Virtue’s tears, and triumphs or’e his prey. Self the sole point in which they’r both agreed. By this Rome’s shackled, or by this she’s Freed. Self Love, that stimulus to Noblest Aims, Bids Nero Light the Capitol in Flames, Or Bids FI 1 sell his Native Land And his Vile Brother lend his perjur’d Hand. While Fredom weeps and Heav’n delays to shed Its awful Vengeance on the Guilty Head. If such is Life, And Fancy throw the Bowl, If appetite and caprice Rule the Whole, If Virtuous Friendship has no solid Base, But False Deception holds the sacred place, Then from thy Mem’ry Race out every Line Nor Recolect one sentiment of mine But Dark Oblivion, sable Veil Draw ore, And I’ll Forbear to interupt the more. For if Vice Boasts her origin the same, With social joy and patriotic Flame, Then I must Wish to bid the World Farewell, Turn Anchorit and choose some Lonely Cell Beneath some peaceful Hermitage Reclin’d To Weep the Misery of all Mankind, till Days and Years, till time shall cease to roll And truth Eternal strike the Wond’ring soul. Plimouth, October 11, 1 773. John Adams to James Warren Boston Dec'r. 17, 1773 Dear Sir, — The Dye is cast: The People have passed the River and cutt away the Bridge : last Night Three Cargoes of Tea, were emptied into the Harbour. This is the grandest Event, which has ever yet happened since the Controversy, with Britain, opened! The Subimity of it, charms me! For my own Part, I cannot express my own Sentiments of it, better 1 The capital H is nearly erased. It refers to Hutchinson. 404 Appendix [1773 than in the Words of Coll. Doane 1 to me, last Evening — Balch 2 should repeat them. The worst that can happen, I think, says he in Consequence of it, will be that the Province must pay for it. Now, I think the Province may pay for it, if it is burn’d as easily as it is drank — and I think it is a matter of indifference whether it is drank or drowned. The Province must pay for it, in either Case. But there is this Difference. I believe it will take them 10 Years to get the Province to pay for it — if so, we shall Save 10 Years Interest of the Money. Whereas if it is drank it must be paid for immediately, thus He. However, He agreed with me that the Province would never pay for it, and also in this, that the final Ruin of our Constitution of Government, and of all American Liberties, would be the certain Consequence of Suffering it to be landed. Governor Hutchinson and his Family and Friends will never have done with their good services to Great Britain and the Colonies! But for him, this Tea might have been Saved to the East India Company. Whereas this Loss if the rest of the Colonies should follow our Example, will in the opinion of many Persons bankrupt the Company. However, I dare say, that the Governors, and Consignees, and Custom House Officers, in the other Colonies will have more Wisdom than ours have had, and take effectual Care that their Tea shall be sent back to England untouched, if not it will as surely be destroyed there as it has been here. . Threats, Phantoms, Bugbears, by the million, will be invented and propagated among the People upon this Occasion. Individuals will be threatned with Suits and Prosecutions. Armies and Navies will be talked of and military Execution. Charters annull’d, Treason, Tryals in England and all that. But — these Terms are all but Imaginations. Yet if they should become Realities they had better be Suffered, than the great Principle of Parliamentary Taxation given up. The Town of Boston was never more Still and calm of a Saturday night than it was last Night. All Things were conducted with great order, Decency and perfect Submission to Government. No Doubt, we all thought the Administration in better Hands, than it had been. Please to make Mrs. Adams’s most respectfull Compliments to Mrs. Warren and mine. I am your Friend, John Adams 1 Elisha Doane (1732). 2 Nathaniel Balch. 1774 ] Appendix 405 James Warren to Samuel Adams 1 Plymo., July 1, 1774 My Dear Sir, — Beware of the Ides of March was a Caution given to Cesar and his Neglect of it afterwards regretted by his Friends, let me Intreat you not to Neglect the Cautions given by your Friends, his rid the world of a Tyrant and yours may deprive your Country of the Wisdom and vertue of a distinguished Patriot. I feel the Emotions of a Friend when I Consider the hazard you and some others may be Exposed to. we have Just received the Spy of yesterday with the Extraordinary Proclamation, 2 which will save me some trouble in one way if it Occasion some in Another. We have been Embarrassed with a division about the Covenant, but I think this will remove the Difficulties and believe we shall get it signed by Tomorrow. Mr. Thomas 3 waits and can add no more, but desire you to be referred to him for further perticulars. You will find him a young Gentleman after your own Heart, which from me is a warm recommendation. I am with great sincerity your Friend, etc. Jas: Warren James Warren to Samuel Adams 4 Plymo., July the 10th, 1774 My Dear Sir, — The day after I wrote to you by Mr. Thomas we had a very full meeting of the Inhabitants and after a debate voted (by a large Majority) to adopt the Covenant as it came to us, with only a very small Alteration, when about seventy signed it. since which by the Intrigues of our Friend Spooner chiefly it has been at a stand, and diffi- culties have multiplied upon us. it is now takeing a start and the Number of signers has Increased to about a hundred. I hope finally we shall re- trieve our Credit and I shall be able to give a good Account of my Town. Experience has often taught you the difficulty of reasoning People into measures for their own Happiness, and the Ease with which they may be Intimidated and drove from them. Little Ned Winslow (one of my Cousins) with a few other Insignificant Tories appeared at the meeting and played their Game by holding up the Terrors of the Governor’s Proclamation which rather served us than themselves, from these Gentry in this Town we have little to fear, it is the Wolves in Sheeps Cloath- 1 From the Samuel Adams Papers in the New York Public Library. 2 Gage’s Proclamation for discouraging certain illegal combinations, issued at Salem, June 29, 1774. 3 Perhaps Isaiah Thomas publisher of the Massachusetts Spy. 4 From the Samuel Adams Papers in the New York Public Library. 406 Appendix [1774 ing who do the mischief, principally by persuadeing people that great difficulties will Ensue by breaking up of Intercourse with non-Signers; but as I consider the Articles as material shall Endeavour to preserve it. great Enquiries are made what is done at Marblehead, Salem, Newberry Port, etc. shall be glad if you would Enable me to answer the queries, which I cant do at present for want of Intelligence, and when your hand is in you may mention Boston and tell me what you do with the Cove- nant there. I congratulate you on the Compleat Victory obtained at your last Meeting . 1 Custom House Officers and the Tories here were greatly Elated with the sure and certain Expectation of your defeat which they seemed to Entertain no doubt of and were of course greatly disconcerted, last Week our Court of Sessions sett here, Voted and made Addresses to the present Governor and his predecessor. I cant give you a perticular Account, not haveing been able to see or hear either of them, as the whole matter Except the motion and the Choice of the Committee was conducted in private, however by what I can learn the first is a humble Imitation of Worcester, and the other of your Boston Addressers, and each of them aiming to Excel in Adulation and Servility the Copy. A proper Committee for the purpose of Copying and fawning was appointed. Coll. Edson and my two Cousins, Pelham and Ned Winslow, Junr., tho’ the last had never qualified himself as a Justice and therefore not properly of their Body, but his Impudent and as they think shineing Talents were thought necessary to supply what their modesty seemd to suppose their own Stupidity could not perform. Mr. Sever would not unite with them in the motion for the first Address which was made by Foster, was not present when the second was moved by Mir. Winslow, Introduced with most Extravagant Encomiums on Hutchinsons Vertues and Adminis- tration; but took Care to be present at the report and made with Mr. Cotton and Mayhew a resolute, firm and well supported Opposition, but nine poor Tools Carried it against them. A Number of others were against the motion when first made, but as the report was delayed to the last of the Court they were gone, and there is reason to suppose (servile as a Court of Sessions are) they would hardly have Obtained a vote if it had been made before a large Number were gone, so much for Plymouth Intelligence. I add no more but that I wish to hear from you and agre- able to your promise to see you here before you go on your Tour. I am with Compliments to your good Lady Your Friend and Countryman, Jas: Warren 1 Probably the Town Meeting of June 28, in which, by a vast majority, the Committee of Correspondence was upheld. Boston Rec. Com. xvm. 178. 1775 ] Appendix 407 James Warren to Samuel Adams 1 Plymo., Jan. the 1, 1775 Dear Sir, — This is designed principally to Inform you that the last Storm cast away about nine or ten miles from hence a Sloop from Virginia, haveing on Board among other things a considerable donation for your suffering Town, as soon as that Circumstance was known here, a number of the Inhabitants of this Town, about twenty, took a Sloop and went down with a determination to assist the Master, and more especially to secure and bring up as much of the donation as could be saved, but re- turned as they went, without Effecting anything, the Master absolutely refuseing to let them take any Articles, telling them it was his design to have the whole Cargo sold on the Beach, his Conduct is very strange, but as we dont know the Man, we are unable to Conjecture whether it proceeds from Weakness or Wickedness, or from Evil Concellors. it is said he has put himself under the direction of one or two Marshfield Tories, the donation Consists (as I hear) of Corn, flour, wheat Bread, pork, and some Butter. 2 I hear nothing from you of late more than I should if you was Appre- hended, Transported, Tryed, and Executed on the Statutes of Harry the 8th or George the Third. I sincerely wish this may prove a happy year to you, tho’ I am Inclined to think it will be a Troublesome one to both of us. I should be glad of a [illegible] of your Conjectures on that subject. Your Company will be much desired on our Anniversary and not a little Expected. I am much engaged in military matters to prepare for the opening of the Campaign in the Spring. The Tories that return from Boston report that foreign Troops are to be sent over, that our new Treasurer 3 refuses to receive any money, etc., etc., and of late seem to prick up their Ears. Ruggles’ Impudence is an Example for them and the publication of Adassachusettensis are read with more devotion and Esteem than Holy writt. we have no News, have Established a Post that leaves Boston on Thursday Noon, desire a Line from you. I am, with Compliments to your good Lady, your sincere Friend and Humble Servt. Jas. Warren Brackets or Mortons I know not which the Post may be seen at. I think the late Movements of the Troops in their Excursions into the Country a piece of Generalship, this practised without Exciting the Ap- prehensions of the People will enable him to surprise them one day with 1 From the Samuel Adams Papers in the New York Public Library. 2 See 4 Collections, iv. 161. 3 Henry Gardner. 4-o8 Appendix [1775 an Important Blow, struck when they had no Expectation, when I was at Cambridge I should have tho’t such a movement would have made more noise. James Warren to Harrison Gray 1 Plymo., Jany. 20th, 1775 Sir, — I Received yours of the 27th of December and have observed the Contents with that Care and Attention which their Extraordinary Nature seems to demand. I do not use myself to analyse with a Critical Exactness Letters I Receive, unless necessary to discover the Temper and disposition of Mind, The Governing Principles, or the Ends proposed by the Writer. Whether Resentment, Disappointment in the part you have Unhappily taken in Government, or the feeble Policy of the Party, mark most strongly your Letter, I shall not undertake to determine, but I have no difficulty in assuring you that if you expect by any or all of these to Intimidate or drive me from the Paths I have walked in to those devious Tracks which neither Honour or Conscience lead to or Countenance, you have mistaken your Man. I have long since fortified myself against either Allurements, or Threats. I am now perfectly satisfyed with the part I have taken in Government both from its rectitude and the prospect of Success attending it. Whether you are so or not with that you have taken, or what kind of Ideas you have formed of Treason, is not my Business at present to Enquire. But if I may presume to advise on this Occasion it should be, that Policy might so far prevail over resentment as to make you very spareing of your Charges of Treason, or even In- gratitude, against any man, and much more so against Bodies of Men, respectable for their Numbers, Fortunes, Abilities and publick Virtues. The production or winding up of a piece of small Witt, however satisfied you might be with the little Fondling, can by no means Ballance the Haz- ard of a Recrimination. The Connection in our Family 2 makes it very painful to me to Address you in this manner, had you Confined yourself to the proper subject of your Letter, without Unnecessarily and even wantonly Insulting both me and my Friends, I should have Addressed you in a very different Stile. I am very sensible that I owe you money, and that every Man has a right to Call for his Debts; but then I think every man should give a little warning, and not (by a sudden Transition from a full satisfaction of the security already had and without any 1 From the New York Public Library. 2 Mrs. Warren’s brother, Samuel Allyne Otis, married for his first wife Elizabeth, only daughter of Harrison Gray. 1775 ] Appendix 409 reason to doubt the Goodness of it more now than at any former time) make (as you say) an unexpected demand either of the money Imme- diately, or a Mortgage. Security of any kind I never was asked for before. My Credit has always been good. My Circumstances are at least as good now as ever, had you suggested to me last Summer any uneasiness, I would have found a way before this to have discharged the Debt. I will Endeavour to do it when my Vessels return in the Spring. I cannot pay this Sum of Money at present. I am not willing to give a Mortgage, nor will I ever Injure you or your Children. What you mean by your Insinua- tion of my Conduct being such as Exposes me to ruin I know not. Surely you can charge me neither with Drunkeness, Idleness, or Extravagance, the Common Sources of ruin, if you have in Contemplation the Idea of Gibbets and Confiscations, let me tell you it is the most Utopian and Contemptible one that ever Entered the Head of a Man. Few Hearts have been wicked enough to wish for them and much fewer Heads weak enough to Expect them. I will not at present suppose yours among them. I will therefore presume that I have traced this Conduct of yours to its true Sources. I am, Sir, Your Obedt. Humble Servt. Jas: Warren Hannah Winthrop to Mercy Warren [Andover, April or May , 1775] Can the Friend of my heart, who is engraven there as with the point of a diamond, question whether it is in the power of the greatest Commo- tion, danger or Abscense, to erase the tender Idea, or in the least impair the sincerest friendship? No, you have been the object of my waking thoughts and my nightly dreams; but since we were dispossest of our earthly enjoyments all nature has seemed reversed, and with it the weakened mind of your friend, rendered incapable of attending to those pleasures which made life agreeable. Nor can she yet forget, nor will old Time ever cease the horrors of that midnight cry, preceeding the Bloody Massacre at Lexington, when we were rousd from the benign Slumbers of the Season, by beat of drum and ringing of Bell, with the fire alarm, That a thousand of the Troops of George the third were gone forth to murder the peacefull inhabitants of the surrounding Villages. A few hours with the dawning day convinced us the Bloody purpose was executing. The platoon firing assuring us the rising Sun must witness the Bloody Carnage. Not knowing what the Event would be at Cambridge at the return of these Bloody ruffians, and seeing another Brigade dispatched to the Assistance of the former, Looking with the ferocity of Barbarians, 410 [i775 Appendix it seemed necessary to retire to some place of Safety till the Calamity was passed. My partner had been a fortnight confind by illness. After dinner we set out not knowing whither we went, we were directed to a place called fresh pond about a mile from this town, 1 but what a distressd house did we find there filld with women whose husbands were gone forth to meet the Assailiants, 70 or 80 of these with numbers of Infant Children, crying and agonizing for the Fate of their husbands. In addition to this scene of distress we were for some time in sight of the Battle, the glisten- ing instruments of death proclaiming by an incessant fire that much blood must be shed, that many widowd and orphand ones be left as mon- uments of that persecuting Barbarity of British Tyranny. Another un- comfortable night we passd, some nodding in their Chairs, others resting their weary limbs on the floor. The welcome harbingers of day give notice of its dawning light, but brings us news it is unsafe to return to Cam- bridge as the enemy were advancing up the river and firing on the town, to stay in this place was impracticable, methinks in that hour I felt the force of my Mother Eve’s Soliloquy on being driven out of Paradise, com- paring small things with great O unexpected stroke, worse than of death! Must I thus leave thee, Paradise? thus leave Thee, native soil! these happy walks, and shades, fit haunt of Gods? where I had hope to spend quiet, tho sad, the respite of that day that must be mortal to us both?. . . how shall I part, and whither wander down into a lower world; to this obscure and wild? how shall we breath in other air Less pure, accustomed to immortal fruits? and could only be consold by the mild reply of Michael her Guardian Angel. Lament not Eve, but patiently resign What justly thou has lost: nor set thy heart thus over fond, on that which is not thine, thy going is not Lonely; with thee goes thy husband, him to follow thou art bound, where he abides, think there thy native soil . 2 His benign words to Adam must also afford Consolation to the lonely Soul. His omnipresence fills Land, sea and air, . . . surmise not then His presence to these narrow bounds confind . 3 1 Cambridge. 2 Paradise Lost, xi. 268 ff. 3 lb., 336 ff. 1775 ] Appendix 4 IT Thus with precipitancy were we driven to the town of Andover, following some of our Acquaintance, five of us to be conveyd with one poor tired horse and chaise. Thus we began our pilgrimage alternately walking and riding, the roads filld with frighted women and children, some in carts with their tattered furniture, others on foot fleeing into the woods. But what added greatly to the horror of the scene was our passing thro the Bloody field at Menotomy which was strewd with the mangled Bodies, we met one affectionate Father with a cart looking for his murderd son and picking up his Neighbours who had fallen in Battle, in order for their Burial. I should not have chose this town for an Asylum, being but twenty miles from seaports where men of war and their Pirates are stationed, but in being fixd here I see it is not in man to direct his steps, As you kindly enquire after our Situation, I must tell you it is Rural and romanticaly pleasing. Seated in a truly retired spot, no house in sight, within a mile of Neighbours thinly settled, the House decent and neat stands under the shade of two venerable elms, on a gently rising, one flight of steps with a View of a spacious meadow before it, a small Rivulet meandring thro it, the grassy Carpet interspersd with a Variety of flowers, shrubs, several little mounts rising in the conic form, intersected with fertile spots of waving grain. The Horizon bounded with a thick wood as if nature in- tended a Barricade against the Canonade of some formidable despot. But here all is perfect Silence, nothing is heard but the melody of the groves and the unintelligible Language of the Animal Creation. From the profound stillness and serenity of this woody region I can almost per- suade myself we are the only human inhabitants of Creation and instead of Lossing my fondness for Society I shall have a higher relish for the pleasures of friendly converse and social endearments, tho the Family we live with are very obliging. But alas the gloomy appearance of mortal things sets the Vanity of human life in the clearest demonstration before me, nor can I forbear to drop a tear over that Seminary which has been the glory of this Land, and lamenting those walls early dedicated to the Study of Science and calm Philosophy Instead of the delightfull harmony of nature nothing but the din of arms and the clarion of War, the Youth dispersd, the hands of their preceptors sealed up, those fountains of Knowledge the Library and Apparatus entirely useless and perhaps may fall into those hands whose highest joy would be to plunge us into dark- ness and Ignorance that we might become fitter objects for Slavery and Despotic rule, my partner wishes some attention might be paid to these important Treasures. Oh, shall we ever be restord to that peacefull abode, that happy roof, where retird from all the glitter and noise of the gay and busy world, my Consort would joy to finish his mortal life in in- 412 [i775 Appendix vestigating the great Temple of the Skies and adoring the Divine Archi- tect of Heaven and quietly quitting this lower Creation. When I think of the sufferings of my Friends in Boston, I am ashamed that my inconvenience should have such an undue effect upon me. I blush that I have so little Fortitude to encounter the Struggles we must expect to meet before the unnatural Campaign is over. I must confess I sometimes Indulge Fears which excite mirth rather than Sympathy in my Philosop[h]er. I have not seen our son since his return from sea. It is a Satisfaction that our Sons possess that love of Liberty which will en- gage them in the Cause of their Bleeding Country. It would give me great pleasure to pay you a Visit in your hospitable abode of peace and elegance, but the Length of the journey and the uncertainty of the times forbid it. It would add Inexpressible pleasure to us to see you in our Rural retirement, then might I profit by your Example of Equanimity and patience in times of Affliction. We are now cut off from all our Liv- ing, but those divine intimations in that sacred Book which have been the Consolation of many an exild one must be our Support, pray let me hear from you as often as possible. As it has been the mode of some distin- guished Patriots on the other side the water in their late letters to a per- son of my acquaintance in these perilous times not to affix any Signature to them but that of Sentiment and Affection, so in humble imitation, after offering my partner’s and my best Affection to you and Coll. Warren to subscribe yours Unalterably [Ao signature.] James Warren to Samuel Adams Watertown, June 21, 1775 My Dear Sir, — I got up yesterday morning with a determination to have wrote to you and acknowledged the pleasure I received by yours, but was then prevented and shall be able now to write very little before the Bearer will call for this. The Multiplicity of Business to be done in the present Situation and Hurry of our Affairs fills up every moment of my Time with an Attention hardly tolerable. The late Action at Charles- town you will hear of before this reaches you. I gave our Friend, J. Adams, an Imperfect Account of it yesterday. 1 I refer you to him and haveing nothing to be relied on since shall only say that tho’ the Troops and Torys in Boston Exult much, I think they have nothing to Bragg of but the possession of the Ground, and what was still of more Consequence to us, the Death of our worthy Friend Doctr. Warren, but you may de- 1 Vol. 1. 62, supra . 1775 ] Appendix 413 pend on it they paid very dearly for their Acquisition. I believe we shall find their killd and wounded very great, perhaps not much less than 1000, and among them many officers. Their Troops that came over it is said were 5000, Commanded by Lord How. it is amazeing how uncertain we re- main to this time of many facts you might suppose we were fully possessd of. we are not at this time able to ascertain the number of our own men killd and wounded, tho’ we have reason to suppose they will not greatly Exceed 100. we are well pleased with the Spirit and Resolutions of your Congress, we could only have wished you had suffered us to have Em- braced so good an Opportunity to form for ourselves a Constitution worthy of Freemen, all Bodies have their Foibles. Jealousy, however Groundless, may predominate in yours, we have, however, submitted and are sending out our Letters and shall Express our Gratitude by this Conveyance for your kindness and Benevolence to us in this Respect, our Good Major Hawley can be very sincere and your Brother Cushing I suppose likes it. he has relieved me by an Intimation of a probability that you will regulate the Constitution of all the Colonies. I must again refer you to my Friend Adams for my Sentiments of the Situation of our own Army, you would tremble to be possessd of the true state of it. fine fellows you know our Countrymen are and want nothing but a general of [struck out] abilities to make them a fine army, all our Efforts, which are many, cannot supply that defect. Yours must do it. could you be- lieve he never left his House on Saturday last. I shall Add no more. I wish that was the worst of it. by the way I must do Justice to Thomas, he is a good Officer and is Esteemed, we have no trouble with his Camp; it is always in good order and things are Conducted with dignity and Spirit in the military Stile, we Yesterday chose Heath to succeed our Friend Warren as second Major General. Whitcomb is the first. The Humanity of the Good Genl. Gage that we have heard so much of has reduced Charlestown to ashes and will I presume treat all other Towns in his power in the same manner. I am now called on and must conclude, with my regards, etc., to all our Friends and am with my best wishes for every Happiness to you your Friend Jas: Warren do write to me and among other things let me know how it is with your Health and Spirits. 4 1 4 Appendix [ 1775 James Warren to Samuel Adams 1 Watertown, July 9th, 1775 I dined Yesterday with Genl. Washington, he is an amiable man and fully answers the high Character you and my Friend Adams have given of him. I admire the Activity, Spirit and Obligeing Behaviour of Miflin. Coll. Read [Reed] is a very sensible, agreable Gentleman. . . . The armys have been for some time very quiet, we hear little from them, but at times a few Cannon, this Morning they have fired many, I suppose on Roxbury. I wish we were able to return the Compliment. I should have told you if I had not done it before that we are Concerned here about the Arrangement of the other Generals, particularly our own. I can’t tell you how high Thomas’ Character runs here, he was by far the best Officer we had. I hope you’l find some way to rectifie what realy is a mistake. I fear your Excessive Establishments may be the Ground of Uneasiness. I hope they wont descend lower than to the Generals. I observe you are very spareing of your Intelligence but I am well pleased with some of your proceedings I have heard off, and my Expectations are much raised with what is to come, if the present policy, or rather Folly, of Britain should last a little longer we may be a Grand and a happy People. I now fear the repeal of the Acts which I have heretofore wished for. We talk of riseing this day to take a little Breath before we meet in General As- sembly. the arrival of the Generals have relieved us of much trouble from the Army, when are we to see all the Governments, and our own with them, reformed and set upon a Good Bottom, we look for such an Event, dont you talk of adjourning this way. I find the General wishes for it. we have done it, all along we hear that some of the Troops destined for York are arrived and the whole Expected every Minute, and that the army in Boston are prepareing for some new Ex- pedition. have many Boats of a particular Construction, flat bottomed and Calculated for Shoal Water. I Expect another Action very soon. A few more such as the last will ruin them. I refer you to Mr. J. Adams to whom I have given an Account of that matter which I believe true. I wrote to him Yesterday and he will have it by this Opportunity, do let me know how your Health is. I met Mrs. Adams the other Day. She was well and looked as Blooming as a Girl. I Pity the poor Crea- tures left in Boston, was very glad to see your Son out. My regards to all our Friends. I am obliged to Mr. Cushing for his frequent mention of me. I am your Friend, Jas: Warren 1 From the Samuel Adams Papers in the New York Public Library. A part of this let- ter is printed in 1. 69, supra , and only what was not in that note is here given. 1775 ] Appendix 415 I have just heard that our Army at Roxbury succeeded last Night in an Attempt to Burn Brown’s House which Excited their Ire to fire the Cannon this morning. James Warren to Samuel Adams 1 Watertown, July 20, 1775 My Dear Sir, — I had the pleasure of yours of the 2d Instant by Mr. Thomas this day. it has been so long on its passage that I shall look for another in a day or two, tho’ I claim no title to such a favour but from the most sincere Friendship. I am very sorry you have so much reason to Complain of your friends. I flatter myself, however, that I am not the most negligent of them, if I have not done my Duty I shall Endeavour for the future to reform, if you Continue to wish for Letters from me. They Certainly have paid Excessively dear for the purchase of Bunker’s Hill, but your Intelligence of the Death of How is without founda- tion. he seems to have deserved that fate and, perhaps, it is reserved to the next dome they may take. I want much to see you, but the Impor- tance of the Business you are Engaged in suppresses every desire of that kind for the present. I am sensible from what has Transpired, tho’ you have not been perticular, that your Patience is put to the Trial. I hope it will be supported, you flatter me with great Expectations. I hope I shall not be disappointed, but you must be aided by the folly and Wicked- ness of Britain, so much Moderation and Timidity still prevail here that there is no doing without them. I should be glad to give you a minute Account of our Civil and Military Affairs, but they are so numerous and so Complicated that it is difficult to know where to begin, or where to End, and besides I have wrote pretty fully to our good Friend Mr. Adams , 2 which I consider in some Sort as writing to you. Our New As- sembly met here yesterday. Chose only a Speaker and Clerk — your un- worthy Friend for the first, Mr. Freeman for the second, the Choice of Concellors was postponed till Tomorrow Morning. I must furnish you with a List of them by another Opportunity. The Inhabitants of your poor devoted Town had a very Social Collection from their dispersions at Concord on Tuesday last to the number of about 200 and Chose Mr. [Samuel] Adams, Hancock, [John] Pitts and [Dr. Benjamin] Church to Represent them. I have no Expectation that the Election of Tomorrow will please either you or me. I could almost wish we were again reduced to a Congress till we had a Constitution worth Contending for. our As- 1 From the Samuel Adams Papers in the New York Public Library. 2 Vol. 1. 82, supra. 4 i 6 Appendix [1775 sembly is numerous, about 160 Members, pretty nearly of the old Com- plection. Our Congress was dissolved yesterday morning, their most material proceedings you have seen in the papers, from them you will be able to form some Judgment of the general Tenour of the whole. I cant describe the difficulties we have had from the Caprice, Humour and whims of the Army, as well as many others. The Army is now perfectly quiet and in good Spirits, while their’s is out of humour, ill supplied and dispirited, from the Appearances here, situated so nigh as we are to two Camps, you could hardly suppose an Army was within fifty miles of us. The Town is as still as perhaps it ever was on a Sunday. This Fast has been observed as you could wish, with that deference to the Authority that appointed it, and with that devotion that our Circumstances re- quire. it is a grand Solemnity. 3,000,000 of People on their knees at once, supplicating the Aid of Heaven is a strikeing Circumstance and a very singular one in America. May the Blessings of Heaven follow in answer to our prayers, it gives me great satisfaction to hear your Health is better, if Gage’s Proclimation has Contributed to it, as I am told it has, I will in one Instance acknowledge my Obligations to him. I am de- sired to Inclose to you a Letter from one Mrs. Nash and to desire Mr. Hooper’s Care of it. my regards to all Enquireing Friends and sincerely yours Jas: Warren James Warren to Samuel Adams 1 Watertown, July 27th, 1775 My Dear Sir, — I yesterday received yours of the 12th Instant 2 by your Friend, Mr. Hughes. I shant fail to Introduce him to our friends and do everything I can to make his Visit here agreable to him. the Recom- mendation you have given is quite sufficient to Engage my good Opinion of him. I have but Just seen him. Expect to see him again this day. we sent you a Hint sometime ago with regard to takeing up Crown Officers. I could wish to see it Improved more and especially in one Instance, if I have Tryon’s Character, his Intrigues are dangerous and require your perticular Attention, no Events of more Consequence that that of Choosing your Honour to the Board have taken place since my last. The Armys Continue to look at each other and fortify themselves, no Action or prospect of [one.] it is said they are very sickly and dispirited in Boston. Our Army is tolerably well and in good Spirits. I really wish to 1 From the Samuel Adams Papers in the New York Public Library. 2 Vol. 1. 82, supra. 1775 ] Appendix 417 have something to write you of the Operations of war, but it is a barren time. I have not been at the Camp since my arrival here — I mean to our new Assembly, we are going on in the old way with Business enough before us. The Council met but yesterday, they choose a Secretary this day. I presume you will be the man. I hear you talk of adjourning. I want to see you, but I fear if you adjourn the same Reverence will not attend the proceedings of your Committee, my room is full of Company this morning and I am much hurried. I cant therefore add more than my regards to all friends, perticularly my good Friend, Mr. Adams. I am sincerely your Friend, J. Warren I shall write you again as soon as I can. we have great Numbers of Gentlemen resorting to this Colony from the rest, could wish to know what men you would like to hear of. James Warren to Samuel Adams 1 Watertown, Augt. 4th, 1775 My Dear Sir, — I am greatly obliged to you for your Letter of the 24th July 2 which I received on Sunday last. I Intended to have wrote you before this and perticularly by an Express of the Generals, which he told me would go on Wednesday, and I suppose is now gone; but I have not had it in my power to do it. Interruptions of one kind or another have prevented whenever I had assigned a Time for it. besides I have some doubts how it should be performed. I am sensible Confiding in your Candour I have wrote with great Ease to myself and I suppose Incorrect- ness; but have Endeavoured to Collect facts, etc., and give them to you as well as I could, and it seems to me, as far as I can recollect, I have generally given you or my Good Friend, Mr. J. Adams (which I conceive to be the same thing) all the Facts and material Events that had taken place here which I could suppose you was not otherways acquainted with, however, I designed it and if I have failed from any other reason but from want of ability, will try to reform, being very well disposed both from Inclination and Policy to Contribute all I can to the weight and Im- portance of the Massachusetts] Delegates, and Especially to that of Mr. Adams who I can assure you I think was a Judicious Choice and is a man after my own heart. I can again assure you with Confidence that every thing in the Army is easy. I know of no Suspicions or Uneasiness among the Officers or 1 From the Samuel Adams Papers in the New York Public Library. 2 Vol. 1. 89, supra. [i77S 4i 8 Appendix Soldiers. General Spencer at first left the Camp but is again returnd and I believe Behaves well. General Washington’s, Lee’s, Gates’, and the Character of the Gentlemen with them are greatly Esteemed and unlim- ited Confidence is placed in them. The state of our Army is very pleas- ing. they are Healthy, vigorous, Intrepid, and orderly and well supplied with every thing but one. that I cant think of without Gloom and fearful Apprehensions, but I trust the Goodness of a kind Providence and the Vigilance of your Congress, for God’s Sake, Exert yourselves to free us from our Apprehensions, you will hear from the General on this Head, the Situation of our Brethren in Boston is beyond description miserable, in want of Necessaries, sickly and dyeing, Tyranny, Famine and Pesti- lence are their Portion at once. I must refer you to my Friend Adams to whom I wrote all the perticulars I knew with regard to them, and like- wise for the little Skirmishes that have taken place after so profound a Tranquility. 1 very little has happened since I wrote him. the Rifle men and some others are continually firing on them and they frequently re- turn the fire of their Cannon, we kill them some men almost every day. The People at Machias, an obscure, small Town in the Eastermost parts of this Colony, you may remember some time ago took two Sloops from one Jones (a dog) and a Tender, they have now taken another Tender without the loss of a man, and among other things with ten bbls. powder and £50 sterling in Cash, in this way they will be a Maritime Power, they Bid as fair for it as Charthage in the days of Queen Dido, and almost as much so as England in the days of Queen Bess. We may be able an- other Year to Convey the Delegates to Philadelphia (if they Choose to go by water) against the Navy of Britain. Are we not to hear of an Expedi- tion into Canada and of Treaties with foreign powers, at least Commer- cial. do let the Grandeur and Importence of your measures command the Astonishment while the Wisdom of them Excites the Reverence of the world. You tell me you Expect a short Adjournment. I will be glad to see you. we are drudging on in the old way, and a dull one it is, not so much as Enlivened with the usual Altercations with an Infamous Gov- ernor. I Inclosed a Letter for you in Mr. Adams, give my perticular re- gards to him. My Compliments to all Friends. Mr. Paine I will next write to him. I have taken Care to see your Son provided for and should have done it before but for a mistake. I took another man of the same Name, a Surgeon of one of the Regiments, to be him and signed the war- rant with great pleasure, as I always feel Interested in whatever relates to your family, no News from England, what the old Squaw is about, we cant conjecture and dont much Care. I hope she is raising Troops to sub- due America. I am your Friend. Adieu. Jas: Warren 1 Vol. 1. 95, supra. 1775 ] 419 Appendix James Warren to Samuel Adams 1 . Watertown, Sepr. 28, 1775 My Dear Sir, — I had the pleasure Yesterday of hearing for the first Time of your safe Arrival at Philadelphia, and of your performing the Journey in a manner that Contributed much to your Health, to the Sociability on the way, and to the Character of the Statesman, as it is said that Horsemanship and dexterity in rideing on the Saddle are neces- sary to Compleat that Character, I really give you Joy on this Occasion and that this Important Acquisition was made by the help of flannel without Injury. I am obliged to my Friend, Mr. Adams, for this Intelli- gence, whose Letter 2 1 received yesterday by Mr. Cabot wholly on that Subject, which shews the Importance of it in his mind and his fondness for Fame and Glory, for he assumes the whole merit of first Adviseing and then giveing the Necessary Instructions. I never feel disposed to les- sen his Glory and Fame and shall readily in this Instance allow him the Honour of Compleating the Character of a Great Statesman and pro- longing the Life of a distinguished Patriot. In my last to Mr. Adams I promised to write you soon, as I always choose to keep my promises, I sit down this morning for that purpose, tho’ I am unable to give you any Important Intelligence. All things remain pretty much in the same state as when I last wrote Mr. Adams, we make Advances upon them daily with our works, they have for a week past been very still, scarce a shott has been fired. Arnold went off with his detachment, Embarked at New- berry Port, and without Interruption arrived safe at Kennebeck. it is said they supposed we gave out as a Blind that this Expedition was de- signed for Quebec, and that the real Intention was to attack Hallifax, get their Stores and destroy their Guard there. Accordingly a Fleet and Force is sent to defend it, unless they practise this kind of policy and have gone to Quebec, but what but their Cowardice or want of Common Sense should have prevented our small Fleet in their passage from New- berry to Kennebeck. they are indeed poor Dogs. Wallace at Newport makes great Havock among the Trade and sends whole Fleets to Boston, our Machias Admiral has been and Burnt the Fort on St. John’s River, took away all the Cannon, six or seven, and has taken a Vessel Bound to Boston with thirty head Cattle, seventy Sheep, some Swine, 2000 lbs. Butter and Cheese, seventy Dollars, six watches, some English Goods. Our Assembly are setting, but no one Event of any Consequences has taken place, do let me know how we are to account for the strange delay of the Money that was ordered from Philadelphia, our Conjectures are 1 From the Samuel Adams Papers in the New York Public Library. 2 Vol. 1. 109, supra. 420 Appendix [1775 various and my Curiosity is much raised, it is certainly very Extraor- dinary to have an Army of 20,000 men, appointed and stationed without one single Dollar to support or provide for them. The Character and Credit of many of the Officers at Stake and suffering. The provisions in a manner stopd. Our Friends astonished and our Enemies diverted. I shall write you as soon as possible again, in the meantime am with wishes for your Happiness your Friend J. W. Present with the Inclosed Letter my regards to my Friend Adams, my Compliments to Mr. Cushing, Pain, Hancock, Ward, and all Enquiring Friends, if there be any, particularly to Mr. Collins to whom shall write soon. James Warren to (?) 1 Watertown, Oct. 2d, 1775 Sir, — You will see by this Instance what difficulties you may Involve yourself in, by what at first you perhaps meant only as a Compliment. As was no more than the Natural Effusions of a friendly disposition I have had it in Contemplation to write to you, ever since you thought it worth while to request it, and have waited only for some Events of Im- portance to take place, that I might with the greater probability succeed in my Wishes by gratifying you with some Intelligence. Things in our Camp and about Boston remain pretty much as they were when you left us. We have made some small Advances upon them since; every thing of that Kind as soon as they discover it, has Irritated and made them very waspish for a little while. A smart Cannonade at first has been the Certain Consequence, which has done us very little Injury, and we have generally Treated with Neglect, and suffered them to Tire themselves like other Children with their own ill humour, till after a little while when the peevish fit has gone off they can see us without any seeming Emotion finish at our Ease, what at first so highly provoked them. I do not recol- lect any Skirmishes that have happened between our Troops and theirs, or any Important Military Movements, I mean since you was here, it has been a rare thing for ten days past to hear a Cannon, we keep them Confined and watch them with Care. I am inclined to think we shall have occasion to do little else. The Duty and fatigue of the army in Bos- ton is so great and Intolerable, that Joined with their manner of Living must sweep them off by Thousands. Desertions from them are frequent, 1 From the Emmet Collection in the New York Public Library. 1775 ] Appendix 42 1 very commonly four or five in a week, they say the soldiers are very Uneasy, Almost ready to Mutiny, that they have had fresh provisions served them but once since the Battle of Lexington and no Vegetables, that they are in their Beds but one Night in four and that great Numbers wait only for an Opportunity to desert. A Party of our Men last week went upon Governor’s Island and brought off all the Stock except a few Horses which they could not catch and did not think prudent to fire att. The People at Marblehead have taken a Vessel from New Providence with Turtle and other delacacies the produce of that Island and designed for the delicate palates of the Rebels in Boston, but by a S: West Wind forced into Marblehead. The People of Cape Ann have taken a Brigan- tine from Quebec for Boston with Cattle, Sheep, Oatmeal, and some For- rage for the Rebel army and Carried her into that place. The armed Ves- sel at Machias have destroyed the remains of the fort at St. John’s River, brought off some Cannon and taken a Brigantine from Nova Scotia for Boston with Stock, etc. Coll. Arnold was eight days ago sixty miles up Kennebeck with his detachment for Quebec, all in high Spirits and well provided, so that we have the most pleasing prospects of Success in Can- ada. Two letters were found on Board the Brigantine from Quebec wrote by one Gamble, who chartered her. he is an Officer in the Army and Inti- mately acquainted with Gage, one Letter is to Gage, the other to Maj. Sherriff, telling them that no Aid is to be Expected to Government from that Quarter, that Carlton dare not Issue his Orders to the Militia, sup- poseing they would not be obeyed, and that the Canadians, poisoned from N. England, had got the use of that damned Abused word Liberty. We have no Communication with Boston but by a Boat to Chelsea once or twice a week, in which are suffered to come out only one or two persons of little or no Consequence. We cant learn with any Certainty if any rein- forcements are Expected from England, the Soldiers are Indeed told that large ones will soon arrive, this we consider as Calculated to quiet them and reconcile them to the severity of their Duty and hard fare. I have now only to apologise for this Letter which is wrote in a hurry and with a Carelessness only to be used with the most Intimate Acquaintance, among which I should be proud to rank you as one. I am your sincere Friend Jas: Warren My regards to all Friends. There is a Report that Gage is Superceded and that the Command of the Army and Government here is given to Howe . 1 1 In substance this letter is not unlike that printed in 1. 122, so it could hardly have been written to John Adams, to whom Warren did write on the same day. Appendix [i77S 42 2 James Warren to Samuel Adams 1 Watertown, Octr. 23d, 1775 My Dear Sir, — I have waited to the last Hour in hopes of haveing the Advantage of some delightful subject to write on, as you gave me reason to hope for in one of your last favours; but all things hereabouts remain in pretty much the same Situation, we look at their Lines and they view ours, and Consider them in the same formidable Light. No- thing in the Military way has taken place here nor do I know that any plan is on foot, or under Consideration, they want Courage to attack us and we want powder to attack them and so there is no Attack on either side. No Reinforcements are yet arrived, we may however Expect them every day. I believe they look for them every hour, if they come they will be a great relief to them, their duty is now Excessive severe, they are upon Guard at least two nights in three, which with the provisions they have makes them very sickly and uneasy, it is Conjectured by some that are out of Town that a great part of them would make no resistance if at- tacked, but that is a Circumstance too precarious to depend on. however I could wish for a Resolution in our Councils to make an Attempt, tho’ I know it to be hazardous, they are, Indeed, very strong, and if we should fail the Attempt would both cost us many a Brave fellow and perhaps damp and discourage those that remained, as well as occasion Murmur- ings, finding faults with the Conduct of Officers, and many other Effects of disappointment, but if we should succeed the Consequences would be Important and Grand. I can hardly think they would look us in the face again even with Amherst at the Head of 20,000 Hanoverians, Hessians, Scotch Rebels, Irish Papists, etc. What then is the probability? Upon this Question my Mind has often Ballanced and does now, and nothing but Faith, strong Faith, and Confidence to a degree of Enthusiasm, pre- ponderates and determines my wishes. I have such reliance on the Right- eousness of our Cause as Inclines me to think any thing will succeed. I wrote yesterday every Article of Intelligence I could collect to my good Friend, Mr. J. Adams, 2 every thing of that kind I write to one of you I Consider as wrote to both. I shant therefore trouble you with Repetition. Nothing has turned up this day but a Confirmation of the Arrival of one of our Vessels (tho’ not the one I mentioned to him) with Tons pow- der, 500 Stands of Arms, and 8 Cannon mounted on Deck, she is in at Townsend, near Kennebeck. The Grand Conference Ended last Evening, what is Concluded upon I know not. You great Folks keep things so Im- penetrably secret that we small ones must be Content with our own Con- 1 From the Samuel Adams Papers in the New York Public Library. 2 Vol. 1. 149, supra. 1775 ] Appendix 423 jectures. Mr. Lynch and Coll. Harrison have spent this day at Roxbury and go of in the Morning. I am just returned from head quarters where I have been to take my Leave of them, but missed of the pleasure of seeing them. I have left my Compliments and an Invitation to Breakfast with me in the Morning: I may or may not see them. I am however Inclined to think they will leave us well satisfied and I believe their Visit here will be serviceable. I Imagine they are so with regard to the Establishment for our Army and Convinced it was made on principles of Oeconomy. I shall Inclose you to be made use of at discretion an Abstract from the Journal of the Year 1759, by which you will see how much the Expense then Exceeds the Expense now. Our General Court are drudging on in the old way, with this difference only, that questions are more numerous, more difficult and complicated, and less Abilities to determine them. I never flatter any Man, but really want you here. I have taken some pleas- ure when I have been in the house with you. I take none now. I last Evening received a Letter from Church, 1 Conceived in a stile truly poet- ical and in Terms of the greatest Assurance and Confidence, desireing from his high Opinion of the Immaculate House of Representatives, and great regard and Affection for his Constituents, to resign his Seat, he undoubtedly Intended to steal a march upon and outgeneral us. I dont know but he will succeed, and prevent an Expulsion. I wish this was Cushing’s House, we have in hand a Militia Bill, 2 a Bill to Encourage In- dividuals fixing out Privateers and to Establish Courts of Admiralty to determine on Captures by the Verdict of a Jury, 3 to prevent Persons holding places Incompatible, by which your Honour is not to be allowed to hold the place of a Justice of the Superior Court and I am as a Sheriff Excluded from a Seat at the Board and as an Officer of the Army from a Seat in either House, so that I may in time, how soon I know not, have more leisure to write to you. several others are in Contemplation. I thank you for your Letters and wish for more. I have forwarded to Mrs. Adams and your Son those you Inclosed by safe hands, they were well not long since and hope are so now. My regards to my Friends Mr. Han- cock, Cushing and Pain; also to my Friend Collins, for whom I have a great Respect. I am with great Sincerity your Friend J. w. I have a Thousand things yet to say that Time and Circumstances wont permit. I hope the Unexampled Barbarity of our Enemies will remove all hesitations and dubitations and stimulate to revenge as well as Justice. Mrs. Warren, my good wife, sends her regard to my good Friend. 1 Dr. Benjamin Church. 2 Province Laws, v. 445. 3 lb., 436. 4 2 4 Appendix [1775 James Warren to Samuel Adams 1 Watertown, Octr. 26th, 1775 My dear Sir, — I had the pleasure of receiving yours by Mr. Tracey two days ago, and am much Obliged to you for it. I am sorry your Friends dont write you oftner, especially those of them who are more capable of it than I am, and have Abundantly more leisure. I think their Negligence Unpardonable — that of the Committee in perticular; but to tell you the Truth I never Expected your Correspondence would be much Enlarged by their Appointment. I wrote to you not more than three days ago, and now again purely to shew the readiness I have to Comply with your re- quests and my own duty, not haveing a single new Article of Intelligence to hand you, how long you will wish the Continuance of such a Corre- spondence I can’t say. I am very sensible of the hazard and danger of depending so much on a Change of Measures in Britain, that is a Rock that some of us have ever carefully avoided and should never split upon, but in a general Shipwreck, when we must go with the rest, whether it be occasioned by Timidity, Folly or Wickedness. I was in hopes before this to have found more such Instances and Examples as Lord Effingham has given the world; but the prevailing Luxury and Consequent rage for money has absorbed every other Sentiment and left scarce the least Trace of honour or virtue in any public Class among them. I perceive you had got Church’s Letter, which, with an Account of his manner of Conducting this matter, gives you every thing we have here on which we Judge of him and the Criminality of his Conduct, there are Indeed some other Collateral Evidences against him, such as his keeping this Corre- spondence a secret to every one, Instead of Communicating it to the President or some of the Members of Congress, or to the General, if he Intended it for the Good of the publick, especially when the General in great Confidence has Sollicited him to Recommend to him some proper person in Boston from whom he might receive Intelligence. Add to all which the General Inattention and Unfeeling manner he discovered when he was among us. I used to Impute that to the Indolence of his Temper, but am now Convinced that it proceeded from the Wickedness of his Heart. I have now no difficulty to account for the knowledge Gage had of all our Congress Secrets, and how some later plans have been rendered abortive; or for the Indulgence shewn him when he went into Boston after the Lexington Battle, do I discover a want of charity that the Evi- dences wont warrant. The judgment of the publick and of Individuals are very severe upon the Letter here, you are to consider that at the Time this letter was wrote, our Army were forming very fast into Order 1 From the Samuel Adams Papers in the New York Public Library. 1775 ] Appendix 4 2 5 and discipline, and were so formidable that he could hardly Advise them to make another Attack with any prospect of Success. And with regard to powder we had about that time many Accounts of the Arrival of it, which I dare say he believed, when he could no longer promise himself that the Event of the Contest would be as lucky as the defeat of our Army at Bunker’s Hill, it seems natural that he should tell them the Truths he has done in order to Enforce his Sollicitations for Peace, but I quit this subject as it might lead me into a page or two more, and only now Inform you that we have this day taken the proper steps to have him brought to the Barr of the House Tomorrow, io o’Clock. then I expect him and as great a Concourse as Curiosity can Collect. The 27th. Doctr. Church has been brought according to order to the Barr and has made with great Assurance and Confidence an artful, plau- sible defence, attended with all the poetical Oratory he was master of, and really has Exceeded what I thought him Capable of. the Guards with our Messenger have taken him back and we are now debateing by Candle Light, while I write to a Friend I think will never fall under a Single Sus- picion of Treason to his Country, we have no kind of news, shall write you again soon, whether we shall pass Judgment or suspend it least we Influence the final Judgment on the Charge against him, or whether we shall now admit his resignation are the questions. I suppose Coll. Reed will be the Bearer of this and give you a full and ample Account at least of the state of the Army. I have taken good Care of your Letters. I do sincerely wish you every Happiness. Adeu. J. w. You must make my regards to your Brethren Coll. Hancock, Mr. Cushing and Mr. Paine, and any other Gentlemen who may think it worth while to accept them. Time wont permit and you may add, I have nothing Important to write. My good Friend Mr. Adams shall write to if possible. Mrs. Warren, one of the Choicest Gifts of Heaven, sets by att the writeing this Post- script and desires her regards to your Honour. James Warren to Samuel Adams 1 Watertown, Novr. 12th, 1775 Dear Sir, — The Bearer of this I suppose will be Mr. Revere, who Carries you from the Council some very Important dispatches, taken by a Fish Boat in a Schooner made Prize off and Carried into Beverly. 1 From the Samuel Adams Papers in the New York Public Library. 426 Appendix [1775 Among other things there is to be found in one Letter the Success and Effects of your Loyal and Dutiful Petition. Administration from it pre- sumed there must be a Weakness among us. this presumption has Ani- mated and Encouraged them to pursue vigorous measures and exert their whole strength, what will be thought of the piddling Genius now. The five Regiments destined for Boston this Fall are partly arrived and the rest daily Expected, how many are in I cant learn with certainty, it is said they are in Choice Spirits in Boston, tho’ they are starveing for wood and fresh Provisions, and in want of Bread, with regard to the Inhabit- ants they are at least as miserable as ever, it was reported last week that Howe had called upon all that were desirous of leaving the Town to give in their names by a certain time, I think the next day, at 12 o’Clock. 1 we Expected proposals for their comeing out but hear no more of this matter. Our Military Movements are much the same as they have been lately, they keep within their walls and we watch them, the want of a certain Article has prevented our being able to do more, with an Abundance of it, some Capital and Grand Stroke would have been struck and perhaps put an End to the War. my Greatest Uneasiness arises from the present State of the two Armies. Ours is new modelling, while theirs is reinforce- ing. in the new Arrangement of our Army the Regiments are to be re- duced from thirty-nine to twenty seven, you will easily conceive the diffi- culty of doing it without disgusting Soldiers as well as Officers, our own men you know are much attached to perticular Officers, and I hear there is in the Camp much Conversation and Uneasiness on this Subject. I am not in the Cabinet. I hope matters have been well digested and that this Business will end well, it is certainly a Critical Time. Prizes chiefly with wood from the Eastward and Stock, Hay and provisions from Nova Scotia are frequently bringing into our Harbours, if these dont Enrich us, the want of them must distress our Enemies, the Vessel from Ireland is, however, a valuable Prize and has many good Bits on Board. The Intelli- gence you will have by the Bearer, with the R[oyal] silly Proclamation, 2 will, I presume, put an End to the Petitioning. I shall Expect some Movements worthy of so august a Body. A Declaration of Independency, Treaties with foreign powers, a Test that shall draw a clear and distin- guishing Line between Whiggs and Tories, and some other matters in the same stile, however they might formerly be thought Extravagant, may now perhaps be considered by even piddling Genius, as not Exceeding the Line of Moderation. Our General Court was adjourned last Night to the 29th Instant, the two Houses have not parted in the best Humour — a poor time to altercate. I have not time to give you the State of the Con- 1 Broadsides ( Collections , lxxv.) No. 1826. 2 Of August 23. Broadsides ( Collections , lxxv.) No. 1818. 1775 ] Appendix 427 troversy. the appointing Field Officers is the Subject. The Council Claim the Exclusive Right as a Prerogative of the Governour; we claim an Equal Share with them as a part of the Assembly of this Colony by Virtue of your Resolves which are so clear and plain that there is no room for doubt and which, if not rightly understood by us, do distinguish us from the other Colonies by depriving us of a great privilege given them, can an Adherence to the old rotten Charter be a Ballance for haveing the militia in the hands of the People, they have lost much of the Respect and Confidence of the People by their Behaviour on this Occasion, tho the Occasion is malancholy it Excites ridicule in the Gravest among us to see more especially some Individuals among them contending for the Prero- gative of the Governour with all the Zeal of Bernard and Hutchinson, the Hauteur and Pomp of Majesty, you would certainly think of some ridiculous Animal apeing a fine Gentleman, or etc. Mr. Revere waits. I must refer you to him for the perticulars of a little Affair last week, the Regulars landing on Sewals Point, etc. I am yours, etc. J. W. My regards to all Friends, perticularly Mr. Adams to whom I wrote per Capt. Mcpherson a few days since, dont think I have not a Respect for your Body. I have, but some of them certainly think themselves either Kings or Governours at least, you wont know them when you get here. James Warren to Samuel Adams 1 Watertown, Deer. 5th, 1775 My Dear Sir, — I Received your favour of the 4th November 2 Just before I went Home, where I Tarried for a Rarity about nine or ten days and returned here last Week. I thank you for the Letter and as the Senti- ment pleased me much I have made use of it, or part of it, to Counteract that penurious narrow Spirit too often prevailing in a House of Represent- atives and to Impress upon others the Necessity of Guarding against such an Incompatibility of Offices as we have before very Justly, as well as loudly Complained of. it is indeed too true that the doctrine you mention with regard to School Masters has been preached even in the House, as I am told in the debates on the Tax Bill and they are not Ex- empted as usual, this is a Circumstance I never knew till the Bill was passed, haveing unluckily been out of the House in every reading of it. I should certainly have Exerted my small Abilities had I been there, in sup- 1 From the Samuel Adams Papers in the New York Public Library. 2 Vol. 1. 169, supra. 428 Appendix [1775 port of the principles and policy of our Fathers. Our Government, how- ever disposed to promote Virtue and the public and private happiness of the People, is not Considered here as permanent, we are all in Continual Expectation of another Change, and besides the late Conduct of the Council has weakened that Confidence and Reverence necessary to give a well disguised Government its full Operation and Effects. I hope how- ever there will be an End put to that. I believe your and my Friend’s Letter will make them more modest. I think I see it, tho’ I have not seen the Letter, they say you have left things Just as they were. I wrote to my Friend, J. Adams, two days ago , 1 which went yesterday by Capt. Stephenson of the Riflemen, to him I must refer you for all the perticulars I could then recollect, since which the only material things that have taken place are Letters from Arnold in the Neighborhood of Quebec, and some more prizes taken. I suppose you will have the Letters received, or the Copies of them, by this Express. You will by them see that this Ar- nold is a Genius in this way. he has made a March under such Circum- stances, and attended with such difficulties, as modern story cant equal, it must be Compared with Lfanibal’s over the Alps, or Xenophon’s re- treat. I think we are in a fine way to have possession of all Canada and perhaps Carleton too. Our Privateers more than answer our Expecta- tions. since the Grand Prize I wrote Mr. Adams of several other vessels have been taken, perticularly one from Scotland dunnaged with Coal and filled up with Bail Goods to a very Considerable Amount and Consigned to James Anderson, who by the way is become a Captain in Gorham’s Regiment of Fensible Americans, it is said another Vessel with dry Goods for Canada is also taken and one with Fish from the Land, this Success Confirms the Sentiments I have long had. Fifteen privateers fixed out last June would before this have put an End to the War, or at least have Obliged the Fleet and Army to leave Boston, the state of your dear Town and the remaining Inhabitants there is truly miserable, if the Suc- cessor of Gage would have more regard to his word than his predecessor, he wants his humanity, he last week turned ashore at pudding Point three hundred poor miserable Inhabitants, almost destitute of every necessary, and there left them Exposed to the rigour of the Season and it is said five or six died before they could be relieved, the Houses there are no Shelter, the windows are all out, and the floors taken up. this day we are in Expectation of another set being sent out in the same manner, but with the Addition of a Species of Barbarity any but a British Minister or British Soldier would Blush at. we are Informed he has Inoculated them in order the more Effectually to destroy them and spread the Small Pox among us. I have many things to say to you which time wont permit. I 1 Vol. 1. 187, supra. 1775] Appendix 429 must therefore Conclude this Scroll wrote in hurry and Confusion and am your sincere Friend [JVo signature.} Lord Stanhope’s Son and another, said to be a relation of Lord North’s, were Intercepted at Rhode Island in one of their Night Walks and se- cured. One of them offered 100 Guineas and his Gold Watch to be re- leased. I think Stanhope Commanded a small armed Vessel. James Warren to Samuel Adams 1 Watertown, Deer. 19, 1775 My Dear Sir, — I have but very short notice of this Opportunity, you will therefore escape the Trouble of a long Letter from me at this time, you will doubtless be Informed by the General of the Military Opera- tions, in what manner and when the Army began and advanced their works on Lechmore’s Point, and of the Cannonading and Bombardment that has Ensued, and of the Success of it, of the several Prizes our Priva- teers have taken, and of the Loss of one of the Continental Privateers taken and Carried into Boston, it is said the People are sent to England. I shall therefore leave all those matters and, after Congratulating you on our Success in Canada and wishing for the Completion of our wishes in that quarter, tell you a little General Court News, and ask a little Con- gress News in return, the Capital matters we are Engaged in are regulat- ing the Militia, paying of the Soldiery, aiding and assisting the Quarter- master General in Supplying the Army with Hay and wood, two very scarce Articles, fixing out Vessels for Importing Powder, etc., promoteing the Manufacture of Arms and Salt Petre, Building Powder Mills, and in short every thing else, it is Impossible to describe the Business we have to do. it is Increased, perhaps doubled, by this Colony being so much the Seat of War. we are to begin this day upon the Consideration of a Militia Bill reported yesterday, there being an End of the Contest between the two Houses I hope we shall get a good one. we are Emitting 75,000 more, not dareing to trust to a remittance from Philadelphia. Hay and wood have given us a deal of trouble, they are dear, but they are very scarce, the General has at times thought the People here Extravagant in their demands, and that they took unreasonable Advantages, while the Cir- cumstances are such as would command the same or greater price for both if no Army was here and the Importation of Eastern wood stopd. to reconcile the General to these Sentiments to avoid any Imputation of that kind from the Continent and at the same time do Justice and give 1 From the Samuel Adams Papers in the New York Public Library. 43 ° Appendix [1775 satisfaction to our own People. It is Labor, etc. we are fixing out ten Vessels for powder, etc. these are all to go to the foreign W. Indies. We Conceive by your resolves we are not at Liberty to carry any produce, etc., to any other place, therefore, tho we have fine merchantable Fish we do not Ship it to Spain, where probably we might get powder, etc., with more certainty and less money, was this Intended or was it an Inad- vertency. 1 the Manufacture of Salt petre is flourishing here beyond our Expectations, we have a Committee to Build two powder Mills, one at Sutton, the other at Stoughton. when are we to hear of your Confederation, proposed in your last Ses- sion. is it not time to have the Constitution of our supream Legislative accurately fixd and fully Established and known, you have recom- mended to us to make a Law against harbouring deserters. 2 I wish you would recommend to all the Colonies to make similar and severe Acts against the Violaters of the Association, it appears to us Important and I believe must be done, the Soldiery in Boston are very sickly and Ex- tremely distressed for necessaries; ours are healthy, vigorous and spirited, the Inlistments rather Increase, we last Fryday Chose delegates to re- present us in Congress from the last of January next to the last of De- cember. the only Alteration is Gerry in the room of Cushing, whose Ab- sence could no longer be dispensed with ! the Important Post he holds in the County of Suffolk requireing his Attendance may be the reason. I have not time to add one word more and Indeed can hardly recollect what I have wrote. My regards to my Friend Adams. I wrote him by last Post, should like to learn whether he or you ever receive any from me. Adeu. What are become of the papers sent him by Coll. Reed which you said diverted you. May Vessels be permitted to go to the W. Indies and elsewhere in Ballast to purchase molasses, etc. I dont know that it is against any of your resolves, and those Articles may be wanted, but then all the hard money will go. what Effect that may have on our Currency, etc., may be worth Considering, do let me have your Opinion as soon as you can on this subject. James Warren to Samuel Adams 3 Watertown, January 14, 1776 My Dear Sir, — I now set down to write to you after a longer Interval than the Obligations I readily Acknowledge myself under for your sev- 1 Vol. 1. 203, supra. 2 Journals of the Continental Congress, hi. 324. 3 From the Samuel Adams Papers in the New York Public Library. 1776] Appendix 43 1 eral favours can Justify, since my last I have been to Plymouth and been so Crouded with Business here that I have not been able to gratify my own Inclinations, or Comply with your desires. Very few things, how- ever, have turned up here worthy of your Notice. The Military Opera- tions are the same now as they have been for Months past, purely defen- sive and Guarding against the Excursions of the Enemy, Excepting a Little Affair which happened last Monday Night, which tho’ not very Important was well Executed and is not without good Effects, Inureing our Soldiers to Service, giveing them fresh Spirits and Encourageing In- listments. I mean the Burning the Houses at Charlestown, the perticu- lars of which, I dare say, you will have before this reaches you. I wish it was in my power to give you a more favourable Account of the state of the Army than it is. The Inlistments by no means answer my Expectations, nor can I account for this Backwardness in a way satis- factory to myself. I cannot give you the Exact Numbers, but doubt whether they exceed io or u,ooo after all the Amazeing diligence and Trouble of the General, assisted by Endeavours of Individuals, as well as the General Court. I am very anxious about this matter, it is high time that our Army was Established. I could have wished that some other Mode had at first been adopted, but it is now too late to rectify any orig- inal Error, we must go on and do as well as we can. I shall only mention to you that I think the service has suffered and the Inlistments been Em- barrassd by the low state in which you keep your Treasury here, had the General been able to have paid of the old army to the last of December, when their Term Expired, and to give Assurances for the pay of the Mil- itia when their Continuance in the Army should End it might have pro- duced many good Effects and, among others, added some Thousands to the Army, you will be surprised, perhaps, when I tell you there is but about 10,000 dollars here and that left by the necessary Parsimony of the General, not knowing what Occasion there might be for a little. The time for which our Militia came in Ends tomorrow, we have presumed so much on the publick Spirit of our Countryman as to make no other pro- vision, tho’ every thing depends on their staying, and they wish to be at Home, our House adjourned Yesterday Morning and the Members went down among them to use their Influence. I flatter myself the most of them will stay to the last of this Month, our Naval Operations have been for a while suspended, the Privateers mostly hauled up. I can therefore give you no Account of any late Captures. I hear they are again fixing and hope they will soon have their usual Success. Our General Court are Extremely Busy, the Business Croud ing on them is, Indeed, without Bounds, besides the Common Business; and the availing ourselves of our present Situation to make some and repeal other Laws, the necessary At- 43 2 Appendix [1776 tention we are obliged to give the Army is a very great Addition to it. Could your Congress be sensible of our Assiduity, and the Chearfulness with which we submit to the Trouble and a great Expense of Time and Money for the publick good, it would of itself be an Irrefragable Argu- ment of the publick Spirit which reigns here. The Continent calls for aid to the Army in wood, Hay, Blankets, Men, etc., are of themselves suffi- cient to Employ us the length of our usual Sessions, we have, however, been so long used to Climbing Mountains that we go on with a persever- ance that demands Admiration. I am sensible the Circumstances you mention must give you pain, they are, indeed, not just, you must, how- ever, Extend your Charity and make Allowances to some of the Authors. I really believe the great perplexities they have been Involved in have prevented their seeing things in their true Light. The principle thing peculiar to ourselves that we have been Engaged in is a Militia Bill, which with much difficulty is now nearly Compleated. It is too lengthy and would be too tedious to give you a perticular Account of. it may suffice to say that all poles from sixteen to fifty, with the usual Exceptions, are to form the Train Band, and the Alarm much as usual, it provides for three Major Generals in the Colony, and a Brigadier in every County where are more than one Regiment, who, with the Field Officers of the Regiments are to be chosen by either House with the Concurrence of the other, and Commissioned by the Council. A ship is arrived at Falmouth which left England the beginning of November, by her we have the Ad- dresses of both Houses in the usual state, some Additions to the Minority. Parliament and Administration going on the same way as usual, etc., etc., which are things of no great Consequence. The passengers relate some Interesting F acts : that the People begin to feel and stirr themselves ; that 1800 Troops sailed for Boston were drove back by hard gales of wind in a shattered Condition; that 13,000 Sheep and Hoggs were shipd and sailed for Boston drove back and lost, which are to be ranked in that Train of Events Providence has ordered for the Salvation of this Country, you are to have the Papers from the General and so I shall add no more, but Improve the Little Time left me to Enquire whether your Congress should not by this time have a fixed Constitution that we may know and Consider as 'permanent; whether it is not time that you should form your Alliances as the has his. what is become of your Fleet, what is the destination of the French Armament in the West Indies, and whether you cant Improve so favourable a Circumstance to our Advantage, etc., etc. if we are not yet ripe for wise, prudent and Spirited measures when shall we be. but I must leave these Enquiries and Expect that if Con- sistent with your Engagements and Honour you will tell me more than I ask for. Our Good Friend, Mr. J. Adams, will set out in a week or ten 1 776] Appendix 433 days. I wish him with you, as I think this must be an Important Crisis and I hope will produce great Events. I am with the greatest Sincerity your Friend [IVo signature .] We are Improveing the Manufactory of Saltpetre with great rapidity, we Expect in three weeks Newberry Port alone will make 100 lbs. per day. Powder Mills are also Building. No News from Canada later than 5 Dec. when the Armies were Joined, reinforced by Canadians and in good Health and Spirits, and all Appearances favourable. 17th. we are now called on for more men to come in till the 1st of April, seven Regiments to consist of 728 each, Connecticut for four, N. Hamp- shire for two, in all thirteen, all which will but Compleat the Army to your Establishment, from which you may Judge of the present Situation of it. Two Prizes Carried in Yesterday to Newberry Port by a small Privateer, one a Ship from London with Coal and Porter, the other a Brigantine from Ireland with Provisions. James Warren to Samuel Adams 1 Watertown, Jany. 31, 1776 My Dear Sir, — I have little more Time than to Express my Obliga- tions to you for your several Favours since my last, if you conceive the pleasure with which I receive and read your Letters I am sure your Benevolence would prompt you to continue writing even if the propor- tion of your Letters to mine, I mean in Number, should be as six to one. Our Valuable Friends, Mr. J. Adams, and Gerry, left us last Thursday, and I hope will be with you soon, from them you will learn the State of things here, Civil and Military, more Compleatly than I could give it you in a Volume. I shall therefore give you no Trouble about matters that had taken place before they left us, and very little has happened since. Manly last week took two Ships from Whitehaven, with Coal, Beer, Potatoes, and some other small Articles, a Tender came to their relief with a Force superiour to Manley’s, but he Bravely Beat Him off and Triumphantly Carried them into Plymouth. Advices from Canada, I sup- pose, you have as soon as we. I am glad to hear our Friends were all well before Quebec on the 14th Instant. Our Militia, I believe, will Come in agreable to the summons of the Court, we hear from some Towns that more are Inlisted than their Quota, and I hope will Join the Army at the I From the Samuel Adams Papers in the New York Public Library. 434 [1776 Appendix Time Expected. The Regiments for Canada are raising fast. Coll. [John] Fellows raised a Regiment in Berkshire by Gen. Schuyler’s Orders, and these are gone. I hope that wont Interfere with [Elisha] Porters getting his Regiment. I hear he goes on well. We yesterday proceeded to the Choice of Officers of Militia. Coll. Hancock was Unanimously Chose by the House the first Major General. I am glad to hear of the Arrival of so fine a parcel of Saltpetre at Philadelphia. I wish to hear more News of that kind, what the Movements of the Troops in Boston will be next I cant say. some things look as if they Intended to decamp from Boston, and I suppose move South if they do. I am glad General Lee is gone to York. I am glad you have done Lovel so much honour and justice . 1 the General sent in the proposal Yesterday. I will read the Pamphlet you recommend as soon as I can get it and will then give you my Opinion of it. I am Obliged to Conclude and have only time to wish you all Happi- ness and am with respects to our Friends yours etc. j. W. James Warren to Samuel Adams 2 Watertown, Feby. 14th, 1776 My Dear Sir, — I have neglected writeing to you by several Oppor- tunities, prevented by various reasons, among others by the hurry at- tending the Close of a Sessions, we have been about riseing for a Week past, but new matters Continually pressing upon us has delayed it to this day. the design is to be up this Evening, but I suspect the same Cause will delay us one day longer. I have just left the House, being very unwell. I Intend to set out for Home in the Morning, if I feel any ways fit for a journey. I have Endeavoured to get the Pamphlet you men- tioned, but have not succeeded. I have not had the pleasure of seeing Mrs. Adams and cant learn what the Title is. however, I Conjecture it may be Common Sense, which I have seen, and am (I dare say you will believe) among the many Admirers of it and therefore shant blame you on Account of its differing from my Sentiments, the Sentiments, the principles, and the whole Book are prodigiously admired here by the best Judges. Doctor Winthrop and Major Hawley are charmed with it. we three should certainly vote for a declaration of Independence without delay, being fully Convinced of the Advantage and necessity of it. what can prevail with the Congress to hesitate, when will the Time and Cir- cumstances more proper arrive; can they ever; I dread the postponeing 1 Journals of the Continental Congress, iv. 32. 2 From the Samuel Adams Papers in the New York Public Library. 1776] Appendix 435 this step and I dread [it] the more because I find the House of Lords have got before them your Petition, if they accept your offers and close with you on your own Terms, how are you to get clear of it. and if you cant where shall we be and what shall we do next; then certainly we shall not be in so good a Situation for such a Measure as now. besides Spring is almost arrived, when we shall want every aid and every Advantage, therefore Guard against the Embarrassments that may be the Conse- quence of Treating and proposals of reconciliation by takeing a Step in its nature, and I hope in your Intention, as unalterable as the Laws of the Meeds, etc. I wish I could give you any thing pleasing, or even new, but there is a perfect dearth of News here, no military Operations on our side have yet taken place, the General is yet in want of powder sufficient to Enable him to Undertake any thing of Consequence, last Night a de- tachment of the Enemy got on Dorchester Hill, Burnt several Buildings, and took four or five prisoners, and then retreated without any loss. I cant Ascertain the perticulars of this Affair, which tho’ not great is some- what Mortifying, no prizes lately taken, we have ordered a Committee to furnish you with our Journals and Acts as fast as they are printed, by which you will be able to form some Judgment how we spend our Time, the Reinforcement of the Army by our Militia is more than equal to my Expectations and I believe equal to the call for them. I hope to hear from you soon, where is your fleet, my regards to Mr. J. Adams and Gerry, and Coll. Hancock. I shall write to Mr. Adams by first Oppor- tunity. I cant add more this Evening but that I am your Friend. [iVo signature.] I am directed by the House to desire our delegates to furnish us with three or four sets of the printed Journals of your August Body. I have lost the Vote or would Inclose it. We have not surmounted all our difficulties in forming the Militia by Compleating the Bill, the House chose Coll. Hancock the first, your Humble Servant the Second and Coll. [Azor] Orne the third Major Gen- erals. the Board nonconcurred the second, because they think, as they say, the Choice militates with a Clause in the Act, forgetting it did as much so with the Choice of several of their Honours, as military Officers, Brigadiers, etc. the Vote by means of the nonconcurrence is again before us. I am unable to say what the House will do with it. Orne refuses. Coll. Hancock is objected to as being unable to attend, etc. it lays for the present and will till next Session. Thompson for Cumberland is among the Brigadiers and concurred, and gives much uneasiness in that County, and I suppose some others will in others. I am glad to be out of the List, but the Council have done it in a manner as ungracious and Indelicate as 43 6 Appendix [ 1776 Bernard or Hutchinson would have done; for which reason I have serious thoughts of quiting my civil commission and [ illegible ] an Independent [illegible] Saltpetre comes in finely and we have given Encouragement to Build two more powder mills. James Warren to Samuel Adams 1 Plymo., Feby. 28th, 1776 My Dear Str, — I have been at Home near a fortnight and dureing the whole time have been very 111 and am so yet. I can only Inclose you a Letter from London which came this Evening to my hands in the Shat- tered Condition you will find it, having narrowly Escaped the flames to which it was Committed with a large Number of others to Escape the In- spection of the Pirates in the Channel and was saved with one other for the General and one for Doctor Franklin by the Assiduity of Mr. Fur- nace who was a Passenger on Board and who Informs me that thirty- nine Commissioners are comeing out to treat with the several Colonies, three to each, they are to disown your Authority, this policy is as flimsy as the rest of their Conduct, do take Care that they all give the same Answer - — that is, refer them to you. Adeu. J. w. James Warren to Samuel Adams 2 Watertown, May 2, 1776 My Dear Sir, — No Abatement of Affection or Inclination to Cor- respond with my much Esteemed Friend, but want of Health, and Con- sequently Spirits, Joined to the few Occurrences that take place here of late, are the true reasons that I have wrote so seldom to you. I am much obliged to you for your agreable favour of April 16. 3 I perfectly agree with you in the sentiments there Expressed, it is really surpriseing to me that a matter of so great Consequence should be delayed so long. G. Britain is Engageing Hessians, Hanoverians and all the powers of Earth and Hell they can against us, and we delay the only measure that would determine any one Power to Act a part favourable to us. it may be said that your late Resolves with regard to armed Vessels and Trade may be considered as such, it is true they seem to be connected with a declara- tion of Independence, [but] seem rather a consequence than a prior Step. 1 From the Samuel Adams Papers in the New York Public Library. 2 Ibid. 3 Vol. 1. 224, supra. 1776] 437 Appendix that declaration should therefore be Explicitly made first and these fol- lowing would have Evinced our determination to act such a part as would Intitle us to the Confidence of other Nations. I hope, however, the wisdom of Congress will steer things in such a Channel as at least to make a diversion in our favour in Europe, surely the favourable Opportunity the Enemies of Britain have while their strength is thus Employed abroad in the ridiculous manner it is will not fail to be Embraced. Our Eyes are upon Heaven and you. what shall I say to you about your dear Colony. Things look rather dull and gloomy here. The Troops left here are too few in my Opinion and want that Animation necessary to make them serviceable, in Consequence of it little has been done, I mean Compara- tively, to fortify the Town of Boston, six weeks are elapsed and not so much done as you would have Expected in two. however, they are now in a way to do something. Fort Hill in a tolerable state of defence; some very good works at Charlestown, Dorchester, and others going on at Castle Island, to aid this Business we have been obliged to call in some six Coast men, to Hire others by the month, and to order a Regiment of 728 men to be raised, this last goes on heavily, what the reasons are I am not able to say, but it alarms me much to find this Colony already Involved in any difficulty to raise one Regiment, when I think the En- couragement is good, our Politicians in General Court have been En- gaged too much in small Innovations of our Internal Police, such as Con- fession Bills, Fee Bills, etc., which do not relate to the grand Question, which is Extensive enough to Employ the most Enlarged Genius and Employ all our Time, is not this like picking up pins while the Ship is sinking, thus far have I wrote, but was Interrupted by Company, shall be able to add only. May 3d. This Morning 3 o Clock I was called up by an Express who brought the Inclosed, the hurry this occasions will save you a longer letter. I always Apprehended they would not leave Boston, you will be able to make your own Judgment on this matter, and I dare say the Congress will Conduct on this Occasion with their usual Wisdom. I pre- sume as soon as the Court can be Collected this morning they will send Expresses to General Washington, etc., perhaps not to Congress, suppose- ing you will have it from him. 1 I am Dear Sir with proper regards to all Friends yours sincerely. [No signature.] I believe you will want a Paymaster in your Eastern department. I am sure you want money here. Your Service is much Injured by the Soldiers not haveing their pay according to Engagements. I am Concerned for the 1 Writings of Washington (Ford), iv. Gjn. 43 § Appendix [1776 publick Credit and I am sure it is good policy to have your Bills in as many hands as they are due to. James Warren to Samuel Adams 1 Boston, August 15, 1776 My Dear Sir, — I have not wrote to you since you have been a Member of a free and Independent State. I must, therefore, first Con- gratulate you on an Event which, I presume, is as agreeable to you as any that could take place. I wish you may live and Enjoy it in full health many Years. I want to know what you are about now. how goes on the Confederation, foreign Alliances and some other great matters. I seem to think that they will (now your declaration is made) go on more smoothly than before. I wish I could give you anything of Consequence from here, but what you are already informed of. Our Attention is turned to the Motions of the Armies at New York and we are with anxious Solicitude every day Expecting great Events. I hope when they come they will be favourable to us. The Spirit of Privateering prevails here greatly, the Success of those that have before Engaged in that Business has been sufficient to make a whole Country privateering mad. many kinds of West india Goods that we used to be told we should suffer for want of, are now plentier and cheaper than I have known them for many Years. An Opinion prevails here, and I think now without foundation, that the Hessians will not fight till a Carteel for the Exchange of Prisoners is settled, would it not therefore be Excellent policy to refuse to settle one that should Include them. You will have heard of the Reception and polite Treatment Lord Howe gave Mr. Tracey when he went on Board his Ship to get an Exchange of Prisoners, for the purpose of geting his Brother and Crew from Hallifax . 2 he must have had some views more than politeness or Benevolence dictated, or he never would have Con- versed with him as he did. it was really a piece of finesse. I am not in a Condition to write this Morning nor should I have done it, but after so long a silence to tell you that my Esteem and regard for my Friend Mr. Adams is as great as ever and to Express my Concern for your Health. I am sorry to hear it is declineing, tho I cant wonder at it. such long and Intense Application in a place so unhealthy must be too much for a firmer 1 From the Samuel Adams Papers in the New York Public Library. 2 The privateer Yankee Hero, of Newburyport, James Tracy, commander, was taken in June, 1776, by the British ship Milford. The prisoners were brought to Marblehead in December, 1776. The brother’s name was Robert Tracy. 1776] 439 Appendix Constitution than yours. I am sensible of the Importance of your being at Congress at this time and I know the reluctance you have at leaveing your Duty there ; but your health must be attended to. we shall want you again, you must therefore take a ride and Relax your Mind and Breath some of our Northern Elastic Air. Mr. Gerry is here and Intends to set out for Philadelphia on Monday next. My regards to Mr. Adams. I am your Friend, J.W. James Warren to Samuel Adams 1 Watertown, Octr. 24th, 1776 My Dear Sir, — I Received yours from Springfield and shall pay a proper regard to the Contents, have also spoke to Major Hawley as you desired. I believe there will be no danger of Barber’s failing, since you left us we have been Engaged almost wholly about raising our Quota of Men. we have Committees gone to each Camp with great Encourage- ment in Addition to yours, and we have further Instructed them to Consult with the Generals and if they desired that our Militia now in the Army and Engaged to the 17th Novr. and first of December should be Continued, that they Endeavour to prevail with them to remain to the first of Feby. and to Engage them, three pounds per mo. from 17th Nov. this thing with a Representation made to Congress by a Committee, and which you will see before this reaches you, was done when we received Advice of the progress of our Enemies on the Lake and soon got a Copy of a Letter Genl. Schuyler sent to the Berkshire Committees, we have now a Committee Considering what further aid we can give the Northern Army, the Militia of Hampshire and Berkshire that have Arms are al- ready marched. I believe we shall send up Ammunition and what Arms we have to those Counties, and provide some more men below. I hope their Career will be stoped. it would be a Misfortune indeed to have either of our Armies routed, we are this day designing to pass on a Commission for a Committee of War, who are to be vested with ample powers and Consequently may relieve the Assembly, dispatch Business and save money, we have no other News from any quarter, a few prizes are daily dropping in. it is reported that a ship with forty light Horse on Board has been taken in the Channel of England by a Salem Privateer after an Obstinate Engagement, in which the privateer lost seventeen men. we are about moveing to Boston, haveing taken the Room belonging to the County. A Committee are Enlargeing and prepareing the Repre- 1 From the Samuel Adams Papers in the New York Public Library. 44° Appendix [ 1776 sentatives Room and say it will be finished next Tuesday, many of our Members, however, go with reluctance and it will delay it as much as possible, but these are small matters in Comparison of those which may be the Consequences of a General Action at York or Ticonderoga, and of those of forming a new Army, etc. God Grant us Success in both. I am an Enthusiast. I have full Confidence we shall succeed, tho’ some things appear rather against us. I sent forward your Letter to Mrs. Adams. I hope to hear from you and of your safe Arrival at Philadelphia. I am with great Sincerity your Friend J. w. My regards to Mr. Gerry. I wrote to him last Sunday by the Express. Mr. Adams passed through this Town last Tuesday when the Court was setting, without seeing or being seen by any Body. Our Naval Operations are Counteracted and discouraged by many sagacious devises of our Enemies or pretended Friends, but truly the lovers of Mammon, some of which I think should be Immediately rem- edied. A Vessel is sent out with orders to return directly back, or with Letters of that purpose, but designed only to shew upon a certain Occa- sion. She is on her arrival in the West Indies, Britain, or some such places Registered in the Name of some Person there, and then is Completely fixed [fitted], the last is to Guard her against the British Cruisers, and if she is taken by ours, she is Claimed by the Original Owner, and the other said to be only designed for a protection against the Men of war, and to support the pretence the Orders and Letters are Advanced, by this means a very profitable Trade is Carried on to Hallifax, Newfoundland, the W. India Islands, etc., etc., and when they have been taken many of them have been [torn]. The Anxiety for the Event of the present Campaign is great, this is not to be wondered at. the Exultation and Tryumphing of the Tories is Intolerable, our want of Spirit to Crush them Contemptible; but above all the Indiscretion and Timidity of many of our Whiggs is truely ridiculous, tho’ dangerous, being Calculated to aid and promote a general panic upon [any] reverse of our Affairs, a thing more [to be] dreaded than almost any thing. James Warren to Samuel Adams 1 Boston, Novr. 18th, 1776 My Dear Sir, — we are again set down in our Ancient and most Con- venient Seat , your dear Town of Boston, where we proceed in Business 1 From the Samuel Adams Papers in the New York Public Library. 1776] Appendix 44 1 with a dispatch that Evinces the Conveniency of doing Business here, haveing done more in the week we have been here than we should have done in two at Watertown, we have chosen our delegates for the Ensuing Year, all the old ones were Chose by a great Majority and some of you al- most Unanimously, to you we have added Mr. Dana and Mr. James Lovel, who we hear is arrived at the Jerseys, we have passed an Act for Reinforcing the Army in good Season to furnish 4000 men requested by Genl. Washington, if they shall be still wanted; tho’ by the Intelligence we have of the retreat of the Army from Crown Point, and the rumour of the retreat of the British Army to the City of New York, we flatter our- selves this Campaign is at an End. we have formed a Board of War, with a very Extensive Commission, and appropriated to their disposition £200,000 to purchase every thing necessary to Enable us to Act vigorously the next Year, this Liberal Grant from our House, possessed of such a portion of Saveing Grace as they are, may shew how much we are in Earnest, if there be now an End of the Campaign, dont Britain make a Contemptible figure, now I have given you an Account of some of our doings shall I Enquire what your high Mightinesses are about, where is your Confederation, are your Embassadors gone, etc., etc. I wish I could Entertain you with any News of Importance but I can only tell you of prizes taken, but this is become so common that we hardly hear of them ourselves, unless they are from Europe with such Articles as we want much, and very rich besides, we have had divers such lately. A report prevails this day that Howe is Embarking his Troops, which occasions many Conjectures about the place of their destination. I forgot to tell you that this Harbour really looks Brilliant and Grand, as full of Ships as in the more flourishing State of Commerce, and all but a few armed Vessels prizes, you will please to remember that I have not a Line from you since your Arrival at Philadelphia. My regards to my good Friend Mr. Gerry. I am assuredly yours, etc. [Ao signature .] James Warren to Samuel Adams 1 Boston, Deer. 29th, 1776 My dear Sir, — Since my last I have several of your favours, that of the 4th Instant I received yesterday and one of the 12th this day by Mr. Brown. I hear there is one other in town which in my Absence has been opened by the Council and is yet in the possession of some of them and contains some matters of secrecy and Importance, why I dont 1 From the Samuel Adams Papers in the New York Public Library. 44 2 Appendix [ 1776 get it remains to some of them to Account for. they have frequently served me in this way lately, under pretence of the letters being publick ones, for which reason I could wish my Friends would not in future direct to me as Speaker of the House. I own I am astonished to find such a Leth- argy and want of principle, a spirit prevailing in any one of the United Colonies, as to suffer an Army of 10 or 15,000, or even double that number to traverse through the heart of it with as little Interruption as a Man in times of profound peace might make a Journey, this has furnished me with Ideas intirely new and given me more anxiety than my own Ap- prehensions, or any thing that ever before took place have suggested, the Triumph of our Enemies and the disgrace to the Country mortify me much, but dont discourage me. I have full faith and Confidence we shall yet prevail, were I to see an Experiment of the like kind tried here with like success, I should think I had never Entertained proper Sentiments of this Country or the Contest we are Engaged in; but till I do I shall be- lieve the Event of such a project here would be such as you and I could wish. I believe our hardy Countrymen would soon make such an Army repent their rashness and cut them to pieces before they should march thirty miles, but how comes it to pass that such an Event should take place any where, is it not oweing to the Indecition of Congress, to their delays, to the Lenity and Indulgence every where shewn our Internal Enemies, by which they have had Opportunities and Improved them to destroy the principle and spirit of defence, which was once vigorous enough any where to prevent such a disgrace, had Congress taken the same measures for forming an Army last June which they did in Septr., we should before this have had a fine Army on foot, well Cloathed and supplyed with everything, and the British Army probably cooped up in a Garrison under the Cannon of their Ships, Cut to pieces, or gone of in disgrace, had Congress last winter instead of this gone in Earnest into a Treaty with other powers, it would have Encouraged your friends and silenced your Enemies. I feel every day Embarrassment from their most Inveterate of all Enemies among ourselves; their secret Operations have always Injured us, Countermined now by our Absurd policy of foolish Lenity towards them and supported by Hopes from the small Advan- tages gained by the Enemy, they dare act their part without disguise, they poison the minds of the people, Interrupt our best measures and, in some measure, prevent our raising the Army so fast as I could wish, however, I have the pleasure to tell you that the prospects with regard to our quota are good, many are Inlisted and many are daily Inlisting, large quantities of Cloathing have been and now are providing with In- dustry and success, some of which is gone forward, the Alfred prize is arrived with Cloathing for twelve Regiments and a large quantity of 1776] Appendix 443 Blankets, tho’ at the same time I must Lament the Loss of one of your Vessels lately taken by the Enemy, with a large quantity of powder and some arms. I am told one Bunker was the Master. I had before formed my Opinion of your “Excellent superlatively wise and great patriot.” I despise his Timidity and Inconsistency. I have long dreaded their Ef- fects. however, we are really Engaged in the Cause of God and Men, and I trust neither the Folly or wickedness of any Individual or Number of Men will prevent a happy Issue. Mr. P[aine], I suppose, has got Home. I wish him the Enjoyment of domestic Felicity. I am glad to find you approveing our Choice of Delegates. I cant say when Mr. Adams pro- poses to go. I am sensible you must want him, but I believe he dont go very soon. Mr. Dana and Lovel, I suppose, go this week. I condole with you on the Loss of General Lee. this Misfortune is greatly Lamented here, how could he be so Improvident as to suffer himself to be so Ex- posed to the Treachery of Rascals about him or to be taken in such a manner by a few light Horse, we are in daily and anxious Expectation of hearing the Issue of a general Action, the Lord Grant it may be in our favour. I hope they will neither get the Congress Napping or any other way. I like some of the materials of it too well to wish a Change of the whole. I am pleased to hear that our Affairs abroad wear a good Aspect. Our Attention is turned almost wholly on the war in general and the particular defence of this State, you know what situation you left this Town in. it has since been Improveing and will I hope soon be in a good posture of defence, however, I could wish there was more Firmness and Spirit in our Councils, there is an Instability and versa[ti]lity in them that by no means pleases me and I think Injures the good Cause, many things take place that I dont like and many are omitted that I do. I feel the want of that Connection I used to have, we have many new people and some old ones that are Timid and want firm Nerves, and others seven Years behind us in politicks, however, will do as well as I can; sufficient for you are your own difficulties. I am apprised of the regard the British Government have for us. I shall do all I can to be provided for them in the Spring, and tho’ I should deprecate my Country’s being the seat of War on any other Occasion, supposeing it best for the whole, I should be willing, now my dependence is on Providence and our own Exertions, and will think them sufficient. I hope there will be no Occa- sion for foreign Troops here. A Diversion in the West Indies or else- where might answer our purposes as well. My Compliments to my good Friend Mr. Gerry, shall write him soon. Adeu, my good Friend. I wish you the Blessings of Heaven and am, etc. [Ao signature.] The Troops are Embarking or Embarkd at Rhode Island, but where 4-44 Appendix [i ill Bound we know not. one of your armed Schooners formerly Com- manded by Burke and some time ago taken by the Enemy, last week in a Storm run into a Harbour nigh Portsmouth, the Crew 50 in Number delivered up the Vessel and themselves prisoners. James Warren to Samuel Adams 1 Boston, Feby. 2d, 1777 My dear Sir, — I had the pleasure of receiving yours of the 8th Jany, three days ago. I have not been negligent of the hint you mention, but have been greatly at a loss in what manner to put it in Execution here that would not at the same time destroy all hopes of Success, the neces- sity of Communicating it to so many would certainly have that Effect. I am, therefore, glad to hear that you have fallen on other measures not liable to that Objection. I wish it may be Attended with success. It will certainly be an Important Event if Effected. I shall let it sleep in Ob- livion till I hear of the Attempt. I am glad to hear that our Troops and some of our Officers have Obtained a Name and a Character in the Army. I Enjoy and sincerely Congratulate you on the agreable reverse of our Affairs. The Incursion of the Enemy into the Jersies, though it at first gave great Spirit to our Internal Enemies and damped the Spirits of such of our Friends as are Constituted only to sail before the wind, has al- ready turned much to our Advantage, the late success of our Arms has Blasted and Confounded the Hopes and Insolence of the one, and in- spired the other with a degree of resolution that may last till the next Misfortune. We have, indeed, had enough to do with the sauciness of the Tories, and the Timidity and wretched folly of many of the whigs. the Events of War are uncertain, but I think we have much to hope for from the present Enterpriseing Spirit of the Army, when you please you will give me the reason why the resolution you mention was not Communi- cated to me. you have raised my Curiosity with regard to this matter. I hope your Resolution with respect to the Officers in your hands will not abate if Genl. Lee should be treated in the manner you Expect. Lenity and even kindness and Tenderness on our Side is want of policy when Opposed to Barbarity on the other. I have great Expectations from the present Spirit of Congress, it gives me great pleasure to hear things go agreable to your Mind, while they do I ever presume they are Conducted to the Advantage of the Country, what the perticulars are I do not En- quire, but Consider as the Arcana of State, however, if I may Conjecture that the forming a General Constitution be one subject. I hope to hear 1 From the Samuel Adams Papers in the New York Public Library. 1777 ] Appendix 445 soon that it is Compleated and that in the Execution of it the defects and wretched management in the old Country will be Avoided. Pensions and Sinecures will be an Abhorrence to the present Age, and does it not ap- proach nearly to them to keep up one of the highest Officers with pay and perquisites with the Command of a very Inferiour one. it is a Charming thing to be a favourite at Court, had I been so lucky, the paymaster’s pay and perquisites might have been Continued to me to this time, my resignation Notwithstanding. I dont mention this as a thing I wish. I should despise the Pay, etc., of a Major General without doing the Duty, or flying to the Assistance of a Neighbouring State if attacked, if there be now Existing any such Instance you may depend on its being the sub- ject of Conversation, if any such should hereafter Exist do define the powers with which he is Invested, that we may know whether it is neces- sary for the Court to Interpose upon the smallest Occasions — the move- ing a single Company or furnishing them with a Blanket or a Dinner, sat verbum sapienti. my Friend Gerry has a Compleat Idea of what has taken place before now. My Friend Mr. Adams gave me the Slip and left me disappointed in looseing an Opportunity of saying many things to him which I had prepared for the parting Interview. I shall persecute him with Letters as soon as I can. I hope he is well and now with you, and also Mr. Lovel, by whom I wrote you. we have no kind of News, we are on the Eve of a three weeks recess which, if nothing takes place to prevent, will Commence in a day or two, haveing passed a Bill against Treason, a Tax Bill, and one or two others, and varied our deter- minations about raiseing the Army till it is become almost a Byword, and the Business much delayed, how many Men are Engaged I know not. I believe a Considerable Number, the whole would soon be got if we were steady, but we have lately passed and sent out a new resolve, bitterly against my Sentiments, holding up a design of levying them on the Towns. I fear the Operation of this will be to stop any further Inlist- ments till the Soldiers can Extort from their Townsmen fifty Dollars apiece in addition to the Bounty already given. I wish you Health and happiness and am, with regards to my Good Friends, yours sincerely. [iVo signature.] Brigadier Knox is here and has sent in a Memorial and desired the Bounty we give to the fifteen Battalions may be given to four others now to be raised, it seems to be Curious to have one of your Generals peti- tioner for this Bounty, but how they can be raised without I know not. however, it is not Complyed with. This Town is full of People of Consequence, your Promotions are rapid and the Increase of the Army has Multiplied Officers so that they are as 44-6 Appendix [1777 numerous here as the British Officers used to be. I feel like a very In- considerable person and that it is time for me to retire to my Farm, etc., etc., but this Letter is long enough. Adeu. James Warren to Samuel Adams 1 Plymo., Febry. 24th, 1777 My dear Sir, — I have now for a rarity been at Home a fortnight where I had the pleasure of receiveing your favour of the 1st Instant two days ago. I have a prospect of being at home one week more and then the Court meets again. I never at Home or Abroad received a Line from you that was displeasing to me. I never received one that did not give me great pleasure. I always Consider them as favours and Endeavour in some measure to deserve them, if my Friend had been Capable of being Infected with the 111 humours of any Man, I should have suspected he had caught a little of the pevishness of the when he seems to have lost his Confidence in the Attention and Affection of his Friend, it was cer- tainly a fortunate Circumstance that Mr. Lovel arrived as he did, with a full Conviction of both, to be serious I do Employ every leisure hour in writeing to you and my other friends, but I have been Extreemly En- gaged in Business and greatly fatigued. I have since that by Mr. Lovel wrote you a very long Letter by Mr. Bromfield, which I hope you have received by this time. I did not, however, give you any Account of the reception the proceedings of the Committees you mention, supposeing it would be taken for granted that they were agreable to the New England Assemblies whose Committees they were, and indeed this was the fact, they were received, believed and submitted to like the doctrines of holy writt. A quotation from the report of the Convention would silence any Man and knock down all Opposition at once, and this was really carried a great length with regard to the whole, and in general was and is Uni- versally the case. A Spirit of Enthusiasm prevailed with regard to this matter, and had it not been for the Audacity of a few who ventured at the hazard of their reputation to question the policy of some part of the report, we might have been Involved in greater Confusion than we are. I recol- lect, however, but one Instance, the Convention reported that the Bounty to be given to the Soldiers in the N. England States should be no more than £10. each. I was always for giveing a Bounty to the Soldier in Addition to that given by Congress, supposeing that Justice required it. but I always wished it should be small, and ever Opposed the Ex- travagant Measures taken with regard to that matter, but when the 1 From the Samuel Adams Papers in the New York Public Library. 1777] Appendix 447 measures were once Adopted and when I saw the fatal Influence of the Versatility of our Counsels and the Continual Change of our Measures both with regard to raising our quota of the Army and the Authority of our Government, I was for Adhering to our former measures as the least of two Errors, and for being steady for once and avoiding the great Con- fusions that would Ensue from haveing some Inlisted on one Encourage- ment and others on another, this might Occasion some Mortification to a Man who had assumed some Extraordinary airs from the Exercise of his new Commission and pleased himself with Expectations of Absolute Submission to the decrees of a Body he belonged to, and is the only Source I can conceive of, from whence should arise a Pet in the writer of the Letter which produced one in the receiver. I had once the honour of being president of the Board of War. I remained such with my head full of a Thousand projects and my hands full of Business, till the House took it into their heads that my Attendance there as Speaker was necessary for carrying on the public Business, they passed accordingly a Vote of dismission from the Board in Terms no way dishonorary to me. this was Concurred. I was sent for and have there remained ever since, without any Ideas of my own Importance quite satisfied to be there, or any where that shall be assigned me. I am, however, plyed hard enough with pub- lick Business, had not Providence sent us a succession of Storms I should not have found leisure to write you this long Scroll even at Home. I promised myself here an Opportunity of Attending to a few small matters of my own and the Benefits of some relaxation, but the Board of War have Earnestly desired me to purchase some Vessels and Cargoes, and Charter others for them during this recess, this I am doing and have now six Vessels on hand with which I find full Employment, some of them are ordered to the Gentleman you recommend; several are already gone to that House, and I am glad to find their orders Coincideing with your wishes. No Matters of Intelligence can I give you from here. I have Col- lected and Conveyed in a Letter to my Friend Mr. Adams, wrote two days ago, all I could think of. I dare say he will Communicate it to you without Pet or pevishness. I think you have done well in regarding the Memory and takeing Care of the Families of those who have Nobly sac- rificed their Lives for the publick good, money is much better spent this way than in another Instance hinted to you in my last, which, by the way, I never should have mentioned if it had not been worse than heaving it away and in a manner that is a dead weight on our public Operations, if he (you know who) was a real Statue, we should know what to Expect and act accordingly. Adeu my Friend. [Ao signature .] My Compliments to Mr. Gerry, shall write him soon. 448 Appendix [1777 James Warren to Samuel Adams 1 Boston, April 2d, 1777 My dear Sir, — I have often within a week past Attempted to write to you without being able to perform it. something or other has always taken place to Call me off and I Expect will now before I have wrote five lines more, however, it is not much to be regretted on your part, since I have little more to say to you than a bare Expression of my Friendship, which you was well assured of before, no kind of Intelligence has lately been received here but of a Capture made by an Indian party of a small Number of our men at Ticonderoga and a request to push forward our Men for the support of that Important Post, which we are Endeavouring to do. the Tickets for your Lottery have had an amazeing rapid sale here. Your Loan Office, I am told, is successful, but I dont know the perticu- lars, being as great a stranger, and perhaps for the same reasons, to the L[oan] Officers as you used to be to the friends of Government who sat in the House with you. we have now and then a prize come in, but it is a rarity. I wish again to let loose the privateers, we are takeing measures to Compleat the fortifications of this harbour and I believe if the plan be not too Extensive it will be tolerably Executed, about two-thirds of our fifteen Battalions are raised, we have in the House been Employed among many other things in passing Acts for takeing Care of the Estates of Absentees, etc., for preventing desertion, for Establishing an Oath of Abjuration and Allegiance to be taken by all that have been King’s Officers (excepting Mandamus Councellors and a few others), and those suspected of being Inimical, who on refusal are to be sent to England or the West Indies, it is also to be taken by all Officers, Civil and Military, etc. we are also about many other Acts of a more private nature and Re- solves in Abundance. I am again Interrupted and so must Conclude after desireingyour Attention to the Affairs of my Friend, Mr. Temple, he has suffered Extremely and in a way a little out of the Common Course, not by the ravages of the Enemy, but by the wanton destruction of some of our own Army, which has laid waste his whole Farm and destroyed at once the well Contrived and Judicious work of many Years and left his Buildings in a Situation very little better, whether there be a propriety in takeing up this matter at this time I cant say. if there be I could wish it, as his Circumstances require it and his Industry in the Noble profes- sion of Husbandry with many other good qualities have great Merit. I am with Compliments to all Friends and the best wishes for your Happi- ness your sincere Friend. [Ao signature .] 1 From the Samuel Adams Papers in the New York Public Library. 1 177 \ Appendix 449 James Warren to Samuel Adams 1 Boston, June i6th, 1777 My dear Sir, — It is now a long time since I have had a Line from you, so long that I cant recollect the Time when I received the last, if I was given to Jealousy I might perhaps suppose you Inclined to drop the Correspondence. I have wrote three or four to you since I received one from you. I saw Mrs. Adams a few days ago and Complained to her. she Excuses you and finds many reasons — Multiplicity of Business, etc. I believe it true and wonder you can write so much as you do. I want, how- ever, to hear how your Confederation goes on and what the state of your foreign Intelligence, as to us the Regulateing Act (which by the way your dear Town had no small hand in at first) has bro’t us into a sad Hobble, we seem not to know how to go forward or backward, at the same time a favourer of it acknowledges the difficulty, if not Impossi- bility, of Executeing it. he cant think of repealing it. the principle Ob- jection made is the Influence it will have on our Army, but, I believe, as true a reason is an Increasing Animosity between Town and Country, they are both to blame, which most I shant determine, the Conduct of the Town has certainly been very versatile and Impolitic, they could not have Injured their own Interest more than they did by their last Instruc- tions . 2 we all see the want of their old pilots, but I wont forsake them, or give you any further pain on that subject. I am inclined to think we shall in a little time get right again, the Repealing the Act, the Source of 111 will and every evil work, Encourageing a free Trade and the Arrival of a Number of prizes will regulate better than any Act we can make, last Saturday we had four Brigantines comeing up at once, two of them from Bilboa and two of them prizes, all with valuable Cargoes, and yesterday we had an Account of the Arrival of a prize at the Eastward with salt, Linnens and twenty Tons of Cordage, and also of the Arrival of a Brig- antine (sent out by the Board of War) from France with 108 Chests Arms, 100 bbl. powder, a quantity of Lead, flints, steel, files, etc., etc. this is an Important Arrival for us. I am obliged to write in a great hurry this morning, or should perhaps have been a little more Correct, and much longer, as I have much to say and many Enquiries to make. I wish you every Happiness and am, as usual, your sincere Friend. [iVo signature,] 1 From the Samuel Adams Papers 5 n the New York Public Library. 2 Of May 26. Boston Rec. Com., xvm. 284. 45 ° Appendix [1777 James Warren to Samuel Adams 1 Boston, Augt. 7th, 1777 My dear Sir, — I had the pleasure of yours of the 22d July last Night by the Post. I have before received several of your favours which I have not yet acknowledged, perticularly by Coll. Whipple, but had the mis- fortune not to see him being absent from this Town when he went through it. so have lost the Advantages I might have derived from a Conversation with him. the Letters you mention per. Capt. Collins I have not re- ceived. you will please to let me know who he is and when he came this way. the return you furnished me with of the Northward Army is nearly Conformable in Numbers to the Ideas I had of them. I have been from the beginning persuaded that there were at that post not less than 5000 Men, and it is to me a Mystery why there were not more there. I think I can reckon up 3500 men in the seven Battalions from this State who must have been there, or there must have been great Negligence in the officers, and it is said that the Hampshire Battalions Contained more than 2000 — A Number sufficient I should suppose to have defended a place an Army has been so long fortifying and reputed so strong against 20,000 Men. Nothing can Justify the Evacuation but a deficiency and weakness in all respects equal to the Representation Genl. St. Clair makes. This Movement has raised a general Clamour in the Country and has every where Excited Indignation and distrust, and in many fear- ful Apprehensions that do our Cause no good, we Continue to have Alarming Accounts of the progress of the Enemy in that quarter and have pressing requisitions from Genl. Schuyler for reinforcements of the Militia, one-sixth of the County of Worcester and numbers from Berk- shire, etc., are gone, we have voted 2000 more and made an Establish- ment for them to remain to the last of November, but the Militia has been so harrassed by frequent drafts and there is such a want of Confi- dence in your Commanders that way, that I fear we shall get them with difficulty, we have been in Expectation of a Visit this way and this Town was one day in great Confusion; but they have not yet Arrived, we are last Night Informed that they are landed below you. they seem to have a great Affection for visiting the Congress. I hope they will be properly received there. I am obliged to write in Extreem haste this morning, being now Called to go down the harbour as one of a Committee to view the fortifications, the Company and Boat wait while I scribble this to you. I must therefore omit many things I have to say about the Form of 1 F rom the Samuel Adams Papers in the New York Public Library. 1777] Appendix 45 1 our Government here, or your Confederation at Congress, etc., and Con- clude with Assurances of regard and Friendship and am yours, etc. J. w. My regards to our Friends. Manly, you will hear, is taken, you have lost a fine frigate. Hannah Winthrop to Mercy Warren It is not a great while since I wrote my dear Friend on my disappoint- ment in not paying her a Visit. Now methinks I hear her wondring how it is with her Cambridge Friends, who are at this time delugd with British and Hessian, what shall I call them? who are Prancing and Pa- trolling every Corner of the Town, ornamented with their glittering side arms, Weapons of distruction. A short detail of our Situation may per- haps amuse you. You will be able to form a judgment of our unhappy Circumstances. Last thursday, which was a very stormy day, a large number of British Troops came softly thro the Town via Watertown to Prospect hill, on Friday we heard the Hessians were to make a Procession in the same rout, we thot we should have nothing to do with them, but View them as they Passt. To be sure the sight was truly astonishing. I never had the least Idea that the Creation producd such a sordid set of crea- tures in human Figure — poor, dirty, emaciated men, great numbers of women, who seemd to be the beasts of burthen, having a bushel basket on their back, by which they were bent double, the contents seemd to be Pots and Kettles, various sorts of Furniture, children peeping thro’ gridirons and other utensils, some very young Infants who were born on the road, the women bare feet, cloathd in dirty raggs, such effluvia filld the air while they were passing, had they not been smoaking all the time, I should have been apprehensive of being contaminated by them. After a noble looking advancd Guard Gen. J y B[urgoy]n headed this terrible group on horseback. The other G[enera]l also, cloathd in Blue Cloaks. Hessians, Anspachers, Brunswickers, etc., etc., etc., followed on. The Hessian G[enera]l gave us a Polite Bow as they Passd. Not so the British, their Baggage Waggons drawn by poor half starvd horses. But to bring up the rear, another fine Noble looking Guard of American Brawny Victorious Yeomanry, who assisted in bringing these sons of slavery to terms, some of our Waggons drawn by fat oxen, driven by joyous looking Yankees closd the cavalcade. The Generals and other Officers went to Bradishs, where they Quarter at present. The Privates trudgd thro 45 2 Appendix [1777 thick and thin to the hills, where we thot they were to be confind, but what was our Surprise when in the morning we beheld an inundation of those disagreable objects filling our streets! How mortifying is it? they in a manner demanding our Houses and Colleges for their genteel accom- modation. Did the brave G Gates ever mean this? Did our Legisla- ture ever intend the military should prevail above the Civil? is there not a degree of unkindness in loading poor Cambridge, almost ruined before this great army seemjd] to be let loose upon us, and what will be the Con- sequence time will discover. Some Polite ones say, we ought not to look on them as Prisoners, they are persons of distinguished rank, perhaps too we must not view them in the light of enemys. I fear this distinction will be soon lost. Surpriseing that our G[enera]l or any of our C[olone]ls should insist on the first University in America being disbanded for their more genteel accomo- dation, and we poor oppressed people seek an Asylum in the woods against a piercing Winter. where is the stern Virtue of an A[dam]s who opposd such an infraction in former days? Who is there to plead our Cause? Pity, Pity, it is our Assembly had not settled these matters before their adjournment. It will be vastly more difficult to abridg them after such an unbounded Licence, perhaps you may see some of them at Plimouth. for my part I think, insult Famine and a Train of evils present to View. G[enera]l Bjurgoyjn dind a Saterday in Boston with Gfenerajl H[eat]h. He rode thro the Town properly attended down Court Street and thro the Main Street, and on his return walkt on foot to Charlestown Ferry Followd by a great Number of Spectators as ever attended a pope and generously observd to an officer with him the Decent and modest behavior of the inhabitants as he passd, saying if he had been conducting Prisoners through the City of London, not all the Guards of Majesty could have prevented Insults. He likewise acknowledges Lincoln and Arnold to be great Generals. It is said we shall have not less than seven thousand persons to feed in Cam- bridge and its environs, more than its inhabitants. Two hundred and fifty cord of wood will not serve them a week, think then how we must be distrest. wood is risen to £5.10 pr.Cord and but little to be purchasd. I never thought I could lie down to sleep surrounded by these enemies, but we strangely become enured to those things which appear difficult when distant. While I am writing a Neighbor comes in with an enlivened Counte- nance to tell us G[enera]l How has Surrenderd to G[enera]l Washington, but can we suffer ourselves to believe Providence will so marvelously appear for us? Ah the Events of Battles are so Precarious we dare not indulge the thought till it is confirmd by the best authority, my Partner 1777 ] 453 Appendix joyns me in the sincerest regards to General Warren and Lady, and as you must be tird by this time of my chit chat, allow me to subscribe Ever yours [iVo signature.] Cambridge, Novr. nth, 1 777. P.S. G[enera]l B[urgoy]n has repeated said he was convincd it was im- possible Great Britain should ever subdue America, he therefore wishd a Union might take place that would never be broken and that he might get home soon to prevent any more attempts that way. If you like anecdotes I will give you one more. When G[enera]l Phillips was travelling thro the back of Albany, where it is very rocky and barren, he expressd his Astonishment that they should ever cross the Atlantic and go thro such difficulty to conquer so unfavorable a Country which would not be worth a keeping when conquered, when they came upon the fertile banks of Connecticut river G[enera]l Whipple said to him, This is the Country which we are fighting for. Ah, replyd the G[enera]l. This is a country worth a Ten Years war. We hear no Parole signd yet. Index Abarca de Bolea, Pedro Pablo, conde de Aranda, II. 176. Accounts, committee of, 1. 89. Actionnaire, 11. 125. Adams, Abigail, death of mother, 1. 159; inoculated, 261, 267, 268; farmer, 320; on Lord Chesterfield, 11. 128; in Europe, 238, 240, 242, 274, 287; on presidency, 332; French mission, 336; war with France, 337, 339; abuse of confidence, 342; health, 344, 345, 352; on S. A. Otis, 392. Adams, Abigail, 11. 79, 81, 84, 95, 165; married, 277. Adams, Ann (Harod), 11. 386. Adams, Charles, 1. 268; 11. 263, 386. Adams, Elizabeth (Wells), 1. 11. Adams, John, n. 445; on Waterhouse, 1. 2 n.\ in Continental Congress, 27 «.; feels his insufficiency, 29; opening letters, 39; in Provincial Congress, 40 ».; health, 66, 265; 11. 206; return to Congress, 1. 105, 106; committee on hostilities, 143, 144; on Supreme Court, 150, 178; militia officers, 192; republic, 201; form of government, 221; ‘Thoughts on Government,’ 230, 240; Braxton’s reply, 242; on woman’s rights, 236; preamble, 242, 245; resigns, 265; 11. 205; leaves Congress, 1. 280; on horse hire, 290; naval committee, 31 1; cost of living, 333, 34 1 ; leaves for Europe, 11. 1; voyage, 27; on affairs in France, 67; merit, 71; description of manners, 81; on currency, 90; honesty, 95; obnoxious, 101, 106; disposition of, 108, 112; return, 115, 1 1 8; want of success in France, 118; charges, 128; second voyage to France, 129; on Europe, 156; intrigues against, 167; peace commission, 169, 185; Dutch negotiation, 177, 179, 182, 188; self- examination, 188; report on foreign relations, 192; on Franklin, 209; wanted as governor, 219, 221, 253; wishes to retire, 223; minister to England, 255, 259, 275; on social unrest, 277, 280; Defence of the Constitutions, 281, 284, 291, 294; returns, 304, 305; vice president, 305; on Warren, 313; patronage, 313; Mrs. Warren’s poems, 324; an unsealed letter, 325; on Jefferson, 331; intercepted letter, 342; on Napoleon, 353; reconciliation with Warren, 374; Dialogue of the Dead, 387 n ., 389; thoughts on July, 4, 393; failing health, 394; Mrs. Warren’s poem, 402; tea letter, 403. Adams, John Quincy, 11. 217, 240, 259, 263, 357 «•> 3»3> 390. Adams, Robert, 1. 193 n. Adams, Samuel, 1. 45, 101, 120, 272, 293; 11. 150, 293; on Hutchinson, 1. 8; moderation, 9; boy for, 10; in Continental Congress, 27 n.; illness, 60, 265; secretary of province, 94, 173; 11. 417; rides a horse, 1, no; 11. 419; on government, 1. 195; independence, 224; account of expenses, 290, 324; horse hire, 280; loyalists, 292; opposed to Wash- ington, 11. 12, 92; on marine committee, 15; health, 96; councillor, 106; rumors, 128, 138; for secretary, 145; malice, 148; on Bowdoin and Hancock, 161; warning on safety, 405; not a justice, 423. Adams, Samuel, j r., 1. 80, 90, 94, 98, 1 90; 11.41 8 . Adams, Sarah (Smith), 11. 386 n. Adams, Susanna Boylston, 11. 386 n. Adams, Thomas Boylston, 1. 226; 11. 263, 386. ‘Adulateur,’ the, 1. 18 n. Aitken, Robert, 1. 256 n. Albany, N.Y., militia for, 1. 323. Aldrich, - — , 1. 343. Alexander, Alexander John, 11. 127 n. Alexander, Mariamne, 11. 127 n. Alexander, Robert, 11. 127 n. Alexander, William, 11. 127 n. Alfred, 1. 304, 335, 365; 11. 442. Algiers, corsairs, 11. 271, 276. Allan, John, 1. 286. Allen, Ethan, 1. 131. Allen, Jolley, 1. 220. Alliance , 11. 16, 22, 30, 82, 125, 127, 135, 141, 14 3> I5 8 » i6 7- Alliances, with foreign powers, 1. 127. + 5 6 Index Allison, Francis, I. 80. Ambassadors, to foreign courts, I. 127. Amboy, N.J., 1. 337. America, an asylum, 11. 199. America , 11. 11 n., 217. Amherst, Jeffrey, 1. 133, 141; 11. 422. Amphitrite , 1. 339. Amsterdam, prices of stocks, 1. 308. Amuzettes, 1. 54. Anderson, James, 11. 48, 428. Andover, 11. 41 1. Andre, John, 11. 139. Anthony, , 1. 203. Antigua, powder in, 1. 135; prize from, 193. Appleton, Nathaniel, 1. 285. Apportionment under the Confederation, 11. 200. Appreciation, papers on, 11. 124. Apprentice, boy, 1. 10. Aranda, see Abarca de Bolea. Arbre de Cracovie, 11. 13 1. Arms, imported, 1. 339, 351. Army, before Boston, wants direction, 1. 47; cleanliness and health, 53; operations, 67; size, 77; continental, 11. 12, 19. Army, continental, 1. 58, 61; n. 416, 418; officers, 1. 73, 78, 79, 85; vote for, 80; size, 81; appointments, 97 ; committee on, 119, 125, 149, 152, 169, 174; numbering the regiments, 269; new plan, 1. 275; 11. 426; clothing, 1. 278; 11. 143; situation, 140,432; enlistments, 431, 439; paymaster, 437; northern, 450. Army, British, honor in, 1. 141; situation, 11. 416, 420, 422; standing, dangers, 1. 198. Arnold, Benedict, 1. 368; expedition against Quebec, 109, 123, 140, 148, 152, 181; 11. 419, 421, 428; brigadier general, 1. 204; at Fort Stanwix, 366; at Saratoga, 373; treachery, 11. 139, 157; in the south, 166. Arnold, , captain , 1. 316. Artesien, 11. 125. Artillery, commissary of, 1. 86, 90. Association, continental, 1. 166. Athalie, Racine’s, 11. 244. Attainder, bill of, suggested, 1. 75. Augusta, 1. 375. Austin, Benjamin, 1. 319 n. Austin, James Trecothick, 11. 36. Austin, Jonathan Williams, 1. 248. Austria and America, 11, 208. Auteuil, 11. 245. Avery, John, 11. 120, 145, 149, 150. Avery, Samuel, 11. 11. Ayres, John, captain , 1. 318; 11. 38. Bacon, Edward, 11. 52. Badger, Stephen, 11. 377. Bailey, Francis, 1. 375. Baker, , 1. 177. Balch, Nathaniel, 11. 404. Baldwin, Jeduthon, 1. 343. Baldwin, Loammi, 11. 62, 77; Dickinson’s writings, 364, 368. Bancroft, Edward, 1. 380. Bant, William, 1. 87. Barbadoes, 1. 147. Barbe-Marbois, Francois, 11. 193, 197. Barber, Francis, 11. 439. Barclay, Robert, dedication, 11. 149. Barclay, Mrs. Thomas, 11. 245. Barlow, Joel, 11. 301. Barnard, John, 1. 2. Barnes, , 11. 29, 36. Barney, Joshua, 11. 184, 207. Barnstable, Mass., privateers, 1. 193; militia, 273 n. Barrell, William, 1. 95. Barrett, Samuel, claims the Group, 11. 395. Barruel, Augustin de, 11. 341. Barry, John, 11. 16, 24, 31, 141. Bates, , 1. hi. Bayard, John, 1. 124 n. Beaumarchais, Caron de, 1. 301 n. Bentinck, William Henry Cavendish, Duke of Portland, 11. 199. Berkenhout, John, Lee and, 11. 70. Bernard, Francis, 1. 100; on Hutchinson’s salary, 7 title, 11. 350, 355. Bethune, George, 11. 136. Bethune, Mary (Faneuil), 11. 136 n. Bigelow, Timothy, 1. 354, 357. Bills of credit, continental, 1. 56 »., 58, 61, 80, 92, 1 51; standing of, 268, 322, 377; 11. i.35> I 4 I * Bingham, Anne (Willing), 11. 245. Bingham, Anne Louise, 11. 245 n. Bingham, Maria Matilda, 11. 245 n. Bingham, William, 11. 184. Blair, , captain, 1. 360. Blake, , 11. 241. Bland, Richard, 1. 112. Index 4 57 Blodget, Nathan, n. 158, 166, 170. Boats, flat, for lakes, 1. 133. Boileau, Jacques, 1. 37. Bollan, William, 11. 188. Bonaparte, J. Adams on, 11. 353; doubt on, 382. Borre, Prudhomme de, 1. 303. Boston, ‘massacre,’ Lovell’s oration, 1. 10; pleasures of, 17; tea, 18, 19; 11. 403; fortifications, 1. 32; of harbor, 216, 226, 237; refugees, 48; British army in, 68; situation in, 71, 100, 113, 150; 11. 426; operations near, 1. 83, 96; 11. 422, 431, 437; inhabitants and Gage, 1. 98, 100, 101, 102, 194; channels in harbor, 129; plan of, 130; S. Adams desires an attack on, 141; play interrupted, 1 51 ; move upon, 210; defense of, 217, 225, 238, 239, 244, 271; 11. 443; condition after evacuation, 1. 262; tories, 292, 369; navy board, 312, 324; General Court and, 332, 341; 11. 440; representatives, 10; meeting, 406. Boston, 1. 304, 312 366, 372; 11. 10, 14, 18, 29, 53, 88, 103. Boston Patriot, 11. 368. Boundaries, settlement of disputes, under confederation, 1. 376. Bounties, army, 1. 152; for inlistments, 21 1, 258, 276, 277, 295, 299, 304, 325; 11. 446; money for, 1. 285. Bourke, William, 11. 15, 26, 29, 30. Bowdoin, Elizabeth, 1. 216 n. Bowdoin, James, 1. 152, 241, 264; 11. 5; on Paine’s Common Sense, 1. 208; governor, 243, 233, 340; committee of war, 275 ».; for governor, 11. 135, 141, 144, 1 61; governor, 250, 262, 293; refuses aid, 267. Bowen, Eliza, 11. 330. Bowen, Ephraim, 11. 329 n. Bowen, Fanny, 11. 330. Bowen, Jabez, letters, 11. 234, 329; on impost, 234 - Bowen, Mary, 11. 330. Bowen, Mary (Fenner), 11. 329 n. Bowen, Nancy, 11. 330. Bowen, Obadiah, 11. 329 n. Bowers, Jerathmeel, 1. 226. Boylston, Thomas, 1. 99, 100, 199. Bradford, John, 1. 370; 11. 26. Brailsford, Norton, 11. 15, 24, 94. Brattle, William, 1. 13; 11. 381; recantation, 1. 32 n. Braxton, Carter, 1. 218 n.\ address to Virginia convention, 242, 252, 257. Breck, Samuel, 11. 286. Breteuil, Louis Auguste le Tonnelier, baron de, 11. 196. Brewer, David, 1. 195. Bromfield, Henry, 11. 446; committee of war, I. 276 n. Bromfield, , 1. 196. Brown, Gawen, 1. 162. Brown, John, 11. 10. Brown, John, 1. 52, 98, 169. Brown, Woodbridge, 1. 226. Brown, , captain , 11. 60. Brown’s House, affair at, 1. 83. Browne, John, of Providence, 11. 1 13. Brownson, Nathan, 1. 321. Bruce, , 1. 346. Brunswick, N.J., 1. 289, 336. Bryan, George, 1. 298. Buchanan, Archibald, 1. 39. Buchanan, Claudius, 11. 376. Buffoonery, Morgan lecture on, 1. 17. Bunker, David, 11. 443. Bunker Hill, battle of, 1. 59, 62, 66, 69, 78; II. 412; British account, 1. 79; official relation, 144 n. Burbank, Silas, 1. 91, 101. Burbeck, Edward, 1. 187, 194. Burgoyne, John, 1. 53, 56, 62, 69 «., 360, 362; return to England, 68; march from Canada, 263; at Fort Edward, 353, 354; Saratoga, 356; dangerous situation, 357, 364, 368, 371, 372; surrender, 374; at Boston, 374, 377; 11. 28, 32, 451; hand bill, 1. 375; trial of Henley, 11. 4. Burke, .Edanus, 11. 237. Burke, Edmund, 1. 34; 11. 327. Burke, Thomas, 1. 293 ».; 11. 444. Burlington, N.J., British at, 1. 279. Burnet, Gilbert, 1. 21. Burr, Aaron, 11. 353. Burr, Thaddeus, 1. no n. Butler, Francis, 1. 122 n. Cabot, Andrew, 1. HI. Cabot, 1. 304. Cadwalader, John, 1. 250. Calipash, calipee, 1. 122. 45 8 Index Callahan, , I. 108. Callihorne [Callahan?], , i. 108. Calumny, effect of, n. 338. Calvert, Benedict, 1. 229. Cambridge, General Court at, 1. 10; gather- ing of forces, 32; army at, 48; small pox, 194; convention on constitution, 11. 1 12. Campbell, Archibald, 1. 292. Campbell, Donald, 1. 92. Campbell, Elizabeth (Murray), 1. 70 n. Campbell, , col ., 1. 270. Canada, n. 36; Continental Congress and, 1. 52; attitude of, 84; situation in, 123; expedition against, 109, 123, 134, 187, 255; n. 92; proposed government, 1. 131, 155; committee, 206; importance of, 208, 258; evil news, 247; specie, 249. Cane, Maurice, 1. 121. Cannon, of bar iron, 1. 306. Captains, Navy Board and, 11. 26. Carey, Mathew, 11. 350. Cargill, James, captures by, 1. 100, 140, 163, 185. Carleton, Guy, Lord Dorchester, 1. 53, 123, 133, 149, 362; 11. 421; retreat, I. 277; peace propositions, 11. 175. Carmichael, William, 1. 321, 380; 11. 125; appointment, 10; Lee’s letter, 68. Carroll, Charles, of Carrollton, 1. 294 n.\ 11. 83; committee to Canada, 1, 206. Carroll, John, to go to Canada, I. 207. Cartel, prisoners, 11. 438. Cary, Richard, 1. 93. Cary, Richard, jr., 1. 93. Castle Island, 1. 216. Catherine of Russia, I. 263 n. Catholics in Great Britain, 11. 133. Caton, 11. 125. Cavendish, John, lord, 11. 199. Cazneau, Andrew, captain , 11. 159. Cerberus , 1. 133 n. Ceremonials, 11. 41. Chamblee, 1. 179. Charleston, S.C., 11. 104; tea, 1. 20; loss of, 11. 133, 134; Lincoln on siege, 322. Charlestown, Mass., 1. 15; incident, 50; burn- ing of, 59, 72; army at, 68; fort, 216; ruins, 229. Charmante , 11. 125. Chase, Samuel, I. 39, 93, 293, 294 n.\ on prospect of redress, 35; committee to Canada, 206. Chatelet, comte de, 11. 130. Cheever, Ezekiel, commissary of artillery, 1. 86 n. Cheney, Andrew Francis, tory, 1. 292. Chesapeake Bay, trade of, I. 145. Chesemuttock, Sachem of, 1. 14; 11. 401. Chesterfield, Lord, see Philip Dormer Stanhope. Chew, Samuel, 11. 32. Christianity, propagation of, 11. 370. Church, Benjamin, jr., 1. 56, 60, 63; director of hospital, 93, 94; treasonable correspond- ence, 121, 134, 137, 139, 140, 141, 142, 152; 11. 423, 424; dismissed from office, 1. 142, 164; punishment, 148, 153, 172, 174, 178, 180; hearing, 168; fears for, 254. Cincinnati, Society of, 11. 237, 291, 298. Citoyen , 11. 125. Clairac, Chevalier de, 1. 256 n. Clark, Abraham, 1. 293. Clark, Annie, 1. 70 n. Clark, Charles Thomas, 11. 386 n. Clark, Susanna Boylston (Adams), 11. 386. Clinton, George, 1. 218. Clinton, Sir Henry, 1. 53, 69 n.\ 11. 144, 151. Clothing, 1. 155; purchasing agents, 320; for troops, 11. 225. Clymer, George, 1. 123 n., 293 n.; death, 11. 381. Cobble Hill, 1. 114, 183, 188. Coit, William, 11. 11. Collins, Elizabeth, 1. 74 n. Collins, Ezra, 1. 74. Collins, Stephen, 1. 74, 75, 82, 107, 118. Collins, Zaccheus, 1. 74 n. Collins, , captain , 1. 316, 338; 11. 450. Commissary of artillery, 1. 86, 90; musters, 86, 90. Concord, currency convention, 11. 112. Concord, 1. 189. Confederacy . , 11. 78, 93, 125, 130, 135, 141. Confederation, articles of, 1. 199, 263, 309, 322, 337; 11. 430; votes of states in, 1. 338; progress, 374, 375; signed, 11. 33; ap- portionment of debts, 200; representation under, 270. Confiscation bill, 11. 48, 51, 87. Congress, Continental, 1774, I. 26; annual, 28; moves slowly, 51; rumor, 56; business Index 459 of, 67, 75; addresses, 75, 7 9; adjournment, 90; committee to camp, 119, 125, 149, 169; secrecy, 124, 126, 138, 170; committee on hostilities, 143; governments, 242; Eastern district, 245; committee on the Howes, 274; pay of troops, 276; bounties, 277 ; foreign relations, 281; 11. 192; naval committee, 1. 31 1; finance, 360; adjourns to Yorktown, 371 ; Hancock’s speech, 378; address, 11. 18,38; returns to Philadelphia, 35; toast and salute, 49; representation, no, 270; resolutions, 120; economy, 124; requisitions, 152, 190; at Annapolis, 233; proceedings, 236; indecision, 442. ‘Congress’ mortar, 1. 189. Connecticut, 1. 75; general officers, 86; land- jobbers, 168; militia, 188; misconduct of troops, 194 ; cowardice, 323; regulation act, 11. 19; rewarded, 152. Conquerant, 11. 125. Consuls, appointment of, 11. 226, 241, 264, 266, 267. Contempt of enemies, n. 47. Convention, constitutional, 11. 295, 297, 299. Convention, troops of, 11. 4, 5, 7; in Boston, 451 - Conway, Thomas, 1. 333; Warren on, 319. Conyngham, Gustavus, 1. 381. Cooke, Nicholas, 1. 151. Coolidge, Nathaniel, 1. 149. Cooper, Myles, ‘ Friendly Address,’ 1. 47 n. Cooper, Samuel, 1. 58, 73, 194, 268. Cooper, William, 1. 144, 319 ».; 11. 92; Adams on, 149. Cornwallis, Charles, 11. 144, 157. Cossacks, British said to want, 1. 289, 295. Cotton, John, 11. 78, 88. Cotton, , 1. 301 ; 11. 406. Council, Massachusetts, 1. 83 ; militia officers, 178. Courageuse , 11. 125. Courier de V Europe, 11. 130. Couronne, 11 . 125 . Courter, Harmon, 11. 1 1 . Covenant, 11. 405, 406. Crafts, Edward, 1. 187. Crafts, Thomas, jr., 1. 186, 194, 195, 240, 248, 253, 304. Craige, Andrew, 1. 190. Cramahe, Hector Theophilus, 1. 148. Cranch, Richard, 11. 121, 293. Crane, Stephen, naval committee, 1. 31 1 n. Cumberland, Richard, 11. 301. Currency, danger of, 11. 90, 98; mending, 108, 112. Cushing, Thomas, 1. 10, 15,63, 190m, 319 11. 1 1 8, 293, 413; in Continental Congress, 1. 27 ».; 11. 430; discouraging letter, 1. 57; in council, 94; Supreme Court, 150, 178; militia appointments, 192; conduct of, 21 1; for Congress, 264; letter from, 286; naval agent, 305, 324; councillor, 331; Springfield convention, 350; lieutenant governor, 11. 135. Custis, Eleanor (Calvert), 1. 220, 229; 11. 6. Custis, John Parke, 1. 220, 229. Custis, Martha Parke, 11. 6. Cutting, John Brown, 11. 290. Dalton, Tristram, 1. 286 »., 319 «., 324. Dana, Francis, 1. 217, 264, 266; 11. 13, 41 , 52, 65, 106, 150, 176, 193, 208, 256, 441 ; Lee’s letter, 69; absorption in business, 92; for Russia, 158; at St. Petersburg, 221 ; return, 222; Congress, 236; judge, 261. Danbury, descent upon, 1. 323. Dane, Nathan, 11. 36. Danielson, Timothy, 1. 252 »., 276 «.; 11. 142, 23 1 - Dartmouth, Lord, see William Legge. Dauphin Royal , 11. 125. Davis’s, 1. 149. Deane, Silas, committee on hostilities, 1 . 143 , 144 , 162; naval committee, 31 1 ; charges against, 379, 380; expenditures, 11. 67; statement, 68, 83, 86, 89, 94, 96; Adams on, 75; fall of, 106, 171. Deane, 11 . 87, 93, 135, 138, 141 . Dedham, Mass., 1. 106. De la Balme, Mottin, 1. 333. Delaware Bay, blockading, 1. 145; govern- ment, 251. Democrat, the, 11. 368. Denmark, honors flag,.n. 208; treaty, 222; minister, 331. Departments, staff, committee, 11. 124. Dependence, 11. 238. Derby, John, returns from England, 1. 84. Deserters, law on, 11. 430. Deshon, John, navy board, 1. 312 n., 324, 350; 11. 44 , 122. Destin, 11. 125. 460 Index De Witt, , 1 1 5, 158. Dexter, Samuel, 1. no. Diadem, 11. 125. Dialogue of the Dead, by John Adams, 11. 387 389. Dickinson, John, letters to Otis, 1. 3, 4, 5, 6; sends Farmer’s Letters, 3; corrections, 4; on Massachusetts, 3; advises moderation, 4; letter to Boston, 5; a colonel, 51 ; Adams on, 88; change of heart, 251; error in con- duct, 280; letters to Mrs. Warren, 11. 347, 348; on Otis, 347; writings, 364. Dickinson, Philemon, 1. 370 n. Dilly, Charles, 1. 8 n. Dilly, Edward, 1. 8 n. Dimsdale, Thomas, 1. 263. Doane, Elisha, 1. 23; 11. 404. Dobree, , 11. 118. Dodd, William, 1. 381; 11. 65, 77. Donop, Carl Emil Kurt von, death, 1. 374. Dorchester Neck, 1. 133; importance of, 154; occupied, 210; fort on, 216, 237; rendezvous, 268; affair, 11. 435. Draper’s newspaper, 1. 12, 153. Drayton, William Henry, 1. 230; 11. 38. Duane, James, 1. 378 ».; 11. 143, 167. Duche, Elizabeth (Hopkinson), 1. 165 n. Duche, Jacob, 1. 80, 143, 165. Du Coudray, Philippe Charles John Baptist T ronson, 11. 2 13 ; arrival, 1.318; embarrass- ment, 333. Dudley, Charles, 1. 121. Duer, William, 1. 378 «.; on Cushing, 212. Dunmore, Lord, see John Murray. Dwight, Timothy, 11. 301. Dwight, , col., 1. 109. Dyer, Eliphalet, 1. 115, 119 »., 138; Canada committee, 190. Dyre, , 1. 190. Eagle, 11. 11, n. East India, American prisoners for, 1. 363. Eclipse of sun, by Cynthia, 1. 283. Edel, Benjamin, 1. 66 n.; comes out of Bos- ton, 49. Edes, Peter, 1. 151. Edes and Gill, 1. 170. Edson, , 11. 406. Edwards, Richard, 11. 146. Edwards, Timothy, 11. 106. Egg, Plymouth prophetical, 1. 283. Eliot, Andrew, reported confinement, 1. 73,78. Elmer, Jonathan, 1. 293 n. Embargo, Adams on, 1. 312; Jefferson’s, 11. 35 6 - Emigration from Europe, 11. 205, 232. Encyclopedia, French, 11. 273, 277. Enos, Roger, deserts Arnold, 1. 181, 188. Ervin, , dr., 1. 360. Estaing, Charles Hector, comte d’, 11. 38, 1 12; entertainment, 35. Eugene, Francois, 1. 70 n. Europe, balance of power, 192. Evans, John, 1. 298 n. Extravagance, prevalence of, 11. 59, 66, 82, 86, 91, 105, 1 14, 147, 154, 178, 180, 184, 249, 264, 269, 289. Falmouth, 1. 178; burning of, 154. Faneuil, Mary, 11. 136 n. Faneuil, Peter, 11. 136 n. ‘Farmer’s Letters’ (Dickinson’s), 1. 3, 5. Fast, continental, 1. 58, 80, 83; 11. 416. Fawcett, Sir William, 11. 13 1. Fayerweather, Anne, 1. 102 n. Fayerweather, Hannah, 1. 16 n. Fee bill, 1. 219. Fellows, John, 1. 80 ».; 11. 434. Fendant, 11. 123. Fenner, Mary, 11. 329 n. Ferguson, Adam, passport for, 11. 21. Fermoy, Mathieu Alexis Roche de, 1. 347. Fessenden, Josiah, 1. 33, 38, 81, no, 169, 18 1, 195, 219, 264. Firebrand, 11. 183. Fire ships, 1. 236. Fish, export of, 1. 198, 203; 11. 430. Fisheries, sacrifice of, 11. 106, 107, 109, 168, 172; rights, 193, 197; trade, 271. Fitzherbert, Maria Anne, 11. 288. Fitzsimons, Thomas, 11. 230. Fleet, Thomas, article in paper of, 1. 2. Fleming, John, 1. 122. Fleury, Jean Frangois Joly de, 11. 195. Flora, 1. 366, 373. Flour, purchase of, 1. 288. Folwell, John, 1. 137. Forster, , captain, 1. 193 n. Forster, , Dr., 1. 143. Fort Ann, 1. 354. Fort Chamblee, 1, 169. Fort Edward, 1. 353, 334. Index 46 1 Fort Hill, 1. 237. Fort Mifflin, 1. 375. Fort Miller, N.Y., 1. 356. Fort Schuyler, 1. 355, 360. Fort Stanwix, 1. 366. Foster, Jedidiah, 1. 131 n., 178; 11. 406; judge, I. 219, 226. Foster, Thomas Wait, 1. 187. Foster, , 1. 109. Fox, Charles James, 11. 176, 199, 208, 288. Fox, 1. 366, 373. France, policy of, 1. 184; 11. 171, 173; army in America, 1. 241; fleet, 259; recognition of America, 302; supplies from, 302, 306, 3°7, 347; officers, 303; ports open, 307; war with Great Britain, 309, 313,315, 321, 330; doubt, 313; aid to America, 322, 357, 381; fleet at Boston, n. 8, 9, 44, 46, 51, 55; tories on, 9, 15; pennants in ports, 32; minister, 33, 34; repair of squadron, 61, 78, 93, 122; recall proposed, 100; fleet in West Indies, 102, 105, 1 1 2 ; preparations and ships, 125; Americans in, 127; at Newport, 140, 1 5 1 ; cultivates tories, 167; peace objects, 185, 193; American minister, 198; influence, 229; Mrs. Adams on, 242; treaty with Great Britain, 284; mission to. 335. 33 6 , 34°. Francy, , 11. 117. Franklin, Benjamin, 1. 57, 21 1, 293 380; II. 118, 171, 182, 185, 387 letter from England, 1. 8; return, 34; committee to camp, 119, 120, 125, 149; to Canada, 206; goes to France, 283; reception, 301; Adams on, 11. 74, 209, 222; Mrs. Warren on, 132; trade permits, 137, 142; recall of, 144, 158; peace commission, 169, 171, 173; Vergennes and, 197; resignation, 21 1, 251, 263; Warren on, 231. Franklin, William, 11. 186. Franklin, William Temple, 11. 186. Franklin, 1. 270. Fraser, Simon, 1. 373. Freeman, James, 11. 103; clerk to council, 1. 83 n. Freeman, Samuel, 1. 60. Freeman, , col., 1. 131 n. Furnace, , 11. 436. Frye, James, 1. 91. Frye, Joseph, 1. 91; brigadier general, 204; resigns, 218 n. Gadsden, Christopher, on navy, 1. 81, 31 1. Gage, Thomas, 1. 50, 68, 84, 106; treachery feared, 48; reinforcements, 57; courage, 69; denounced, 72; inhabitants of Boston, 98, 100, 102; governor general, 133; goes to England, 141, 151; proclamation, 405, 416. Gaine, Hugh, 1. 310. Gallies, row, 1. 130, 154. Gamble, Thomas, 1. 123; 11. 421. Game Cock, 1. 339. Gansevoort, Peter, 1. 356. Gardiner, Sylvester, 11. 48. Gardner, Christopher, 1. 96 n. Gardner, Henry, 11. 407. Gardner, , captain, 1. 319 n. Gardoqui, Joseph and Sons, 1. 370 «.; 11. 153. Gates, Horatio, 1. 54, 257, 277, 282, 307, 323, 368; 11. 97, 452; major general, 1. 246; on pay of troops, 278; command of northern army, 329, 351, 357; victory over Bur- goyne, 374; defeat, 11. 140. Gates, Mary (Valence), 11. 6. Gellee, N. M., 11. 127. Generals, continental, appointments, 1. 64; criticised, 69; method, 79, 85. Gentille, 11. 125. George III, reply to London, 1. 109; procla- mation, 11. 426. George IV and Mrs. Fitzherbert, 11. 288. George Tavern, 1. 96. George’s Island, 1. 216, 217, 238. Georgia, defense of, 1, 170; for independence, 249; descent on, 11. 104. Gerard, Conrad Alexandre, 11. 33, 125, 197; on A. Lee, 70; communication from, 109. Germain, George, 11. 165. Germans, arousing, 1. 76; not to be hired, 11. 124, 13 1 . Gerry, Elbridge, 1. 13, 15, 78, 81, 183, 219, 238, 260, 336, 342; 11. 14, 27, 50, 136, 137, 150, 248; elected to Congress, 1. 212 n., 267, 272; 11. 142, 183, 231, 256, 261, 264, 430; marriage, 284; vice president, 373; reconciliation of Adams and Warren, 374; law on armed vessels, 378, 380; writing history, 381. Gibbon, Edward, History, 11. 327. Gibraltar, 11. 177, 182; praised, 268. Gill, John, 1. 49 n., 58, 99, 100, 151. Gill, Moses, 1. 319 n. 462 Index Gille, , 11. 165. Gilman, , 11. 100. Gist, Mordecai, 1. 148, 181. Glover, John, letters, 1. 353, 355 ; on Schuyler and St. Clair, 355, 356; Henley court martial, 11. 4. Glover, Jonathan, committee of war, 1. 276 n. Goddard, William, post office, 1. 25. Goodrich, Bridger, 11. 44 n. Goodrich, John, n. 44 n. Goodrich, William, 11. 44 n. Gordon, William, 1. 144 «.; 11. 301. Gordon riots, 11. 133. Gorham, Nathaniel, 11. 52, 182, 190; naval accounts, 269. Government, setting up, in states, 1. 170; form of, 221; preamble, 245; universal, 11. 367- Governor’s Island, 1. 216. Graham, Catharine Macaulay, 1. 7 n.; 11. 241; style, 254; letters, 257, 283, 298,301, 303; on the Washingtons, 259; on the constitution, 299, 303; education, 300; reply to Burke, 327. Graham, , Dr., 1. 158. Grand, Ferdinand, 11. 243. Grant, James, 1. 54. Grasse, Francois Joseph Paul, comte de,n.i25. Gray, Ellis, 11. 1 17. Gray, Harrison, 11. 48; Warren on, 408. Great Britain, intelligence from, 1. 33; elections, 1774, 34; opinion in, 74, 84; address to, 75, 80; preparation in, 129, 132; fear of negotiations, 209; commis- sioners, 210, 214, 223, 225, 247; 11. 436; property of subjects, 1. 258; fleet, 277; cossacks, 289, 295, 300; army, 299, 362; war with France, 309, 313, 315, 321, 330; losses of merchants, 314; relations with Spain, 360; peace commissioners, 1778, 11. 21, 23, 24, 37, 39; relations with, 40; con- ditions in, 89, 432; conduct of war, 99, 126; burning towns, ill; situation, 130, 194, 205; trade with, 136; capture of fleet, 144; peace and, 175, 177; recognizes America, 187; treaty of commerce, 189, 191, 193, 194, 218, 221, 236, 271; hostile feelings, 198; treaty with France, 284; commerce and neutrals, 367; policy, 424. Green, John, at Red Bank, 1. 375. Green, John, 11. 35. Greene, Nathanael, 1. 277, 282, 307. Greenleaf, Benjamin, 1. 13 1 n. Greenleaf, Jonathan, 11. 145. Greenleaf, , captain, 1. 13 1 n. Greenleaf, Mr., 1. 238. Gregory, Charles, 11. 300, 302, 304. Gridley, Richard, 1. 91, 101. Grinnall, — — , captain, 11. 181. Group, the, 1. 36, 169; authorship, 41; 11. 395> 39^ reprinted, 1. 5 1 . Guichen, Luc Urbain du Bouexic, comte de, 11. 125. Gustavus III, 11. 187 n. Gwinnett, Button, 1. 249 n. H„ I., in Draper’s paper, 1. 12. Halifax, N.S., burning of hay, 1. 50; fears an attack, 106. Hall, Edward, 1. 52 «., 62. Hall, Elihu, 1. 52 »., 62. Hall, Lyman, 1. 249 n. Hall and Sellers, 1. 5. Hall, , Dr., 1. 143. Hamilton, Alexander, on Mrs. Warren’s poems, 11. 326. Hancock, Dorothy (Quincy), 1. no. Hancock, Ebenezer, paymaster, 1. 285. Hancock, John, 1. 45, 64, 151, 152, 190; 11. 123, 235; letters, 1. 57; on Washington, 57; marriage, no; slights Randolph, 112, 123, 157, 161, 1 81; major general, 243 n.,3 23; 11. 434, 435; treasurer of Harvard College, 1. 310; in General Court, 331; governor, 340; leave of absence, 376; speech in Congress, 378; not at French entertainment, 11. 9; councillors, 12; takes leave, 14,33; opposes Warren, 20; Rhode Island expedition, 42, 44, 52; entertains French, 48, 59; marquee for, 53; an idol, 54, 147; on Navy Board, 87; speaker, 106; governor, 135, 138, 141, 145, 149, 150; 292; threatens to resign, 236; resigns, 249, 250, 253; influence, 262; gout, 265, 321. Hancock, 1. 270, 304; loss of, 350, 373. Hannibal, 11. 125. Hare, Robert, 1. 273 n. Hare, , 1. 273, 274. Hare and Twell, 1. 273. Harrison, Benjamin, 1. 88 «., 115; committee to camp, 1 19, 120, 125, 149; 11. 423; naval committee, 1. 311 n. Index 4 6 3 Harrison, , i. no. Hart, Joseph, i. 157. Hart, Josiah, 1. 157. Hartford, convention, 11. 1 5 2. Hartley, David, 11. 208, 282. Harvard College, commencement, 1. 1; Hancock, treasurer, 310; catalogue of graduates, 11. 363. Hastings, Warren, 11. 302. Haussegger, Nicholas, 1. 7 6 n. Hawley, Joseph, 1. 57, 122, 173, 178, 190, 227, 285; 11. 413; evacuation of Boston, 1. 224; for Congress, 264, 2 66, 271. Hayden, , captain , 11. 150. Hayley, George, 11. 241 n. Hayley, Mary, 11. 241. Hazard, Ebenezer, 11. 46. Hazard , 1. 305 n.\ 11. 87. Heath, William, 1. 13, 58, 78; 11. 413; in command at Boston, 1. 304. Henley, David, 1. 323, 324; court martial, 11. 4. Henry, Patrick, 1. 109, 112; on Braxton’s pamphlet, 257. Henry, John, 1. 124. Henshaw, William, 1. 47 n. Herand, John, 1. 301 n. Hercule, 11. 125. Herkimer, Nicholas, death, 1. 356. Hessians, employment of, 1. 129, 133, 362; at Burlington, 279; sickness, 300; in Boston, 11. 451. Hewes, Joseph, 1. 328, 347. Heyward, Thomas, jr., 1. 294 n.\ 11. 241. Hichborn, Benjamin, 1. 87; intercepted letters, 88, 101, 114, 118, 136, 154, 205; exchange proposed, 99; escape, 150. Hicks, John, 1. 99, 100. Higginson, Stephen, 11. 183, 224, 231. Hillegas, Michael, 1. 123 n. Hingham, Mass., 1. 12, 14; n. 401. Hinman, Elisha, 1. 350; 11. 11, 43. Hodgdon, Samuel, 11. 100. Hoge, Jonathan, 1. 298 n. Holker, John, 11. 93, 118. Holker, Mrs., 11. 56. Holland, not hostile, 1. 309; angry, 11. 127; to keep peace, 154; alliance, 117, 178, 179, 182, 188. Holroyd, John Baker, earl of Sheffield, 11. 241. Holton, Samuel, 11. 14, 142, 183, 231. Hooper, Annie (Clark), 1. 70. Hooper, William, 1. 70; asks for opinions on government, 230, 231. Hoops, Adam, 11. 212. Hopkins, Ezek, 1. 271. Hopkins, Stephen, 1. 73, 85. Hopkins, , of Baltimore, 1. 93. Hopkinson, Elizabeth, 1. 165 n. Hopkinson, Francis, 1. 165 navy board, 312. Hopkinson, Mary, 1. 165 n. Hopkinson, Thomas, 1. 165 n. Horn, John, 1. 200. Hospital, establishment of, 1. 93; church, 93. Hostilities, committee on, 1. 143, 144, 159, 162. Houston, William Churchill, 1. 353. Howard, Charles, Lord Howard of Effing- ham, 1. 141. Howe, Richard, Lord, 1. 261, 262, 272; 11. 413, 415; Congress and, 1. 274. Howe, Joseph, 1. 41. Howe, Sir William, 1. 53, 56, 68, 69 n., 188; 11. 452; in Boston, 1. 113, 210; in command, 133 141, 151511. 421, 428; proclamation, 1. 179; leaves Boston, 216; in New York, 263; intentions, 271; prophecy, 283; Lee and, 292; atrocities, 293; plans, 328,. 342, 360, 362; at New Castle, 355; in the Jersies, 357; for Philadelphia, 364, 369, 371; on Burgoyne’s defeat, 375. Howland, , 1. 60. Hubley, John, 1. 298 n. Hughes, Hugh, 1. 82; 11. 416. Humphreys, James, jr., 1. 51 «., 260 n. Huntington, Joshua, 11. 78, 88. Huntington, Samuel, naval committee, 1. 31 1 «. Hussar, German, 1. 76. Hutchinson, Thomas, 1. 20, 24, 33, 55, 100, 1 53) 3 66 ; n. 399, 403, 404; pension for, 1. 7; Caesar and, 8; voyage to England, 24; letters, 49; policy, 244; death, 11. 134; character, 165; Milton seat, 1 71 ; abilities defended, 282; controversy with, 381. Impost, Rhode Island and, 11. 234, 248; New York and, 270. Independence, declaration of, 1. 261, 268, 281; 11. 434, 438; recognition by France, 1. 302. Index 464 Independence , 1. 182 n., 301, 305 n. Independent Chronicle, 11. 368. India, British, 11. 370, 376. Indians, Continental Congress and, 1. 52; Kirkland’s mission, 79; dangers, 208, 258. Industry , 1. 1 22 n. Inequalities of condition, u. 291. Inlistments, bounties for, 1. 211, 258, 276. Inman, Elizabeth Murray (Campbell), 1. 70. Inman, Ralph, 1. 70 n. Inoculation, practice of, 1. 257 n., 261, 263. Intrepide, 11. 125. Ireland, 11. 130; address to, 1. 75; troops and provisions, 108. Italy, ports open, 1. 307. Ivers, , n. 158. Izard, Ralph, 11. 125. Jackson, David, 1. 297. Jackson, Henry, 1. 323, 325; Rhode Island, 317 n. Jackson, Jonathan, committee of war, 1. 276 n. Jackson, Thomas, petition, 11. 400. Jackson, Dr., 1. 143. Jackson, , 11. 247. Jamaica, 1. 75. Jason, 11. 125. Jay, John, 11. 125, 127, 130, 176, 193, 220, 381; peace commission, 169, 173, 182, 185; minister of foreign affairs, 240. Jefferson, Thomas, peace commission, 11. 169, 173; minister, 251; consular appoint- ments, 266; Adams on, 331; subscribes to History, 345, 347. Jeffries, David, 11. 10. ‘ Jemmibullero,’ 1. 2 n. Jenny, 1. 193 n. Jersey, island of, 11. 351. Jesuit’s bark, 1. 370; 11. 94. Johnson, Sir John, 1. 356. Johnson, Thomas, jr., governor, 1. 294, 298. Johnson, Sir William, 1. 53. Jones, Ichabod, 1. 100. Jones, John Paul, 1. 350; 11. 127, 143. Jones, Josiah, 1. 98, 100. Jones, Sir William, Poems, 11. 358. Judges, commissions, and salaries, 1. 150, 242. Judson, Adoniram, jr., 11. 370. Julien, 11. 125. Kaighn, see Keays. Kean, John, 11. 241. Keays, John, 1. 74. Keppel, Augustus, 11. 38. Kirkland, Samuel, mission to Indians, 1. 79. Knox, Henry, 1. 87, 157, 186; Warren’s creditors, 11. 285; on politics, 294; on a constitution, 295, 297; memorial, 445. Knox, William, 11. 286. Knox, , colonel, 1. 356. Knox, , 11. 1 42. Labor, north and south, 11. 201. Ladies of Castille, 11. 326. Lafayette, Marie Jean Paul Roch Yves Gilbert de Motier, Marquis de, 11. 55, 89, 126, 131, 272; Adams on, 213, 231. La Motte-Picquet, Toussaint Guillaume, Comte Picquet de La Motte, fleet, 11. 125. Lancaster, Mass., 1. 14. Land jobbers and Connecticut, 1. 168. Landais, Pierre, 11. 16, 82, 127, 132, 141, 158; appointment, 22, 30, 43. Lands, vacant, fund for credit, 1. 365; valuation, 11. 203. Langdon, John, 1. 351; 11. 88; Canada committee, 1. 190; naval committee, 31 1; naval board, 324. Langdon, John, 1. 109. Languages, study of, 11. 369. Languedoc , 11. 55. Laurens, Henry, 1. 294 w.; captured, 11. 151, 154, 159, 166; peace commissioner, 169, 173; returns, 241. Laurens, John, 11. 158. Law, Richard, 1. 340. Leach, John, prisoner, 1. 78, 151. Lead, 1. 131, 155, 163. Lechmere Point, 1. 183; 11. 429. Lee, Arthur, 1. 125, 358; 11. 118, 125, 142; on cultivating Europe, 1. 314; letters, 360, 361, 379; on continental agency in France, 379; grant of land, 11. 15, 22,25, *68, I 7°> 171, 185, 190, 220, 225, 241; malignant spirit, 59; dissatisfied, 67; secret letter, 68; in Berlin, 69; Berkenhout and, 70; Adams on, 73; Deane’s attack, 83, 89; recall proposed, 100; pamphlet, 132; on Alliance, 143, 158, 166, 170; minister for foreign affairs, 167, 169; motion on clothing, 225. Lee, Charles, recommendation, 1. 47; on Index 4 6 5 British generals, 53, 62; favors pikemen, 54; general, 58, 61, 64, 65, 72; conditions, 64, 70; defense of, 69; Warren on, 77; dogs of, 89, 137; for Canada, 208; capture of, 282, 283; 11. 443, 444; deserter, 1. 292; at Monmouth, 11. 35. Lee, Francis Lightfoot, 1. 112. Lee, Richard Henry, 1. 80 1 25, 293, 370; 11. 27; Adams on government, 1. 231; inde- pendence, 256 naval committee, 31 1; jesuit’s bark, 11. 94. Lee, William, 1. 84, 380. Lee, William Raymond, 1. 323, 325, 343. Leeks, 11. 377. Legge, William, Lord Dartmouth, 1. 21, 84, 360. Leonard, David, 1. 343. Lethargy, 11. 442. Letters, of marque, 363; intercepted, see Hichborn. Lexington, battle of, 11. 409. Light house, Boston harbor, burnt, 1. 84, 96. Lincoln, Benjamin, 1. 190, 264, 368; 11. 293; major general, 1. 243, 274; on Ticonderoga loss, 348; at Saratoga, 373; Charleston, 11. 107, no, 321; on apportionment of debts, 200; resigns, 230; on Henry Warren, 285, 321; papers, 318. Lincoln, Benjamin, Jr., 11. 304 n. Lincoln, Mary (Otis), 1. 206; 11. 304 n., 354. Linn, John, 1. 374. Little Hannah, 1 . 193 n. Lively , 1. 109. Liverpool, 1. 373. Livingston, Abraham, 1. 320. Livingston, Robert R., 1. 80 n.\ minister for foreign affairs, 11. 167; death, 381. Livingston, William, 11. 38; speech of, 1. 298. Livingston, , 1. 278. Lloyd, Edward, 1. 294 n. Lloyd, James, Jr., 11. 357 n. Loan offices, continental, 1. 298, 309; 11. 448. London, reply of King, 1. 109; commercial failures, 313. Long, Pierce, 1. 343, 354. Long Island, Mass., affair at, 1. 83; fort on, 130, 216. Lothrop, Isaac, 1. 14, 21, 45; 11. 400 n. Lothrop, Mrs., 11. 79, 103. Lottery, continental, 1. 297, 309, 316; 11. 448. Louis XV, death of, 1. 31. Louis XVI, crime of, 11. 371. Lovell, James, 1. 287; 11. 142, 434, 446; oration, 1. 10; prisoner, 78, 100, 151; grant to, 204. Lovells Island, 1. 216. Low, Isaac, 11. 265. Lowdan, John, 1. 298 n. Lowell, John, supreme court, 1. 150; for Congress, 264; representative of Boston, 11. 10. Lowrie, James, 1. 189 n. Loyalists, Boston, 1. 48, 84; Plymouth, 11. 401; detested, 1. 50; conduct, 65; act of oblivion, 208 Adams on, 292; in Massachusetts, 316, 326, 369; Great Britain and, 11. 182; in treaty of peace, 218. Lux, George, 1. 93, 94, 124. Lydia, 1. 342. Lynch, Thomas, committee to camp, 1. 119, 120, 125, 149; 11. 423. Lynch, 1. 318 n. Macaulay, Catharine, letter to Otis, 1. 7. See Graham. Macaulay, George, 11. 300 n. McDougall, Alexander, 1. 370. Machias, capture of ships, 1. 100; 11. 418; threatened, 1. 1 5 1 ; defence, 368 ; operations, II- 4 I 9 , 42 i. McKean, Thomas, 1. 250; letter, 11. 386 n., 388. McNeill, Hector, 1. 312, 317, 319, 329, 335, 350; difference with Manley, 304, 31 1; decline of reputation, 366; new cruise, 373; claims, 11. 31; Adams as support, 42, 47. McPherson, John, 1. 156, 169, 177, 182; 11. 427- Madison, James, election to presidency, 11. 374 - Magaw, Robert, 1. 54 n. Magnijique, 11. 125. Manchester, duke of, see George Montagu. Manchester, 1. 368. Manley, John, 1. 241, 317, 319, 329, 335; 11. 31; prizes taken, 1. 189 n., 193 11. 433; difference with McNeill, 1. 304, 31 1, 366; chagrin of, 11. 42; Warren on, 43, 47; opposition to, 64; captured, 451. Manners, change of, 1. 197. Marblehead, Mass., 1. 12, 13, 15; 11. 401. 466 Index Marchant, Henry, xi. 29. Marchman, , II. 371. Marcia, see Mercy Warren. Marine Committee, 1. 271. Marl, 11. 179. Mars , 1. 305 ».; 11. 165. Marshall, John, Life of Washington, 11. 346. Marshall, Thomas, 1. 239, 253. Marston, Benjamin, 1. 188. Marston, Elizabeth (Winslow), 1. 188 n. Martindale, , captain , 1. 194. Maryland, reply to Sharpe, 1. 6; votes and resolves, 35; riflemen, 76; eccentricity, 251; pay of troops, 276; suppression of tories, 291; representation in Congress, ^ 93 - Mason, Anne (Fayerweather), 1. 102. Mason, David, 1. 187, 195. Mason, George, 11. 207. Mason, Thaddeus, 1. 102. Mason, , 1. 101 . ‘Massachusettensis,’ 1. 40 11. 407. Massachusetts, Dickinson on, 1. 3; attack on charter, 8; General Court at Cambridge, 10; Provincial Congress, 40, 47; bills of credit, 47, 365; government and constitu- tion, 48,60, 64,97, 171, 183,227, 233,237; dearth of public character, 83; council, 83; secretary of, 94, 173; accounts, 116, 118, 129, 144, 1 51 , 159; delegation in Congress, 1 16; correspondence committee, 131, 140, 143; misfortune in appointments, 143; grant of money, 191; council, 196, 252; representation, 241 ; governor, 243, 340, 376; battalions, 246, 257; election, 256; defence of, 261 ; troops for New York, 268, 273; numbering the regiments, 269; navy, 270; pay of militia, 275, 276; committee of war, 275; vote in Congress, 285; board of war, 287; 11. 441, 447; recruiting, 1. 289, 295, 299, 303, 326, 339; constitution, 296, 3 22, 329, 332 , 334, 338, 339 , 34L 35 °» 3 6 8 ; 11. 36, 1 12, 135, 147; regulating act, 1. 305, 33°, 334; trade, 313; equal representation, 327, 334 ; freeing negroes, 335, 339; Schuy- ler’s complaints, 352; legislation, 11. 87; delegates in Congress, 92, 124, 183; pre- pares for defence, 104; election of gover- nor, 135, 138; exertions of, 152; treasury notes, 1 7 1 ; public accounts, 203; evil con- dition, 272, 277, 278; attack on Senate, 292; federal constitution, 303; resolve on war, 382. Massachusetts , 1. 182 n. Mather, Samuel, 1. 78. Mathews, , 11. 83. Matlack, Timothy, 1. 250. Maurepas, Jean Frederic Phelippeaux, comte de, 11. 195. Mayhew, , 11. 406. Mayo, Joseph, 1. 13. Mease, James, 1. 320 n. Medee , 11. 125. Medford, Mass., 1. 15. Mein, John, 1. 122 n. Menotomy, 11. 41 1. Mercer, Hugh, education of son, 1. 288. Mercury in inoculation, 1. 263. Mercury, 1. 301 305 «.; 11. 112, 136 »., I 5 I - Merit, modest, 11. 71. Mersereau, Joshua, 1. 277 n. Mesplet, Fleury, 1. 52 n. Middlebrook, 1. 336. Middleton, Arthur, 1. 294 «.; 11. 241. Mifflin, Jonathan, 1. 132, 134; letter, 374. Mifflin, Thomas, 1. 51 n., 55, 77, 88, 98, 199, 257, 307, 316; quartermaster general, 86; brigadier general, 246; on departments, 11. 124. Milford, 1. 317; 11. 438 n. Militia, reluctance to serve, 1. 81; appoint- ment of officers, 177, 183, 191, 197 ; low estimation, 318, 323, 349; bill, 11. 429, 432, 435 - Minute men, 1. 47. Miralles, Don Juan de, 11. 153. Miranda, Francisco, 11. 354. Mitchell, Edward, 11. 330. Mitchell, Henry, 11. 136. Mitchell, Nancy (Bowen), 11. 330. Mitchill, Samuel Latham, letter, 11. 359. Molasses from cornstalk, 1. 368. Moliere. Jean Baptiste Poquelin, dit, Mrs. Adams on, 1. 19. Monarchy, North American, 1. 167, 201. Monopolizers, Washington and, 1. 176. Montague, Edward, 11. 287 n. Montague, Elizabeth (Robinson), 11. 287. Montagu, George, duke of Manchester, 11. 208. Montagu, John, Earl of Sandwich, 1. 314. Inaex 467 Montgomery, Janet (Livingston), 11. 306, 3 ° 7 - Montgomery, Richard, 1. 131; n. 307 n. Montserrat, powder, 1. 136. Moon, the, proposed fort, x. 130, 216. Moore, Fanny (Bowen), 11. 330. Moore, John E., 11. 330. Morality, principles of, 1. 172. Morehead, John, rev., 11. 188. Morgan, Daniel, 1. 360; 11. 166. Morgan, John, director of hospitals, 1. 142, 164, 174, 185, 187, 229; inoculation, 263. Morgan, Mary (Hopkinson), 1. 165 ».; described, 229. Morgan lecture, 1. 17. Morris, Gouverneur, ix. 118. Morris, Robert, 1. 293, 379 n.; 11. 13, 143, 170, 171, 184, 248; conduct, 225; king, 230. Morris, Thomas, 1. 379 n., 380. Morris, 1. 314. Morton, Perez, 1. 87. Moscow, destruction of, 11. 372. Mount Independence, 1. 346. Moylan, James, 11. 143. Murphy, Arthur, 11. 301 n. Murray, David, viscount Stormont, 1. 302. Murray, John, Earl of Dunmore, 1. 145; 11. 5; conduct in Virginia, 1. 191; rumor, 277. Murray, John, rev., 11. 329 n. Murray, Judith (Sargent | Stevens), letters, 11. 328, 346. Muses, Mrs. Warren on, 11. 94. Musketo shore, 1. 314, 360. Musters, commissary of, 1. 86, 90. Nancy, 1. 189 n. Nation, making a, 11. 295. National Aegis, 11. 342, 368. Navy, Warren’s proposition, 1. 78; Gadsden on, 81; Adams, 145; vessels fitting, 1 51 ; idle, 268; of Massachusetts, 270; conti- nental, 297, 304; 11. 440; local boards, 1. 3°5> 3 11 ) 3 i2 j 3 2 7> 33 2 ? commissions, 340; Boston, 350, 365; check for board, 367; suspension of officers, 372; importance of, 11. 123; beginnings of, 378. Navy Board, money for, 11. 8, 12, 25, 61, 78, 88; confidence in, 26, 92; pay, 64; im- portance, 66; reflections on, 87, 122; accounts, 265, 269. Negroes, freeing, in Massachusetts, 1. 335, 339 - Nelson, Thomas, 1. 112. Netherlands in prophecy, n. 376. Neutrality, armed, n. 154. Neutrals, trade of, 11. 367. Nevis, powder, 1. 136. Newburyport, Mass., 1. 12; saltworks, 177, 193; privateers, 193. Newcastle, Del., Howe at, 1. 355. New England, jealousy of, 1. 77, 324; con- vention of states, 286, 293; British designs, 3 i 5 » 3 6i » 3 62 - Newfoundland, provisioning, 1. 98; loss at, 190. New Hampshire, 11. 218; government for, 1. 170, 175, 182; militia, 188; misconduct of troops, 194; independency, 233; grants and statehood, 321; exertions of, 11. 152. New Jersey, government, 1. 250; lethargy, 279; representation in Congress, 293; Howe in, 328, 357, 370; New York and, n. 270. Newport, R.I., 1. 289; trial of Gaspee actors, 16; threatened, 1 5 1 ; British at, 296. New York, plot discovered, 1. 259; expecta- tions, 260; weakness, 263; troops from Massachusetts, 268, 273; force at, 272. Nicholson, Thomas, n. 17. Nicola, Lewis, on fireships, 1. 256. New York, tea, 1. 20; government, 250; change at, 272; impost, 11. 270. Nixon, John, navy board, 1. 312, 254. Noddle’s Island, 1. 216, 237. Non-exportation, efficacy of, 1. 30, 128, 166, 176, 185; except for powder, 170. Norfolk, Va., bombarded, 1. 200. North Carolina, recommendation by Con- gress, 1. 67; preparations, 230; independ- ence, 232, 249; ratifies confederation, 11. 33; constitution, 303. Oath of allegiance, 11. 52, 448. O’Brian, Jeremiah, 1. 140, 163, 185. Officers, militia, difference on appointing, 1. 178, 183; 11. 427; pay, 1. 194; promotion, 296; foreign, difficulty of, 333, 34I; Schuyler, on, 352; British, of convention, 11. 4; half-pay, 237. Oliver, Andrew, death of, 1. 25. Oliver, Peter, 1. 25. 468 Index Oliver Cromwell , i. 335. Olney, Joseph, 11. 26, 31. Omoa, 11. 126. Oriskany, N.Y., 1. 356 n. Orne, Azor, 1. 15, 190, 229 »., 252 »., 286 n., 3 2 4. 35°; «■ J 45» 435- Orne, Joshua, 1. 229 n. Orne, Mrs., 1. 229. Orvilliers, Louis Guillouet, comte d’, 11. 38. Osgood, Samuel, major, 1. 212; n. 183, 231. Ostermann, Jean, comte d’, 11. 208. Otis, Elizabeth (Gray), 11. 408. Otis, Harrison Gray, 11. 341 ; letters, 334, 361 ; political conduct, 361. Otis, James, 1. 15; 11. 401; commencement expenses, 1. 1; Bluster, 2 Dickinson on, 4; on committee of correspondence, 11; curious behavior, 61; council, 152; death, 11. 223, 224; McKean on, 386 n. Otis, James, death, 11. 78, 82, 85. Otis, James, ensign, 11. 34 n., 49. Otis, Joseph, 1. 59. Otis, Mary, 11. 304 354. Otis, Rebecca (Sturgis), death of, 1. 1 n. Otis, Ruth Cunningham, n. 304 n. Otis, Samuel Alleyne, 11. 341, 408 com- mittee of war, 1. 276 n.\ cloathing, 320; agent, 369; death, 11. 392. Otis and Andrews, difficulties, 11. 9. Otsego County, N. Y., reply to address, 11. 340. Paca, William, 1. 293, 294 n. Paddock, , I. 187. Paine, Robert Treat, 1. 98; 11. 36, 443; in continental congress, 1. 27 11. 52; supreme court, 1. 1 50, 1 78 ; to Canada, 1 90; illness, 265, 266; leaves Congress, 280; speaker, 33 1 ; Springfield convention, 3 50. Paine, Samuel, 1. 133. Paine, Thomas, Common Sense, 1. 204, 208, 21.5; 11. 434; influence of, 1. 243. Pallas, 1. 133 11. 147. Palmer, Joseph, 1. 40 66, 131 178, 190, 253, 264; committee of war, 276 n. Palmer, Joseph Pearce, I. 91, 92, 101. Palmes, Richard, 1. 372. Palmier, 11. 125. Paper on politics, 11. 117, 122. Park, , 1. 244. Partridge, George, I. 276; for Congress, 11. 102, 136, 142, 231. Passion flower, 11. 359, 363. Passy, France, American commissioners at, 1. 381. Paterson, John, 1. 347. Paul of Russia, 1. 263 n. Pay, high, for officers, 1. 79, 194; soldiers, 152, 186, 189, 278. Paymaster general, 1. 91; Warren, 93, 152; duties, 218; needs, 238. Peace, British commissioners, 11. 21, 23, 24, 37) 39; rumors of, 97, 119, 127; conditions, 109, 177 ; American commissioners, 169; instructions, 173, 205, 214; preliminary articles, 184, 186, 190, 207 ; secret motive, 195; acceptable, 217; definitive treaty, 233. 237- Peck, John, 1. 177, 305, 11. 16. Pedrero, 1. 54 n. Peekskill, N.Y., troops at, I. 339. Pemberton, Samuel, 11. 120. Pendleton, Edmund, 1. 80, 112. Penet, Pierre, 11. 6 »., 148. Penn, John, 1. 230, 231, 280. Penn, Richard, 1. 79. Pennants in French ports, 11. 32. Pennet, , 11. 265, 269. Pennsylvania, martial spirit, 1. 51; riflemen, 76; representation in Congress, 213, 293; instructions to delegates, 250; lethargy, 279; government, 298. ‘Pennsylvania Chronicle,’ 1. 5. ‘Pennsylvania Gazette,’ Farmer’s Letters in, !• 5 - Penobscot, expedition, 1. 305; 11. 112; evacuated, 237. Peter, Martha Parke (Custis), 11. 6 n. Peter, Thomas, 11. 6 n. Petition to King, Congress, 1. 75, 79, 84, 178. Petrie, Samuel, 11. 127. Petry, Jean Baptiste, 11. 130, 150. Petticks Island, 1. 217. Petty, William, Lord Shelburne, 11. 75, 176, 191, 195, 199. Philadelphia, review of troops, 62; Quaker interest, 213; town meeting, 250; British and, 278, 300, 334; navy board, 312; Howe and, 364, 369, 371 ; evacuated, 11. 14, 23; address, 226; pestilence, 334. Phillips, William, 11. 10. Phillips, William, general, 11. 28, 45; on conquering America, 453. Index 469 Phinney, Edmund, 1. 80. Phips, Jedidiah, 1. 177, 284. Phips farm, 1. 48. Pickering, John, u 78, 81; speaker, 11. 52. Pickering, Timothy, on departments, 11. 1 24. Pigeon, John, 1. 91, 101. Pigot, Hugh, 11. 175. Pike men, favored, 1. 54 n. Pinckney, Charles, 1. 294 n. Pitcairn, John, 1. 63. Pitt, William, 11. 241. Pitts, John, 1. 58. Places, multiplicity of, in one person, 1. 173. Pliarne, Emanuel de, death of, 11. 6. Ploughed Hill, 1. 107. Plumer, William, 11. 382. Plymouth, Mass., town meeting and petition, 1. 12; 11. 399, 400, 405; annual festivity, 1. 19, 22; letter and protest, 20; threatened, 151, 177; privateers, 193; militia, 273 «.; prophetical egg, 283; attacks Warren, 11. 17; collector of port, 315. Point Alderton, 1. 216. Politician, art of a, 1. 160. Polk, Josiah, 1. 294 n. Pomeroy, Seth, 1. 79, 85 n. Poor, Enoch, 1. 347, 354. Pope, Alexander, 1. 37. Popery, danger of, 11. 9, 15, 39; loss of temporal power, 365. Port bill, Boston, losses from, 1. 160. Porter, Elisha, 11. 434. Porter, introduction of manufacture, 1. 273. Portia, see Abigail Adams. Portland, duke of, see Bentinck. Portland , 11 . 145 . Portsmouth, N.H., arms, 1. 339. Portugal, rumor of war with England, 1. 262; attitude of, 307; feeling against, 321; recognizes America, 11. 194, 208; treaty, 222, 265; Great Britain and, 376. Post, defective service, 1. 279. Post office, establishment of, 1. 25, 91; un- certainty, 337. Potes, , captain, 1. 278. Pottstown, Penn., reply to address, 11. 340. Powder, 1. 55, 65, 92, 93, 99, 108, 169; efforts to obtain, 66, 1 15, 170; anxiety on, 68, 132; from Antigua, 135; supplies, 199, 238. Powell, Jeremiah, 11 . 138, 145 . Pownall, Thomas, Hutchinson’s salary, 1. 7 n. Preble, Jedidiah, 1. 106. Prescott, James, committee of war, 1. 276 n. Prescott, William, 1. 109. Prevost, Augustine, 11. 126. Price, James, on Canada, 1. 52 n. Price, James, 11. 245. Prices, 1. 159, 175, 298; regulating act, Mass., 3°5> 33°> 334! extravagant, 367; 11. 3, 19, 32, 104. Prince, Thomas, papers, 11. 47. Princeton, N.J., affair at, 1. 283. Privateers, 1. 182, 189, 213, 255, 267, 271; resolves, 227; embargo, 312, 317; pre- valence, 11. 438. Proctor, John, 1. 298 n. Prophecy, Winthrop on, 11. 357, 365, 375. Prospect Hill, 1. 107. Providence, R.I., continental ships, 1. 305, 311,318, 335, 35°, 365- Providence, 11. 103. Provoost, Samuel, 11. 284. Pulaski, Kazimierz (Casimir), civil power and, 11. 58. Purviance, Samuel and Robert, 1. 288. Putnam, Israel, 1. 50, 68, 1 51 ; general, 61, 64, 65; at Cobble Hill, 114. Quakers, 1. 168, 213; non-resistance, 280. Quartermaster General, 1. 86, 90, 92; 11. 125. Quebec, Arnold’s expedition, 1. 109, 149, 152, 248; capture of fleet, 11. 141. Queen of France , 11. 35, 93. Quincy, Dorothy, marriage, 1. no. Quincy, Elizabeth, 1. 159. Quincy, Josiah, 1. 131, 230; 11. 236, 238. Rainbow , 1. 305 »., 366, 373. Raleigh, 1. 365; 11. 16, 26, 44 , 93. Ramsay, David, 11. 301. Randolph, Peyton, 1. 158; returns to Con- gress, 112; death of, 161, 181. Randolph, 1. 371. Ranger, 1. 365; 11. 93. Rapatio, 1. 18. Raynal, Guillaume Thomas Frangois, His- toire, 11. 136, 1 55. Rayneval, Joseph Matthias Gerard de, 11. 196, 197. Read, George, 1. 218 n. Read, , captain, 1. 129. Rebels, Warren’s use of word, 1. 113. 47 ° Index Reconciliation, II. 435. Redbank, defence of, 1. 374, 375. Redman, John, 1. 164. Reed, Joseph, 1. 85, 88, 99 n., 168, 174; 11. 414; a lieut.-colonel, 1. 51; resigns, 238. Reflecteur, 11. 125. Reed, William, supreme court, 1. 1 50, 1 78, 226. Regulating act, II. 449. Religion, jealousy of, 11. 39. Republic, J. Adams on, 1. 201. Resistance, 11. 11, 15, 26, 44. Retaliation, 11. 166, 352. Revere, Paul, 1. 20, 183, 187; 11. 425. Rhode Island, troops for, 1. 273, 323; attempt upon, 304, 310, 315, 317, 329, 33°. 37 1 ) 37 2 » 3775 expedition, 11. 42, 44, 50; impost in, 234, 248. Rice, Nathan, 11. no. Riedesel, Friedrich Adolph, baron, n. 451. Riflemen, 1. 54, 58, 61, 64, 67, 76, 84; re- strained, 100; trouble with, 107. Rivington, James, 11. 161, 164. Roberdeau, Daniel, 1. 250, 293 n. Robinson, Matthew, 11. 287. Robuste , 11. 125. Roche de Fermoy, see Fermoy. Rodney, George Brydges, 11. 126, 131. Rogers, John, 1. 294 n. Rose, 1. 121 n. Ross, John, 11. 184. Roxbury, Mass., town proceedings, 1. 13, 15; 11. 401; army at, 1. 67; strength of, 83. ‘ Royal American Magazine,’ 1. 33. Ruggles, Timothy, 407; at Albany Congress, 11. 386. Rumsey, Benjamin, 1. 294 n. Rush, Benjamin, 1. 263; 11. 164, 381. Russell, Jonathan, 1. 1 n. Russell, Lothrop, 1. 1. Russell, Rachel, 1. 21. Russell, Sarah (Sever), 11. 299, 302. Russell, Thomas, 11. 258, 284. Russia, attitude of, 1. 307; mediation, 11. 122; minister to, 158; invasion of, 372. Rutland, convention prisoners, 11. 28. Rutledge, Edward, 1. 276 naval com- mittee, 31 1 n. Rutledge, John, 1. 230. Sack of Rome, by Mrs. Warren, 11. 300. Sail cloth, 1. 200. St. Clair, Arthur, evacuation of Ticonderoga, i- 34 2 , 343) 344, 345, 347, 348; 11. 450; Glover on, 1. 355, 356; inquiry, 356. St. Eustatius, powder, 1. 136. St. Johns, Canada, 1. 123, 131, 152, 181. St. Kitts, powder, 1. 136. St. Martens, powder, 1. 136. St. Michel, 11. 125. Salaries, reduction of, 11. 248. Salem, Mass., 1. 98; privateers, 193; election disallowed, 253. Salt, South Carolina, 1. 313; Massachusetts, 368. Saltonstall, Dudley, 1. 271. Saltpetre, efforts to make, 1. 66, 67, 115, 153, 157, 158, 163, 177, 189, 193; 11. 430, 433; need, 1. 132; supply, 199. Sampson, Deborah, 1. 305 n. Sampson, Peleg, 1. 305 n. Sampson, Simeon, 1. 182, 305; 11. 112, 127, 1 3 6 , r 39* San Domingo, 1. 362. Sandwich, see John Montagu. Sandwich, Mass., 1. 368. Saratoga, N.Y., 1. 348; Burgoyne at, 356. Saratoga, 11. 141. Sargent, Judith, 11. 329 n. Sargent, Winthrop, 11. 329 ». Sartine, Antoine Raymond Jean Gualbert Gabriel de, 11. 71, 210. Savage, Samuel Phillips, committee of war, 1. 276 n. Sawbridge, Catharine, 1. 7 n. Saxe, Maurice, comte de, 1. 70. Schools, grammar, 1. 171. Schuyler, Philip, 1. 125, 131, 132, 140, 148, J 5 6 ; 355; n - 439; general, 1. 61, 64, 65; in command, 208; on Ticonderoga, 295, 343; criticised, 342, 344, 353 n., 357, 364; inves- tigation of, 347, 356; distrust, 348; letter on Massachusetts, 352, 364; Glover on, 355) 356; on departments, 11. 124. Schweighauser, John D., 11. 118. Scollay, John, 11. 157. Scollay, Mercy, 1. 33. Scot, — , captain, 1. 33. Seamen, number of, 1. 174. Searle, James, 1. 277 n.; 11. 164, 171. Secretary of Massachusetts, 1. 94, 173. Sellers, Hall and, 1. 5. Sensible, 11. 119. Index 47 1 Sergeant, Jonathan Dickinson, i. 231, 293 n.\ naval committee, 311 n. Sergeant, Nathaniel Peaslee, supreme court, 1. 150, 178. Sever, William, 1. 131 11. 121, 406; su- preme court, 1. 150; council, 152. Sewall, David, 1. 264. Sewall, Jonathan, 1. 2, 101; Massachuset- tensis, 11. 407. Sharpe, Horatio, I. 6. Shaw, Nathaniel, Jr., 11. 25. Shays’ rebellion, 11. 279, 292, 312, 314. Shelburne, Lord, see William Petty. Sherburne, Mass., saltpeter, 1. 193. Sheriff, William, 1. 63, 123. Sherman, Roger, 1. 293; naval committee, 340 . Shippen, Thomas, 11. 186, 290. Shippen, , dr ., 11. 166. Ships, number and construction, 1. 174, 182; destruction of British on lakes, 279, 282. Shipwright, row gallies, 1. 130; number, 174. Skene, Philip, prisoner, 1. 65. Slaves, in apportionment, 11. 201. Smallpox, 1. 84, 194, 257, 260, 263; Boston, 261, 267; n. 14, 428. Smith, Abigail (Adams), 11. 277, 290; illness, 384; death, 385. Smith, Carolina, 11. 385. Smith, Elizabeth (Quincy), death of, 1. 159. Smith, John Adams, 11. 384. Smith, Jonathan Bayard, I. 191, 293 n. Smith, William, rev., death, 11. 236. Smith, William, of Md., 1. 294 n. Smith, William Stephens, 11. 277, 279, 386. Smith, William Steuben, 11. 290 354. Smith, , of Baltimore, 1. 93; of Mass., 1. 324. Smythe, Walter, 11. 288. Snow Bird, 1. 200. Solitaire, 11. 125, Somerset county, Md., tories, 1. 292. Somerset Court House, N.J., 1. 336. Sourland Hills, 1. 336. South Carolina, 1. 277; seizure of arms, 50; defence of, 170; government, 170, 175, !82, 230, 249; independence, 232; repre- sentation in Congress, 294; religious estab- lishment, 296; trade enterprise, 313; Brit- ish in, 11. 107, no, in. Souther, Daniel, 1. 182. Souverain, 11. 125. Sovereignty, offer to foreign powers, 1. 127. Spain, attitude of, 1. 127; fiat for, 198, 203; ports open, I. 307; difference with Great Britain, 314, 360; alliance with, 11. 93, 1 53; mediation of, 119; policy, 174; treaty, 176, 182. Spanktown, skirmish, 1. 298. Spencer, Joseph, 1. 86, 95, 349; 11. 418; Rhode Island expedition, 1. 372. Sphinx, 11. 125. Spooner, Sarah Warren, 1. 1 52 n. Spooner, Walter, 1. 178; council, 152. Spooner, , 11. 405. Springfield, Mass., convention, 350. Squantum, proposed fort, I. 130, 216. Stamp office, destruction of, 1. 358. Stanhope, Edwin, captain, 11. 269. Stanhope, Philip Dormer, Earl of Chester- field, 11. 128. States, votes of, under confederation, 1. 338, 375; reserved powers, 375. Steigner, Nicolas Frederic de, 11. 340. Steuben, Frederick William Augustus Henry Ferdinand von, 11. 12, 19. Stevens, Ebenezer, 1. 343. Stevenson, John, captain, 1. 193; 11. 424. Stewart, Walter, 1. 282. Stille, , 1. 290. Stillman, Samuel, I. 143, 165. Stillwater, N.Y., 1. 348. Stirling, Thomas, Lord, 1. 208. Stockton, Richard, 1. 293 n. Stone, Thomas, 1. 294 n. Storer, Ebenezer, 1. 310 n , Stormont, see David Murray. Story, William, 1. 131 11. 101. Stoughton, Mass., 1, 193. Strong, Caleb, 11. 142. Sturgis, Rebecca, 1. 1 n. Suffolk county, justices, 11. 120. Sullivan, James, judge, 1. 219, 226; repre- sentative, 11. 219, 231, 236. Sullivan, John, 1. 188, 282; mission from Howe, 272, 274; on Staten Island, 364; western expedition, 11. in; letter to Hancock, 161. Sulphur, 1. 163. Sun, eclipse of, 1. 283. Sutton, Mass., powder mill, 1. 193. Swanwick, John, 11. 225. 47 2 Index Sweden, treaty, n. 187, 208; minister, 331. Swift, Samuel, x. 107. Taxes, continental, x. 374, 377; currency and, 11. go; Massachusetts, 105, 427. Taylor, Eldad, 1. 131 n., 252. Taylor, George, 1. 298 n. Tea, in Boston, 1. 18; 11. 166; Charleston, 1. 20; New York, 20; privilege, 238; Boston party, 11. 403. Temple, Elizabeth (Bowdoin), 1. 216 n.; ap- plication to Congress, 267, 270, 272, 273, 3 10 * Temple, Sir John, 1. 216 n., 271, 316; 11. 63, 448; persecution, 179, 233; consul general, 250, 263, 265. Ternay, Charles Gabriel d’Arsac, Marquis de, death of, 11. 157, 160. Test act proposed, 1. 178, 184. Thacher, Peter, 1. 144 n. Thanksgiving, day of, victory over Bur- goyne, 1. 374. Thaxter, John, 11. 84, 86, 165. Thayer, Ebenezer, 1. 40 n, Thayer, Ebenezer, Jr., 1. 252. Theatres, French and English, 11. 244. Thomas, George, 11. 17. Thomas, Isaiah, 11. 405. Thomas, John, 1. 91, 101, 157; provision for, 68, 74, 78, 79, 85; in action, 83; Warren on, 95; 11. 413, 414. Thompson, James, 11. 284. Thompson, Thomas, captain , 1. 312, 350; 11. hi; suspended, 1 1 . Thompson, William, 1. 226; 11. 435. Thomson, Charles, 1. 198. Thynne, Thomas, viscount Weymouth, 1. 21, 360; war with France, 315, 362. Ticonderoga, affairs at, 1. 272, 296; militia for, 323; weakness of, 327, 342; evacuation of, 342, 344, 346, 348, 357) 359; u- 45°- Tilghman, Matthew, 1. 294 n. Tillotson, , 11. 132. Toasts at banquet to French, 11. 48, 57. Tolley, Walter, 1. 39. Tolman, Farr, 1. 16 n. Tolman, Hannah (Fayerweather), 1. 16 n. Tories, see Loyalists. Tracy, James, 11. 438. Tracy, Robert, 11. 438 n. Tracy, , 1. 168; 11. 247, 424. Trade, colonial, 1. 88, 95; with the enemy, 98; problems of, 126, 138, 146, 153, 155, 176; obstructing, 145, 166; foreign, 184, 213; spirit of, 222; with Europe, 11. 3. Trade, colonial defence of, 1. 87. Trapier, Paul, Jr., 1. 294 n. Treadway, Susanna B. (Adams | Clark), 11. 386 n. Treadway, William R. H., 11. 386 n. Treasury, continental, 1. 89. Treaties, of commerce, 1. 127. Trenton, N.J., British at, 1. 279. Triomphant, 11. 125. Triton, 11. 125. Trot, George, 1. 186, 194, 240, 248. Trumbull, John, 11. 154. Trumbull, Jonathan, 1. 57, 66, 327, 352; 11. 137- Trumbull, 1. 365 «.; 11. 135, 138, 141. Trusler, John, 11. 273, 277. Tryon, William, 1. 24; 11. 416; on tea, 20; to be watched, 65. Tucker, Samuel, 1. 241. Tudor, William, recommended, 1. 65, 87. Tull, Thomas, 1. 35, 320. Tupper, Benjamin, at light house, 1. 96; adventure, 217. Turin, court of, recognizes America, 11. 194. Turks, rising of, 11. 304. Turnbull, William, 1. 320. Tyler, Royall, 11. 154. United States, future influence, 11. 213. Valnais, Mrs., 11. 245. Vengeur, 11. 125. Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de, 11. 169, 210; character of, 195. Vermont, 11. 151, 172. Vernon, William, navy board, 1. 312, 324; 11. 44. Vestal, 11. 159. Veto, governor’s, 1. 242. Vice, licensed, 11. 243. Victoire, 11. 125. Virginia, assertion of rights of colonies, 1. 6 n . ; riflemen, 76; delegation in Congress, 112; government, 191; independence, 232, 249; constitution, 257; religious establishment, 296; British in, 11. 104; donation from, 407. Index 473 Wadsworth, , major , i. 301. Wainwood, Godfrey, 1. 121 n. Walker, , 1. 147; 11. 308. Wallace, James, 1. 121, 145, 151; 11. 419. Waltham, Mass., treatment of Dr. Church, 1. 255 - War, nature of, n. 351. Ward, Artemas, 1. 57, 58, 91, 237, 254; general, 58, 61, 64; reflection upon, 63; command at Boston, 218, 268, 271, 297 ; for Congress, 264; 11. 102, 106, 123, 142; resigns command, 1. 304; lieutenant governor, 11. 145. Ward, Eliza (Bowen), 11. 330. Ward, John, n. 330. Ward, Joseph, 1. 249; recommended, 306. Ward, Samuel, 1. 73, 85, 165, 185; death, 233. Ward, Samuel, Jr., 1. 165. Ware, Henry, 11. 354 n. Ware, Mary (Otis | Lincoln), 11. 354 «., 355. Warren, Charles, 11. 237, 240, 246, 258; death, 273, 275. Warren, George, 11. 79, 165, 246; death, 327. Warren, Henry, 11. 7, 79, 246, 282, 285, 289, 309, 311, 321; for collector of Plymouth, 315, 316; Lincoln on, 321; death, 377. Warren, J., 1. 273 «. Warren, James, 1. 2, 12 suggested as general, 67, 78; on Lee, 69 n.\ occupation, 71; speaker, 83, 256; n. 415; paymaster, 1. 93, 218; 11. 445; resigns, 1. 218, 226, 240; judge, 240; governorship, 243, 340; accounts, 260; major general, 274; 11. 435; board of war, I. 287; 11. 447; navy board, 1 . 312 319 324, 327, 332; speaker, 326, 331; question of rank, 349; resigns commission, 349; dropped from General Court, 11. 13, 16, 20, 21, 23, 24, 36, 54; on Burgoyne’s army, 28, 32; on navy, 30; pay, 32; resignation, 59, 60, 61, 63, 65; congress, 106, 183, 189, 220; attacked, 117, 121; lieutenant governor, 145; in retirement, 179, 229, 239, 260; Washington and, 257; represents Milton, 293; enemies, 309, 310; death, 359. Warren, Joseph, 1. 33, 48, 53, 57, 68, 80 90; death of, 59, 63, 66, 70, 72; letters to, 64, 65; appointments, 74; education of son, 288. Warren, Mercy, the Group, 36; 11. 395, 396; opinion, 1. 184; characters, 201; history, 11. 155, 301, 317; dedication of poems, 318; poems, 320, 323; Adams’ unsealed letter, 325; History, 345, 346, 350; on armed vessels, 378; death, 395 poem to J. Adams, 402. Warren, Mercy, comforted, 11. 101. Warren, Mercy Otis, n. 389. Warren, Sarah, 1. 152 n. Warren, Winslow, 11. 134, 160, 181, 208; captured, 139, 145, 156, 159; Adams on, 189 wishes to be consul, 220, 261, 264, 266, 267; return, 271; military appoint- ment, 315, 317. JVarren, 11. 26. Warren, Winslow, Jr., 11. 374. Washington, George, 1. 47, 61, 65, 72, 77, 102, 130, 164, 315, 324, 352; commander-in- chief, 57, 61, 64; on Thomas, 85; army appointments, 97; Hichborn’s release, 99; affair of Dr. Church, 121; monopolizers, 176; high opinion of, 186; difficulties en- countered, 188; want of public spirit, 192; on paymaster general, 218; defence of Boston, 257; pay of troops, 276; powers increased, 282; foreign officers, 333; plan of campaign, 336; northern army, 357; in Philadelphia, 357; retreats, 369, 371; on the Schuylkill, 11. 6; cabal against, 7, 343; toast and salute, 49; on currency, 98; dictator, 152; Warren and, 257, 307, 316, 4I4; distribution of office, 314, 316; dedi- cation of poems, 318, 323. Washington, Martha, letters, 1. 200, 220; 11. 5; Mrs. Warren’s visit, 1. 228; Mrs. Graham, 11. 257; on president’s illness, 319. Washington , privateer, I. 194 n. Waterhouse, Samuel, scribbler, 1. 2 n. Waters, Daniel, 11. 15 n., 31. Waters, Josiah, 1. 157. Watson, Elkanah, 1. 305 11. 113, 217. Watson, William, II. 315 ». Watson, , 1. 24. Watts, , captain, 1. 356, Wayne, Anthony, exploit, 11. 112. Wedderburn, Alexander, 1. 362. Weishaupt, Adam, 11. 341. Wells, Agrippa, 1. 343. Wells, Elizabeth, I. 11. Wendell, Oliver, 1. 94 n., 108; 11. 120. Wentworth, Jonathan, 1. 301, 308. West, Samuel, election sermon, 1. 256 n. 474 Index West, , i. 122 n. West Indies, i. 147, 203; French in, 210; pro- tection of property, 255; trade, 11. 218, 222. Weymouth, see Thomas Thynne. Whalemen, I. 181. Wharton, John, navy board, 1. 312. Wharton, Samuel, 11. 127. Wharton, Thomas, Jr., 1. 298. Wheeler, Samuel, 1. 307. Whipple, Abraham, 1. 271. Whipple, William, n. 78, 450; on inde- pendence, 1. 233; Adams on, 331, 336; ma- rine committee, n. 66; reply to Phillips, 453- Whitcomb, George, committee of war, 1. 275 »• Whitcomb, John, 1. 91, 343; 11. 413. White, , of Marshfield, 1. 97. Whiting, William, 1. 66 »., 131 154, 157, W7- Whitney, Josiah, 1. 253. Whittaker, , Dr., 1. 193. Whitwell, , Parson, 1. 193. Wiley, , 1. 307. Williams, John Foster, 11. 382. Williams, Jonathan, 1. 379 n.; xi. 127. Wilson, James, 1. 276 n., 293 11. 230. Winship, Amos, 11. 142, 151. Winslow, Edward, 1. 20 n.; 11. 16, 405, 406. Winslow, Elizabeth, 1. 188 n. Winslow, Isaac, 1. 13. Winslow, Pelham, 11. 406. Winthrop, Hannah (Fairweather), 1. 179 n.; removal of General Court, 11 n.; inter- cepted letter, 88 act of oblivion, 208 n.; small pox, 257 w.; death, 11. 32o;Lexington, 409. Winthrop, James, 1. 60, 252, 254, 258, 260, 328; governorship, 243, 340; for Congress, 264; on Mrs. Warren’s history, 11. 282, 35°, 355; poems, 320; on Gibbon, 327; on embargo, 356; on prophecy, 357, 365, 375; on Warren, 359; preservation of know- ledge, 363; almost a nazarite, 364; appen- dix to the New Testament, 365; studies Russian, 369. Winthrop, James, 11. 45. Winthrop, John, 1. 16 death, n. 115, 120. Winthrop, William, 1. 218, 283; catalogue, 11. 3 6 3- Winthrop, , 1. 109. Wisner, Henry, 1. 158. Witherspoon, John, x. 293 n. Woedtke, Frederick William de, 1. 21 1, 217. Women, as politicians, 1. 221; rights and grievances, 235. Wood, want of, 1. 176. Wooster, David, 1. 86, 374 flight from Quebec, 248. Worcester county, Md., tories, 1. 292. Wrentham, Mass., saltpeter, 1. 193. Wythe, George, 1. 112, 276 committee on hostilities, 143, 144, 160, 162; Adams on government, 231. Yankee Hero, 11. 438 ». Yorktown, Penn., Congress at, 1. 371 n.\ 11. 13- Young, Arthur, 1. 260 n. ®l)c Iftttoeratoe prre# Cambridge • Massachusetts Printed in the U. S. A. IVPK 'i- y '30 Duke University Libraries llllllllll III D0068 £ CO 00 o 974,4 M414 v,73 72995