Did my dear Friend Mrs Warren ever paint a Scene of Pleasure
that some distant Say would give Her Possession of? Did she ever Feed on the
dear illusion of dependance on that which was connected with the incertainty
of Future time? When it arrivd, did it bring disappointment? Then may she
enter into the Sensations of her Friend, who is now Feeling the Vanity of Calling
that our own that lies intirely out of our power. My Fond expectations are
blasted For this season. The only week my Partner could spare from his
Business we depended on spending with my dear Friend at Plimouth. We
made ready for the journey, the Librarian engagd to accompany us.
Notwithstanding a bad Cold Mr Winthrop has Labord under for many days
& which has often been a prelude to a fit of the Asthma, yet we were so set
[that we] should have run the risque if the weather had been good.
[but] the rain yesterday & the cold today & the shortness of the time before
us, He being under obligations to be at home a Monday, together with the
distressing View a turn of Asthmatic ills present, which I Fear is more than
probable, will be the Issue, Force us to the mortifying Conclusion of giving up the thot of
this agreable Visit. And if I again dared to look to Future time, would console
myself with hopes that when Sol has paid His Friendly Visit & blest
the inhabitants of the other Hemisphere with his benign influences, who have
been this half year shivering with cold, and shall return to enliven & lengthen
our days, we shall then be so happy as to see you at your agreable home.
I assure you I poorly brook the disappointment, as my heart was much
set. but it will never cease to flow with the most gratefull sentiments
to Mrs Warren for every Instance of her kindness. But now one word
of Politics on the other side before we part.
If our Affairs in the Northern Department are Literally in the Situation
they are represented, may we not hope for a more speedy Termination
of our Troubles then we expected? But how is it with the Great
General Washington? ah, His Toils are amazing. Heaven preserve him
my heart shivers at the Crimson Current flowing from American bleeding
Veins. O the Slaughter, 500 at a meal. How shall we ever make an adequate
Satisfaction to those Heroes who willingly open their Bosoms to the Pointed
Bayonet, & offer themselves Victims for American Freedom?
I shall please myself with expecting a letter from you very soon.
pray inform me of the Newport Expedition.
The Next Session of the General Assembly I shall build my hopes
you will accompany General Warren & allow me a longer Visit from you.
I am in hopes soon to accomplish the making of your [town.]
I have heard one of your Sons has that invigorating Plant to sell
which by long use you know has become a Necessary for Invalids.
if it is not all disposd of, should be glad you would procure me a pound.
be so kind to Let me know the price I will either pay your other son in
Boston or inclose a Bill in my next. Mr Winthrop joyns me in Sincere
regards to General Warren & his Lady.
affection Ever Yours
Cambridge
October the 22d 1777
4 PM
an Express this moment passt thro this Town who says he saw
General Burgoyne deliver up his Sword & Six thousand prisoners
This is Glorious & Marvellous in our eyes
Cambridge
[Address]
[Endorsement]
Oct. 22. 1777.