Falmouth, 6 July, 1774.
Our Justice Hutchinson is eternally giving his political hints. In a
cause this morning, somebody named Captain Mackay as a referee. I said,
"An honest man?" "Yes," says Hutchinson, "he's an honest man, only
_misled_"--"he, he, he!"--blinking and grinning. At dinner to-day
somebody mentioned determinations in the Lord's House (the Court sits in
the meeting-house). "I've known many very bad determinations in the
Lord's house of late," says he, meaning a fling upon the clergy. He is
perpetually flinging about the Fasts, and ironically talking about
getting home to the Fast. A gentleman told me that he had heard him say
frequently that the Fast was perfect blasphemy. "Why don't you pay for
the tea? Refuse to pay for the tea! and go to fasting and praying for
direction! Perfect blasphemy!"[25]
This is the moderation, candor, impartiality, prudence, patience,
forbearance, and condescension of our Judge.
Samuel Quincy said yesterday, as Josiah told me, he was for staying at
home and not going to meeting as they, _i. e._, the meetings, are so
managed.
Such is the bitterness and rancor, the malice and revenge, the pride and
vanity, which prevail in these men. And such minds are possessed of all
the power of the province.
Samuel makes no fortune this court. There is very little business here,
it is true, but S. gets but very little of that little--less than
anybody.
Wyer[26] retains his old good nature and good humor, his wit, such as it
is, and his fancy, with its mildness. Bradbury retains his anxiety, and
his plaintive, angry manner; David Sewall his softness and conceited
modesty.
Bradbury and Sewall always roast Dr. Gardiner at these courts, but they
have done it more now than usual, as Gardiner had not me to protect him.
See how I think of myself!
I believe it is time to think a little about my family and farm. The
fine weather we have had for eight or ten days past I hope has been
carefully improved to get in my hay. It is a great mortification to me
that I could not attend every step of their progress in mowing, making,
and carting. I long to see what burden. But I long more still to see to
the procuring more sea-weed, and muscle mud, and sand, etc.
However, my prospect is interrupted again. I shall have no time. I must
prepare for a journey to Philadelphia, a long journey indeed! But if the
length of the journey were all, it would be no burden. But the
consideration of what is to be done is of great weight. Great things are
wanted to be done, and little things only I fear can be done. I dread
the thought of the Congress' falling short of the expectations of the
continent, but especially of the people of this province.
Vapors avaunt! I will do my duty, and leave the event. If I have the
approbation of my own mind, whether applauded or censured, blessed or
cursed, by the world, I will not be unhappy.
Certainly I shall enjoy good company, good conversation, and shall have
a fine ride and see a little more of the world than I have seen before.
The letters I have written, or may write, my dear, must be kept secret,
or at least shown with great caution.
I believe I forgot to tell you one anecdote. When I first came to this
house it was late in the afternoon, and I had ridden thirty-five miles
at least. "Madam," said I to Mrs. Huston, "is it lawful for a weary
traveller to refresh himself with a dish of tea, provided it has been
honestly smuggled, or paid no duties?" "No, sir," said she, "we have
renounced all tea in this place, but I'll make you coffee." Accordingly
I have drank coffee every afternoon since, and have borne it very well.
Tea must be universally renounced, and I must be weaned, and the sooner
the better.