[Footnote 60: The date of Mr. Adams's departure.]
[Footnote 61: Letter of Mr. Adams, 29 September, 1774.]
[Footnote 62: See the _Memoir of the Life of Josiah Quincy, Jr._, by his
son, Josiah Quincy, p. 182.]
[Footnote 63: James Warren, of Plymouth.]
[Footnote 64: One of these letters has been preserved. The writer was at
this time seven years old. His subsequent career may make it interesting
enough to print. It is written in a tolerably good, boy's hand, as
follows:--
October 13, 1774.
Sir,--I have been trying ever since you went away to learn to write
you a letter. I shall make poor work of it; but, sir, mamma says
you will accept my endeavors, and that my duty to you may be
expressed in poor writing as well as good. I hope I grow a better
boy, and that you will have no occasion to be ashamed of me when
you return. Mr. Thaxter says I learn my books well. He is a very
good master. I read my books to mamma. We all long to see you. I
am, sir, your dutiful son,