It is some time since I wrote you, and I have nothing now to write but
repetitions of respect and affection. I am anxious to hear from you. I
hope the family is better; that your grief for the great loss we have
all sustained is somewhat abated. I hope your father and sister Betsey
are well, though they must be greatly afflicted. Give my love to Betsey,
and let her know that I feel most intimately for her, as well as for
myself and the rest. I consider the stroke must fall heavier upon her,
as it was nearer to her. Her prosperity is near my heart. I wish her
every blessing which she can possibly wish for herself.
Really, it is very painful to be four hundred miles from one's family
and friends, when we know they are in affliction. It seems as if it
would be a joy to me to fly home, even to share with you your burdens
and misfortunes. Surely, if I were with you, it would be my study to
allay your griefs, to mitigate your pains, and to divert your melancholy
thoughts. When I shall come home, I know not. We have so much to do, and
it is so difficult to do it right, that we must learn patience. Upon my
word, I think, if ever I were to come here again, I must bring you with
me. I could live here pleasantly, if I had you with me. Will you come
and have the small-pox[105] here? I wish I could remove all the family,
our little daughter and sons, and all go through the distemper here.
What if we should? Let me please myself with the thought, however.
Congress has appointed Mr. Wythe, Mr. Deane, and me a committee to
collect an account of the hostilities committed by the troops and ships,
with proper evidence of the number and value of the houses and other
buildings destroyed or damaged, the vessels captivated, and the cattle,
sheep, hogs, etc., taken. We are about writing to all the General
Assemblies of New England, and to many private gentlemen in each colony,
to assist us in making the collections. The gentlemen with me are able
men. Deane's character you know. He is a very ingenious man and an able
politician. Wythe is a new member from Virginia, a lawyer of the highest
eminence in that province, a learned and very laborious man; so that we
may hope this commission will be well executed. A tale of woe it will
be! Such a scene of distress and destruction, and so patiently and
magnanimously borne! Such a scene of cruelty and barbarity, so
unfeelingly committed! I mention this to you, my dear, that you may look
up, and transmit to me, a paper which Colonel Palmer lent me, containing
a relation of the Charlestown battle, which was transmitted to England
by the Committee of Safety. This paper I must have, or a copy of it.
I wish I could collect, from the people of Boston or others, a proper
set of paintings of the scenes of distress and misery brought upon that
town from the commencement of the Port Bill. Posterity must hear a story
that shall make their ears to tingle.
Yours, yours, yours.