Philadelphia, 23 October, 1775.
Yesterday yours of October 9th came to hand. Your letters never failed
to give me pleasure. The greatest pleasure that I take is in receiving
them. And although every one which has yet come to hand is replete with
melancholy tidings, yet I can truly say I never was so earnest to
receive them. I rejoice in the happy principles and the happy temper
which apparently dictated them all.
I feel myself much affected with the breach upon the family. But we can
count a mother, a brother, an aunt, and a brother's child among the
slain by this cruel pestilence. May God Almighty put a stop to its rage,
and humble us under the ravages already made by it. The sorrows of all
our friends, on the loss of your mother, are never out of my mind. I
pray God to spare my parent, whose life has been prolonged by his
goodness hitherto, as well as yours that survives. The tremendous
calamities already felt, of fire, sword, and pestilence, may be only
harbingers of greater still. We have no security against calamity here.
This planet is its region. The only principle is to be prepared for the
worst events.
If I could write as well as you, my sorrow would be as eloquent as
yours, but, upon my word, I cannot.
The unaccountable event which you allude to has reached this place and
occasioned a fall. I would be glad, however, that the worst construction
might not be put. Let him[110] have fair play; though I doubt.
The man who violates private faith, cancels solemn obligations, whom
neither honor nor conscience holds, shall never be knowingly trusted by
me. Had I known, when I first voted for a Director of an Hospital, what
I heard afterwards, when I was down, I would not have voted as I did.
Open, barefaced immorality ought not to be so countenanced. Though I
think a fatality attends us in some instances, yet a divine protection
and favor is visible in others; and let us be cheerful, whatever
happens. Cheerfulness is not a sin in any times.
I am afraid to hear again, almost, lest some other should be sick in the
house. Yet I hope better, and that you will reassume your wonted
cheerfulness and write again upon news and politics. Send your letters
to Warren for conveyance. I won't trust any other.