My heart is as light as a feather and my spirits are dancing. I received
this afternoon a fine parcel of letters and papers by Colonel Thayer. It
was a feast to me. I shall rest in quiet, I hope, this night. The
papers I have not read, but sit down to write you, for Mr. Bass has just
been here to let me know that Harry will call upon him to-morrow and
take this letter for me. I would not have you anxious about me. I make
out better than I did.
I took a ride last week, and ventured just as far as the stump of
Liberty Tree. Roxbury looks more injured than Boston. That is, the
houses look more torn to pieces. I was astonished at the extent of our
lines and their strength.
We have taken a most noble prize, the inventory of which you will have
in the paper. The poor Captain[144] has since lost his life in a
desperate engagement with thirteen boats from the men of war, which
attacked and attempted to board him; but by a most brave resistance they
sunk four of the boats and fought so warmly with their spears and small
arms as to oblige them to quit him, though he had but twenty-seven men
and they five times his number. He unhappily fell, and was the only one
who did. Many dead bodies have since been taken up, among whom is an
officer.
We have now in fair sight of my uncle's the _Commodore_, a thirty-six
gun frigate, another large vessel, and six small craft. I hope after
election we shall have ways and means devised to drive off these
torments. Providence seems to have delivered into our hands the very
articles most needed, and at a time when we were weak and not so well
provided for as we could wish. We have two row-galleys building, and men
of spirit to use them I dare say will be found. One engagement only
whets their appetite for another.
I heard last night that we had three regiments coming back to us, with
General Gates to head them; at which I most sincerely rejoiced. I think
he is the man we want.
You ask my advice with regard to your office. If I was to consult only
my own private satisfaction and pleasure, I should request you to resign
it; but alas, that is of small moment when compared to the whole, and I
think you qualified and know you disposed to serve your country. I must
advise you to hold it, at least for the present year. And in saying this
I make a sacrifice which those only can judge of whose hearts are one.
I was much affected, the other day, by a letter which I saw from the
lady of the late worthy General Montgomery. Speaking of him, she says,
"Suffer me to repeat his last words to me: 'You shall never blush for
your Montgomery.' Nobly has he kept his word. As a wife I must ever
mourn the husband, friend, and lover of a thousand virtues, of all
domestic bliss, the idol of my warmest affections, and, in one word, my
every dream of happiness. Methinks I am like the poor widow in the
Gospel; having given my mite, I sit down disconsolate."
These are only detached parts of the letter, to which I fear I have not
done justice, as I have only my memory to serve me; but it was a very
fine letter. Oh that I could annihilate space.
Yours.