I received by Mr. Church a few lines from you. I wish to hear from you
every opportunity, though you say no more than that you are well. I feel
concerned lest your clothes should go to rags, having nobody to take any
care of you in your long absence; and then, you have not with you a
proper change for the seasons. However, you must do the best you can. I
have a suit of homespun for you whenever you return. I cannot avoid
sometimes repining that the gifts of fortune were not bestowed upon us,
that I might have enjoyed the happiness of spending my days with my
partner, but as it is, I think it my duty to attend with frugality and
economy to our own private affairs; and if I cannot add to our little
substance, yet see it that it is not diminished. I should enjoy but
little comfort in a state of idleness and uselessness. Here I can serve
my partner, my family, and myself, and enjoy the satisfaction of your
serving your country.
I wish you would write me what I had best do with our house at Boston. I
would advertise it if you think best. There are so many houses torn to
pieces and so many others abused, that I might stand a chance of letting
it, perhaps, as it is in so good repair.
My brother is desirous of joining the army again, but would choose to be
a field-officer. I have mentioned him to some of the House, and suppose
he will be recommended to Congress for a commission. I hardly know where
you will find men to form the regiments required. I begin to think
population a very important branch in the American manufactories.
I inclose a list of the Council. The House consists of more than two
hundred and fifty members. Your former pupil Angier comes from
Bridgewater, and five others. I hope they will proceed in business with
a little more spirit than heretofore. They are procuring two
row-galleys, but when they will be finished I know not. I thought they
were near done, but find to-day they are not yet contracted for. All our
gentry are gone from Nantasket Road except the _Commodore_ and one or
two small craft.
Everything bears a very great price. The merchant complains of the
farmer and the farmer of the merchant--both are extravagant. Living is
double what it was one year ago.
I find you have licensed tea, but I am determined not to be a purchaser
unless I can have it at Congress price, and in that article the venders
pay no regard to Congress, asking ten, eight, and the lowest is seven
and sixpence per pound. I should like a little green, but they say there
is none to be had here. I only wish it for a medicine, as a relief to a
nervous pain in my head to which I am sometimes subject. Were it as
plenty as ever, I would not practice the use of it.
Our family are all well. It has been reported here that Congress were
going to remove forty miles beyond Philadelphia. I gave no credit to the
report. I heard no reason assigned for it. I had much rather they would
come a hundred miles nearer here. Adieu. Yours.