Your favor of 17 June, dated at Plymouth, was handed me by yesterday's
post. I was much pleased to find that you had taken a journey to
Plymouth, to see your friends, in the long absence of one whom you may
wish to see. The excursion will be an amusement, and will serve your
health. How happy would it have made me to have taken this journey with
you!
I was informed, a day or two before the receipt of your letter, that you
was gone to Plymouth, by Mrs. Polly Palmer, who was obliging enough, in
your absence, to send me the particulars of the expedition to the lower
harbor against the men-of-war. Her narration is executed with a
precision and perspicuity, which would have become the pen of an
accomplished historian.
I am very glad you had so good an opportunity of seeing one of our
little American men-of-war. Many ideas new to you must have presented
themselves in such a scene; and you will, in future, better understand
the relations of sea engagements.
I rejoice extremely at Dr. Bulfinch's petition to open a hospital. But I
hope the business will be done upon a larger scale. I hope that one
hospital will be licensed in every county, if not in every town. I am
happy to find you resolved to be with the children in the first class.
Mr. Whitney and Mrs. Katy Quincy are cleverly through inoculation in
this city.
The information you give me of our friend's refusing his appointment has
given me much pain, grief, and anxiety. I believe I shall be obliged to
follow his example. I have not fortune enough to support my family, and,
what is of more importance, to support the dignity of that exalted
station. It is too high and lifted up for me, who delight in nothing so
much as retreat, solitude, silence, and obscurity. In private life, no
one has a right to censure me for following my own inclinations in
retirement, simplicity, and frugality. In public life, every man has a
right to remark as he pleases. At least he thinks so.
Yesterday, the greatest question was decided which ever was debated in
America, and a greater, perhaps, never was nor will be decided among
men. A Resolution was passed without one dissenting Colony "that these
United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent
States, and as such they have, and of right ought to have, full power to
make war, conclude peace, establish commerce, and to do all other acts
and things which other States may rightfully do." You will see, in a few
days, a Declaration setting forth the causes which have impelled us to
this mighty revolution, and the reasons which will justify it in the
sight of God and man. A plan of confederation will be taken up in a few
days.
When I look back to the year 1761, and recollect the argument concerning
writs of assistance in the superior court, which I have hitherto
considered as the commencement of this controversy between Great Britain
and America, and run through the whole period from that time to this,
and recollect the series of political events, the chain of causes and
effects, I am surprised at the suddenness as well as greatness of this
revolution. Britain has been filled with folly, and America with wisdom;
at least, this is my judgment. Time must determine. It is the will of
Heaven that the two countries should be sundered forever. It may be the
will of Heaven that America shall suffer calamities still more wasting,
and distresses yet more dreadful. If this is to be the case, it will
have this good effect at least. It will inspire us with many virtues
which we have not, and correct many errors, follies, and vices which
threaten to disturb, dishonor, and destroy us. The furnace of affliction
produces refinement in states as well as individuals. And the new
Governments we are assuming in every part will require a purification
from our vices, and an augmentation of our virtues, or they will be no
blessings. The people will have unbounded power, and the people are
extremely addicted to corruption and venality, as well as the great. But
I must submit all my hopes and fears to an overruling Providence, in
which, unfashionable as the faith may be, I firmly believe.