Braintree, 28 May, 1781.
My dear John,--I hope this letter will be more fortunate than yours have
been of late. I know you must have written many times since I had the
pleasure of receiving a line from you, for this month completes a year
since the date of your last letter. Not a line from you or my dear
Charles since you arrived in Holland, where I suppose you still are. I
never was more anxious to hear, yet not a single vessel arrives from
that port, though several are looked for.
I would recommend it to you to become acquainted with the history of
that country, as in many respects it is similar to the Revolution of
your own. Tyranny and oppression were the original causes of the revolt
of both countries. It is from a wide and extensive view of mankind that
a just and true estimate can be formed of the powers of human nature.
She appears ennobled or deformed, as religion, government, laws, and
custom guide or direct her. Fierce, rude, and savage in the uncultivated
desert; gloomy, bigoted, and superstitious where truth is veiled in
obscurity and mystery; ductile, pliant, elegant, and refined, you have
seen her in that dress, as well as in the active, bold, hardy, and
intrepid garb of your own country.
Inquire of the historic page, and let your own observations second the
inquiry, Whence arises the difference? and when compared, learn to
cultivate those dispositions, and to practice those virtues, which tend
most to the benefit and happiness of mankind.
The great Author of our religion frequently inculcated universal
benevolence, and taught us both by precept and example, when He
promulgated peace and good-will to man, a doctrine very different from
that which actuates the hostile invaders and the cruel ravagers of
mighty kingdoms and nations.
I hope you will be very particular, when you write, and let me know how
you have passed your time in the course of the year past.
Your favorable account of your brother gave me great pleasure, not only
as it convinced me that he continues to cultivate that agreeable
disposition of mind and heart which so greatly endeared him to his
friends here, but as it was a proof of the brotherly love and affection
of a son not less dear to his parents.
I shall write to your brother, so shall only add the sincere wishes for
your improvement and happiness of