One can fancy the flutter of pride in Dorothy's heart at the reading
of such honors to her lover, and she settled down to await the turn of
events with a lighter heart, while Hancock and Adams, with the other
delegates, went on toward Philadelphia, their trip being a triumphal
progress from start to finish.
On the ninth of May they arrived at their destination, and on the
following day the Continental Congress met, when John Hancock was
unanimously elected President of the Congress.
While her lover was occupied with matters of such vital importance, he
always found time to pour out his hopes and fears and doings in bulky
letters which reached his lady love by coach, every fortnight, and
which--"shortened absence" to her impatient desire for the one man in
the world who meant all to her. But even where Dorothy's heart was so
seriously engaged, she could no more help showering coquettish smiles
and pretty speeches on those residents of Fairfield whom she came to
know, than she could help bewitching them by her charm and beauty. The
more sober-minded men of the town were delighted by her conversation,
which was sparkling, and by her keen comment on public affairs--comment
far beyond the capability of most of her sex and age, while it became
the fashion to pay court to vivacious Dorothy, but the moment an adorer
attempted to express his sentimental feelings he found himself
checkmated by a haughty reserve that commanded admiration, but forced
an understanding that Mistress Dolly wished no such attentions.
Of this John Hancock knew nothing, as Dolly was the most tantalizingly
discreet of correspondents, and poor Hancock looked and longed in vain
for written evidence of her devotion, despite which, however, he
continued to write long letters to her:
In one, written on June 10, 1775, he says pathetically:
I am almost prevailed on to think that my letters to my aunt
and you are not read, for I cannot obtain a reply. I have
asked a million questions and not an answer to one.... I
really take it extremely unkind. Pray, my dear, use not so
much ceremony and reservedness.... I want long letters.... I
beg my dear Dolly, you will write me often and long letters.
I will forgive the past if you will mend in future. Do ask
my aunt to make me up and send me a watch-string, and do you
make up another. I want something of your doing....
I have sent you in a paper Box directed to you, the
following things for your acceptance & which I do insist you
wear, if you do not, I shall think the Donor is the
objection.
2 pair white silk, 4 pair white thread stockings which I
think will fit you, 1 pr Black Satin Shoes, 1 pr Black Calem
Do, the other shall be sent when done, 1 very pretty light
Hat, 1 neat airy Summer Cloak ... 2 caps, 1 Fann.
I wish these may please you, I shall be gratified if they
do, pray write me, I will attent to all your Commands.
Adieu my Dr. Girl, and believe me with great Esteem and
Affection