_Harrington_ to _Worthy_.
_Boston._
OUR little party was overthrown by a strange piece of folley.
A Miss P—— was introduced, a young lady of beauty and elegant
accomplishments. The whole company were beginning to be
cheerful—business and care were disgusted at the sight of so many happy
countenances, and had gone out from among us. Jollity and good humour
bade us prepare for the dance—unhappily at this juncture a lady and a
gentleman were engaged in a conversation concerning Miss P——, and one of
them repeated the words “a mechanick’s daughter”—it is supposed the word
“mechanick” was repeated scornfully—She heard it—thought herself
insulted—and indignantly retired—disorder and confusion immediately took
place, and the amusement was put an end to for the evening.
I WISH people would consider how little time they have to frollick
here—that they would improve it to more advantage, and not dispute for
any precedence or superiority but in good nature and sociability—“a
mechanick”—and pray whence the distinction!
INEQUALITY among mankind is a foe to our happiness—it even affects our
little parties of pleasure—Such is the fate of the human race, one order
of men lords it over another; but upon what grounds its right is founded
I could never yet be satisfied.
FOR this reason, I like a democratickal better than any other kind of
government; and were I a _Lycurgus_ no distinction of rank should be
found in my commonwealth.
IN my tour through the United States, I had an opportunity of examining
and comparing the different manners and dispositions of the inhabitants
of the several republicks. Those of the southern states, accustomed to a
habit of domineering over their slaves, are haughtier, more tenacious of
honour, and indeed possess more of an aristocratick temper than their
sisters of the confederacy. As we travel to the northward, the nature of
the constitution seems to operate on the minds of the people—slavery is
abolished—all men are declared free and equal, and their tempers are
open, generous and communicative. It is the same in all those countries
where the people enjoy independence and equal liberty. Why then should
those distinctions arise which are inimical to domestick quietude? Or
why should the noisy voice of those who seek distinction, so loudly
reecho in the ears of peace and jollity, as to deafen the sound of the
musick? For while we are disputing who shall lead off the dance, behold!
the instrument gets out of tune—a string snaps—and where is our chance
for dancing?
Adieu!