Dear Mrs Warren
When I Look upon the date of your Last
Letter, I should call myself inexcusable in delaying to answer
you so long, had I not to plead in excuse almost five months Confine
ment with the Partner of my Heart by a Severe illness by which He
was greatly reduc'd. The rude Season of the year with the
Invarieties of a Sick Chamber & a Natural inclination to Anticipate
Trouble, gave me many gloomy Ideas. But kind Providence has
been better to me than my Fears & has restord Mr Winthrop to a
good Measure of health. O my Friend how many Vicisitudes & what
different Views do they afford us, The repeated wounds you have
received, & the many Blessings you enjoy, I am sure will Incline
your expanded Heart to Humanising with your friends both
in joy & sorrow. I believe it is unfashionable in the gay world
to mention the Death of a dear friend many months after, But
the Death of Sophronia is such a Striking Instance of the
Vanity of life, & has so impress'd me, I can't but recollect it.
midst of Festivity, Performing the Nuptial ceremonies for
her Eldest daughter, Surrounded by Numerous Visitants, as one
would think Left no room for Such a Guest as death, at this
Glittering moment to be call'd of from these busy Scenes, Leaving
a Tender Husband & a Little helpless flock to Lament the
untimely Fall of the Best of Mothers, is Truly affecting.
I went to see Mrs Otis the other day, she seems not
to be in a good state of health. I receivd a Visit Lately from Master
Jemmy, I will give you an anecdote of him which pleasd me.
A gentleman telling him what a fine Lady his mama is &
he hoped he woud be a good Boy & behave exceeding well
to her, my young Master gave this spirited answer. I know
my Mama is a fine Lady, but she would be a much finer
if she was a Daughter of Liberty.
I hope the pleasant Season Approaching will give you
an opportunity of paying us a Visit & that Major Warren
will again Sit among the Patrons of His Country and of
Literature. Mr Winthrop joyns me in Affectionate
of this Letter will atone for past Delays. I have your kind
Promise not to harbor any Suspicions for the Future.
Your Affectionate Friend & Humbl Servant
Cambridge April 29. 1769
Mr Winthrop desires
Mr Warren wou'd accept
the Pamphlet which accompanys this
[Address]
[Endorsement]
April 1769
[Endorsement]