To Madam H Winthrop
Plymouth 1774 [Based on internal evidence, we have assigned the date of "after 1 January 1774" to this letter.]
When I took up my pen I determined to leave the field of politicks
to those whose proper busines it is to speculate and to act at this impor
-tant crisis; but the occurrences that have lately taken place are so alarming
and the subject so interwoven with the enjoyments of social and domestic
life as to command the attention of the mother and the wife who before the con-
-test is decided may be called to weep over the manes of her beloved sons,
slain by the same sword that deprived of life their intrepid and heroic
Father. And Who in these modern days, has arrived at such a degree of
Roman virtue as not to grudge the costly sacrifice?
I tremble for the event of
the present commotions;- there must be a noble struggle to recover the expir-
-ing liberties of our injured country; we must re-purchase them at the ex-
-pence of blood, or tamely acquiesce, and embrace the hand that holds out
the chain to us and our children. Much interested in the success of the con-
-flict — I feel myself unequal to the combat yet hope the women will
never get the better of that disinterested regard to universal happiness which
ought to actuate the benevolent mind. Heaven give us strength to sustain
the shock, if this country should be compelled to the last appeal - and for-
-bid that anything in your conduct or my own should countenance
the opinions of those who explode every generous principle, deny the
existence of patriotism and ridicule all pretences to public virtue.
How derogatory to the human character are these ideas! Yet we dai-
-ly see too many instances of a sordid selfish spirit prompting men
to acct diametrically opposite to the welfare of society, even where
there had been heretofore some pretences to integrity.
Whether the Patriots of the present day will be able to
effect their laudable designs in our time is very uncertain, yet I trust
they will lay the foundation deep and that future generations will
not be wanting to themselves, but will maintain and support the
priviledges to which they are entitled both by nature and compact
By the spirit, firmness, and the happy union in similar
measures, which animates the extensive colonies;- it appears as if the
wheel of fortune had taken her circle and was about to lay level
with the ground some of her uppermost spokes: as it is well known
that the falling joints have been long defective and the adjacent
firmness sufficient to support the reversive motion. If there should be a
total demolition of the decaying fabrick which has been building up for
several years, with uncommon industry, the chief architect* [Asterisk reference mark indicates there is a note below.] in our province
must retire with a thorn in his bosom, without the poor consolation of a
friend hardy enough to justify his wicked attempts.
It appears to me that
every step the infatuated Britons have been taking, is but a means of hast-
ning the grandeur and glory of America;- yet still the fears of a fatal
interruption of private and social enjoyment often fill my mind with
gloomy apprehensions. I believe the grandeur, magnificence and wealth
of States seldom promotes, either the virtue or happiness of individuals;-
where there is the most simplicity of life and manners there is most fe-
-licity:- unacquainted with the arts of civilization uncontaminated by
luxury, those virtues which spring up in the soil and are most congenial
to the nature of man have a chance for improvement.
Yet I am no advocate
for savage life: I wish to see America boast in her turn of science
and of Empire,- of Empire not established in the thraldom of nations
but on a more equitable base, on such an exalted plan that while
for mutual security, the authority of rulers is acknowledged, they
may neither be prompted by avarice or ambition to infringe the
natural rights of their fellow-men;- nor debase their own species
by requiring abject and unworthy submissions, where there is little
distinction but what arises from the imperfection of human nature
which makes it necessary to submit to some subordination.
Though such an happy state, such an equal government,
may be considered by some as an Utopian dream; yet you and I
can easily conceive of nations and states rising to the highest consequence
under more liberal plans than are pointed out by the marble-hearted des-
-pots of ancient or modern times.
But I expatiate no longer on the prospects
of public distress nor dwell on the painful sensations of the human heart
in this day of general perplexity, when the hero and the patriot are alternately ex-
hilerated or depressed by the varying aspects of the political Hemisphere;-
nor shall I make an apology for touching on a subject a little out of the line of fe
-male attention, as we are both happily united to such companions as think us capable
of taking part in whatever affects themselves. As for that part of mankind who
think every rational pursuit lies beyond the reach of a sex too generally devoted
to folly, their censure or applause is equally indifferent to your sincere friend
[Asterisk reference mark] * Governor Hutchinson