Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01786

Author/Creator: Adams, John (1735-1826)

Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts

Type: Autograph letter signed

Date: 28 June 1773

Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 20 x 16 cm.

Summary of Content: Adams also takes the opportunity to thank Macaulay for her help in supporting American interests. He discusses the deteriorating relations with Britain.

People: Adams, John, 1735-1826., Macaulay, Catharine, 1731-1791.

Historical Era: American Revolution, 1763-1783

Full Transcript: Boston June 28th. 1773, Madam, I have taken the Freedom to inclose to you a Letter from a Lady, who is one of the ornaments of her Sex in the Country, and not the less amiable, for being attentive to public affairs, and a Friend to Liberty. She is Daughter, Wife and Sister of Patriots. - The Daughter of Coll, Otis one of the Council, Wife to Coll Warren, a Member of our House of Governers, and one of the most determined Patriots we ever had, and Sister to your Friend Mr Otis of Boston who has Sacrificed himself his Fortune & family in the Cause of his Country -, If you should indulge me in the Pleasure of introducing to your Acquaintance, our American Ladies, I shall become an important character here, I assure you with the Sex. They are all admirers of Mrs Maccaulay -, I have also enclosed, the Proceedings of our Council and House of Representatives, relative to certain Letters - , [2] These Letters have broken the charm, in this Province - They have furnished full proof, of what was suspected by many and fully believed by a few here before, that all our Calamities have originated in the cruel, rapacious Breasts of Some of our own Countrymen - God grant them their Reward!, We are anxious here to know what is meditating for us in England. What is the opinion of People there concerning the controversy last Winter, between the Governer and House, and what they intend to do with us for the future -, We hope to be restored to our old situation - This will give us Peace and restore Harmony and good will. - Nothing short of that will do it - without that I shall never see any thing but Resentment & Rage, Hatred and Dissaffection, and in plain English without that I never shall wish to see any thing else. , [3] I should wish for any Event that can be mentioned rather than a Reconciliation with Great Britain at the Expence of our Liberties. -, It is now generally hoped and expected that the Nation will learn more Wisdom than to suffer themselves to be led blindfold, by a few needy Americans, who have much Ambition, but no Honour, or Virtue -, , I hope I shall not appear, Madam, in your Eyes ill tempered but really, to see a Continent, an Empire danced for Seven Years upon like Puppetts upon the Wires of two mean Americans for no Purpose in the World but to build up their own Families excites more Indignation in me than I can well restrain -, I hope to have the opportunity of returning my Thanks to the Parent Country for restoring us, what she had no Right to take away, and to Mrs Maccaulay in particular for contributing to bring about so happy an Event, mean time I am with great Respect,, Madam, your most obliged & obedient , Servant John Adams, , [docket], J: Adam’s, Boston, 28th. June [struck: 1782], 1773.

Keywords/Subjects: President, Government & Civics, Revolutionary War, Women’s History, Global History and US Foreign Policy, Global History and US Foreign Policy, Literature and Language Arts, Civil Rights

Sub Era: Road to Revolution

LOC Search Terms: United States--Foreign relations--Great Britain--18th century., Massachusetts--History--Colonial period, ca. 1600-1775., Great Britain--Politics and government--1760-1789. , United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783--Causes. , United States. Declaration of Independence--Signers.