Boston Garison Sepbr. 22 1774
I have
just returnd from a visit to my Brother, with my Father who carried
me there the day before yesterday, and call'd here in my return to
see this much injured Town. I view it with much the same sensations that I
should the body of a departed Friend, only put of[f] its present Glory, for to
rise finally to a more happy State. I will not despair, but will believe that
our cause being good we shall finally prevail. The Maxim in time of peace
prepair for war, (if this may be call'd a time of peace) resounds
throughout the Country. Next tuesday they are warned at Braintree all above 15
and under 60 to attend with their arms, and to train once a fortnight from that
time, is a Scheme which lays much at heart with many.
Scot has arrived,
and brings news that he expected to find all peace and Quietness here as he
left them at home. You will have more particuliars than I am able to send you,
from much better hands. There has been in Town a conspiracy of the Negroes. At
present it is kept pretty private and was discoverd by one
who endeavourd to diswaid them from it—he
being threatned with his life, applied to justice Quincy for
protection. They conducted in this way—got an Irishman to draw up a
petition letting to the Govener telling him they would fight for him
provided he would arm them and engage to liberate them if he conquerd, and it
is said that he attended so much to it as to consult Pircy upon it, and one
[Lieut.?] Small has been very buisy and active. There is but little said, and
what Steps they will take in consequence of it I know not. I wish most
sincerely there was not a Slave in the province.
It allways appeard a most iniquitious Scheme to me—fight
ourselfs for what we are daily robbing and plundering from those who have as
good a right to freedom as we have. You know my mind upon this Subject.
I left all our
little ones well, and shall return to them to night. I hope to hear from you by
the return of the bearer of this and by Revere. I long for the Day of your
return, yet look upon you much safer where you are, but know it will not do for
you. Not one action has been brought to this court, no buisness of
any sort in your way. All law ceases, and the Gosple will soon follow, for they
are supporters of each other. Adieu. My Father hurries me. Yours most
sincerely,
Abigail Adams
SOURCE: Massachusetts
Historical Society, The Adams Family
Papers: An Electronic Archive, https://www.masshist.org/digitaladams/archive/doc?id=L17740922aa,
accessed April 29, 2024
