University of Virginia Library

TO JOHN ADAMS.

I received by the Deacon two letters from you, this
day, from Hartford. I feel a recruit of spirits upon
the reception of them, and the comfortable news
which they contain. We had not heard any thing
from North Carolina before, and could not help feeling
anxious, lest we should find a defection there,
arising more from their ancient feuds and animosities,
than from any settled ill-will in the present contest;
but the confirmation of the choice of their delegates
by their Assembly, leaves not a doubt of their
firmness; nor doth the eye say unto the hand,"I
have no need of thee." The Lord will not cast off
his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance.
Great events are most certainly in the womb of futurity;
and, if the present chastisements which we
experience have a proper influence upon our conduct,
the event will certainly be in our favor. The distresses
of the inhabitants of Boston are beyond the power of


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language to describe; there are but very few who are
permitted to come out in a day; they delay giving
passes, make them wait from hour to hour, and their
counsels are not two hours together alike. One day,
they shall come out with their effects; the next day,
merchandise is not effects. One day, their household
furniture is to come out; the next, only wearing
apparel; the next, Pharaoh's heart is hardened,
and he refuseth to hearken to them, and will not let
the people go. May their deliverance be wrought
out for them, as it was for the children of Israel. I
do not mean by miracles, but by the interposition of
Heaven in their favor. They have taken a list of
all those who they suppose were concerned in watching
the tea, and every other person whom they call
obnoxious, and they and their effects are to suffer
destruction.

Yours,
Portia.