University of Virginia Library

TO JOHN ADAMS.

Colonel Warren returned last week to Plymouth,
so that I shall not hear any thing from you, until he
goes back again, which will not be till the last of
this month. He damped my spirits greatly by telling

me, that the Court[1] had prolonged your stay
another month. I was pleasing myself with the
thought, that you would soon be upon your return.
It is in vain to repine. I hope the public will reap
what I sacrifice.

I wish I knew what mighty things were fabricating.
If a form of government is to be established
here, what one will be assumed? Will it be left to
our Assemblies to choose one? And will not many
men have many minds? And shall we not run into
dissensions among ourselves?

I am more and more convinced, that man is a
dangerous creature; and that power, whether vested
in many or a few, is ever grasping, and, like the
grave, cries "Give, give." The great fish swallow
up the small; and he, who is most strenuous for the
rights of the people, when vested with power is as
eager after the prerogatives of government. You
tell me of degrees of perfection to which human
nature is capable of arriving, and I believe it, but,
at the same time, lament that our admiration should
arise from the scarcity of the instances.

The building up a great empire, which was only
hinted at by my correspondent, may now, I suppose,
be realized even by the unbelievers. Yet, will not
ten thousand difficulties arise in the formation of it?
The reins of government have been so long slackened,
that I fear the people will not quietly submit
to those restraints, which are necessary for the peace

and security of the community. If we separate
from Britain, what code of laws will be established?
How shall we be governed, so as to retain our liberties?
Can any government be free, which is not
administered by general stated laws? Who shall
frame these laws? Who will give them force and
energy? It is true, your resolutions, as a body,
have hitherto had the force of laws; but will they
continue to have?

When I consider these things, and the prejudices
of people in favor of ancient customs and regulations,
I feel anxious for the fate of our monarchy or
democracy, or whatever is to take place. I soon get
Lost in a labyrinth of perplexities; but, whatever
occurs, may justice and righteousness be the stability
of our times, and order arise out of confusion. Great
difficulties may be surmounted by patience and perseverance.

I believe, I have tired you with politics; as to
news we have not any at all. I shudder at the
approach of winter, when I think I am to remain
desolate.

I must bid you good night; 't is late for me, who
am much of an invalid. I was disappointed last
week in receiving a packet by the post, and, upon
unsealing it, finding only four newspapers. I think
you are more cautious than you need be. All letters,
I believe, have come safe to hand. I have
sixteen from you, and wish I had as many more.