University of Virginia Library

TO JOHN ADAMS.

I have just returned from a visit to my brother with
my father, who carried me there the day before yesterday,
and called here on 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;—as having only put off its present glory, 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 prepare

for war," (if this may be called a time of peace,)
resounds throughout the country. Next Tuesday they
are warned at Braintree, all above fifteen and under
sixty, to attend with their arms; and to train once a
fortnight from that time is a scheme which lies much
at heart with many.

Scott 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 particulars 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 discovered
by one who endeavoured to dissuade them from
it. He being threatened with his life, applied to Justice
Quincy for protection. They conducted in this
way, got an Irishman to draw up a petition to the
Governor, telling him they would fight for him provided
he would arm them, and engage to liberate
them if he conquered. And it is said that he attended
so much to it, as to consult Percy upon it, and
one Lieutenant Small has been very busy 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 always appeared a most iniquitous scheme to me
to fight ourselves 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 as
much safer where you are, but know it will not do
for you;—not one action has been brought to this
court,—no business of any sort in your way,—all
law ceases, and the gospel will soon follow; for they
are supporters of each other. Adieu, my father hurries
me.