 | Letters of Mrs. Adams, |  |
I had written you thus far with an intention of
sending by Davis, but received a card to-day from
Captain Barnard, that he will sail at the same time,
which is a fortnight sooner than I expected. I have
concluded to send by him. I wrote you by Captain
Cushing, on board of whom I got Mr. Elworthy to
put a small present for you, but was much mortified
they were prohibited articles. I hope you will not
meet with trouble on account of them. I cannot but
approve the spirit which dictated the measure; the
causes which gave rise to it must be deplored, for it
is evidently a work of necessity rather than choice.
The luxury, which had made such rapid strides
amongst our countrymen, was more criminal than
that which is founded upon real wealth, for they have
rioted upon the property which belonged to others. It
is a very just observation, that those who have raised
an empire have always been grave and severe; they
who have ruined it have been uniformly distinguished
for their dissipation. We shall wait with impatience
for the result of General Lincoln's expedition.
Much depends upon his success. Government seem
afraid to use the power they have, and recommend
and entreat, where they ought to command; which
makes me apprehend that the evil lies deeper than
the heads or hands of Shays or Shattuck. From
letters received here both from Boston and New
York, it is to be feared that visionary schemes and
ambitious projects are taking possession of men of
property and science; but, before so important an
edifice as an established government is altered or
changed, its foundation should be examined by skilful
artists, and the materials of which it is composed,
duly investigated.
The "Defence of the American Constitutions" is
a work which may, perhaps, contribute to this end,
I lament with you the loss of a worthy man, for
such indeed was the friend of my dear Eliza. Our
own duration is but a span! then shall we meet those
dear friends and relatives who have gone before us,
and be engaged together in more elevated views, and
purer pleasures and enjoyments, than mortality is capable
of. Let this idea soothe the afflicted mind, and
administer balm to the wounded heart. All things
are under the government of a supreme, all-wise
Director; to Him commit the hour, the day, the
year.
| Letters of Mrs. Adams, | |