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the main admiralty court itself was located in Halifax, too far away for convenient prosecution , leading to the use of local courts instead to try sugar smugglers. Therefore, by date and by location, it may more likely refer to the Gaspee Commission, established by King George III to find out the culprits in the burning of the British ship Gaspee and send them to England for trial. The commission held its first formal meetings in January 1773. See David S. Lovejoy, Rhode Island Politics and the American Revolution, 1760–1776 (Providence , R.I.: Brown University Press, 1958), 40–47, 158–65. 5. Although mow does not indicate specific persons, she means to contrast the supporters of Governor Thomas Hutchinson to anti-administration people like the Warrens and Winthrops, a rhetorical point she will use for nearly the rest of her writing career. 6. Hannah’s husband, John Winthrop, whose importance as one of the leading scientists in America mow celebrates in the poetic fragment she quotes. Although the phrase “vast ethereal” occurs in Milton’s Paradise Lost, the lines here appear to be her own. 7. Note added at bottom of page: “Jonathan Sewall a notorious scribler in favour of Bernard and Hutchinson.” Jonathan Sewall wrote a number of political compositions for the loyalist side using the pen name Philalethes. Although he used that pen name occasionally before this date, Sewall’s most important Philalethes writings came later in the year, in defense of Thomas Hutchinson, after publication of private letters showed Hutchinson seemed to desire suppression of colonial freedoms. The note refers also to the absentee royal governor, Francis Bernard, whom mow tarred with nearly the same brush as she did Hutchinson. Sewall was a supporter of Governor Bernard and was appointed sole judge of admiralty in Massachusetts at Bernard’s behest. James Otis openly opposed Sewall’s appointment and what mow termed “the dangerous aspect of this court” for the colonies (History of the Rise, Progress, and Termination of the American Revolution [Boston: Larkin , 1805], 1:47). 5 to hannah fayerwether tolman winthrop Plymouth April 1773 How often have my worthy friends been called to exhibit the most painful part of the drama of life. But as they have hitherto acquitted themselves to the general approbation of the spectators on this little theatre of action I have no doubt they will obtain that also of the Judge of every excellence ;—what an ample recompence this, for the most disquieting movements we can suffer in this temporary existence. 12  to hannah tolman winthrop, april 1773 If I have forgot to whom I am writing, and have insensibly addressed myself not only to my dear Mrs Winthrop—but to one whose life enforces the precepts of christianity, while his learning and abilities give a specimen of the heights to which the human mind is capable of soaring, he will forgive the ebullitions of friendship, ready to streach1 its weak hand where it is least needed. Are you my dear madam in danger of sinking into melancholy with such a preceptor by your side? Shall the possession of distinguished advantages be a reason for imbittering the present enjoyments, by a dread of a resumption? But alas! the imbecillity of my own mind! I would endeavour to assist my friend to arm her against the day of sorrow, yet at the same moment, do I not anticipate for myself the same evils deprecated by my friend. I am convinced of my own folly, and would persuade her to be less apprehensive of probable afflictions. Notwithstanding the wasted health of those we hold most dear, they may yet live to weep over our dissolving frames and send the mournful sigh after the scattered particles of dust, long after the darksome tomb has hidden us from them and from the world.2 You are not mistaken when you think I bear a part with you in the infelicities, and the comforts that are allotted you. I most sincerely wish that the ray of hope which you observe has lately smiled upon you may be brightened and multiplied to the extent of your wishes. In answer to another part of your late letter, I must tell you you judge right when you imagine I would not exchange my retired manner of life for the elegant refinements of modern dissipation. Indeed I am at present so distant from the centre of polite amusements, that I know not who you mean by a late...

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