In lieu of an abstract, here is a brief excerpt of the content:

who think every rational pursuit lies beyond the reach of a sex too generally devoted to folly, their censure or applause is equally indifferent to your sincere friend M Warren mwp1 1. Note is added: “Governor Hutchison.” Hutchinson would leave for England at the end of June 1774, to be replaced by Gage. This letter must have been written sometime before his departure. 2. This letter includes an important statement of mow’s republican ideals. By “liberal” she means freedom of individuals from governmental interference. 11 to hannah quincy lincoln [The recent widow of Dr. Bela Lincoln, Hannah Lincoln had known mow for many years. Hannah Lincoln’s brother-in-law, Benjamin Lincoln, lived in Hingham, Plymouth County, and later served as a general during the Revolutionary War. Her nephew, Benjamin Lincoln Jr., later married mow’s niece, Mary Otis. This letter reflects the complex rhetorical strategies employed by mow when linking together family, social ties, gender, and politics during the great uncertainties facing New Englanders in 1774.] Boston, June 12, 1774 I am very sorry Mrs. Lincoln should feel any pain arising from our late agreeable interview;—I own I recollect nothing in the short conversation I had with her, that should occasion it; nor has she any reason to regret the frankness of her disposition, as it exposed her to no censure, even had I been inclined to make an ill use of her confidence. I know not why any gentleman of your acquaintance should caution you not to enter any particular subject when we should meet.1 I should have a very ill opinion of myself, if any variation of sentiment with regard to political matters, should lessen my esteem for the disinterested, undesigning, and upright heart;—and it would argue great want of candour to think there was not many such (more especially among our own sex) who yet judge very differently with regard to the calamities of our unhappy country, and the to hannah lincoln, june 1774  29 authors of its misery. But though every mind of the least sensibility, must be greatly affected with the present distress; and even a female pen might be excused for touching on the important subject; yet I will not undertake to give a full answer to the queries proposed by my friend; for as the wisest among the other sex are much divided in opinion, it might justly be deemed impertinent, or rather sanguine for me to decide. I can only wish that those measures may be adopted, that will tend most to the welfare of the community, and to the universal happiness of mankind, and however persons may differ with regard to the particular mode of action to promote that end, I think it clear that the cultivation of internal harmony, and a steady resolution among ourselves to practice the great duties of self denial and charity, will be more likely to repel the shafts of the oppressor, than the drawing forth the weapons of violence. Greatly must every generous and manly mind [??] at the thought of setting down quietly, under the yoke of bondage; yet one would think that all parties must agree to deprecate the calamities that must arise, if this people are at last pushed to extremities, and to unite in praying that the civil sword, may never be brandished over our heads. You ask why did we urge on this sudden display of ministerial power? In return let me ask by whose avarice and ambition the people were precipitated to take some rash and unjustifiable steps? Mankind are generally inclined to submission to rulers, and I believe history will furnish few instances of universal murmur , except when power is made, by the corrupt passions of governors, the instrument of tyranny. You need not apologize for favouring me with a line; I should have returned an answer by your messenger according to your request had I been in town, but I did not return from Cambridge till Saturday last. Be assured it will always give me pleasure to hear from Mrs Lincoln and believe her to be unfeignedly your friend, who to whatever she writes chooses to subscribe at large the name of M Warren mwp1 1. It is not entirely clear what this conversation entailed, except that it involved rival political views. Hannah Lincoln’s brother, Josiah Quincy, later in the year undertook a secret mission to Britain to find a resolution to the colonial conflict, and mow’s...

Share