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

26 to james warren [Although the condition of this letter leaves many words uncertain, it provides a rare glimpse into the Warren household and an idea of how mow managed her family’s affairs, particularly the education of her sons, with her husband absent.] Plimouth Feb 11 1776 [??] how much do I daily stand in need of your advice. I am more & and more convinced how poorly I am qualified for the important [??] providence has bestowed[?] upon me. I wish to acquit myself in such a manner as to gain the approbation of my judge when I am called to give an account of my [??]. I sometimes fear that either my too tender passions or[?] too[?] high a sense of parental authority may land me into error[?]—yet how thankful am I that my Children are about me—amiable creatures. Heaven Gaurd their excellent father through many years to Come and prepare us both for the changes[?] of time. May we equally through the painful and pleasing scenes of life adore the sovereign hand that directs our lot. When my case is filled with good things I will praise the Beneficent [??] and if my brightest hopes are cut off yet will[?] I Glorify his name—though he slay me yet will I trust in the rock of my salvation. I am sensible I do wrong to check[?] the lingering[?] hours[?] away[?] where with the swiftest speed they are flying from us; but how weak is my heart. You can better imagine than I can describe the variety of reflections when my little flock is around me and their papah absent: that croud upon me in spite of myself. The tryals of the day are severe indeed and the anticipations of future scenes of distress often fill with perturbations my too feeling mind. You will perhaps imagine I am in very low spirits. Be not concerned. I am not indeed—so far from it since your absence I have been generally very chearful—I will not say gay—but all your family as well as myself most ardently wish the return of their father. Your little George is standing in the corner at my elbow. With his usual gravity which does not cover his propensity to smile at the request himself desires I would give you the important inteligence that he has caught two [??] birds—thus in Gradation we rise in our views from stage to stage. Henry is reading Telemachus. Charles on the other side the table studying the History of England. Winslow in your armed chair before the fire to james warren, february 1776  67 engaged with plutarch lives and the story of ancient republics. Your Eldest son is on a visit to his Grandfather.1 May they all improve their opportunities in a manner worthy of the sons of a father engaged in the Grand System of American politics [??] and of a mother whose assiduity to guide them properly is quickend by Duty reflection & maternal pride. I want to hear of the manuvers of General Lee among the yorkers.2 How does the affair of Canada affect the spirits of Gen Washington? I suppose his spirits do not sink on the occasion either as a man or as an officer of Valour. By the politeness and friendly expressions in mrs Washington & the other Ladies billets & Letters, I suppose many questions will be asked when you go to head quarters; again about your Marcia. Till then I expect to see those[?] at plimouth—at the houses of the polite, the center of bussiness & the seat of inteligence. I think I should find [??] to entertain the most[?] inquisitive of any [??] and many things worth communicating to [??] but[?] little things [??] for the amusement of your affectionate M Warren mwp2, rc 1. mow carefully catalogs the achievements of her five sons, moving from youngest to oldest. Henry is probably reading John Hawkesworth’s translation of François de Salignac de la Mothe-Fénelon, The Adventures of Telemachus, the Son of Ulysses (London: W. and W. Strahan, 1768). Charles might be consulting any number of popular histories of England —David Hume, Oliver Goldsmith, and Tobias Smollett all had books by that title, although Hume’s was perhaps the best known. Winslow has before him the Greek writer Plutarch, whose Lives of the ancients was near as oft consulted as the Bible during the eighteenth century and existed in numerous editions and translations; as for Winslow’s other book, it could...

Share