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real stability. If he acquires it to day he will perhaps convince the world tomorrow that he knows not how to make a proper use thereof—and probably will barter it the next hour as a useless bauble to the first officious master that will take the burthen from his shoulders. Are you madam writing the history of American affairs for the last twenty years as is reported? If you are I shall be happy to see it;—if you are not you shall have the annals in two or three volumes collected,1 if life is spared by your friend and Humble Servt M Warren mwp1 1. mow’s history of the Revolution, a work in three volumes that would not appear until 1805, fourteen years after Catharine Macaulay Graham’s death. 88 to james warren [On March 24, jw departed Massachusetts for New York, the seat of the new federal government, in order to secure compensation he felt he was owed for his several years as a member of the Navy Board for the Eastern Department. It is quite possible he made one last effort to secure government positions for his sons. He returned in May, apparently unsuccessful at both missions.] Plimouth March 29 1790 I this morning received yours of the 21 and 24th Instant & might exact all my patience to wait the posts since at York when I hope I shall receive letters replete with chearful expectation of a safe return after an absence too long for my affection & my feelings, yet depend upon it I behave very well & keep up my spirits remarkably. Why should I not? I have many blessings & all have been long crowned with the company & conversation of the best of friends. This absence was necessary & I have some confidence in providence & trust that neither you nor your family will regret this journey, though a little disagreable in the beginning. I am more anxious for your health than anything yet the journey may be advantageous [??] in that aspect. I anticipate the pleasure I think you will receive[?] in your progress to james warren, march 1790  223 home in a pleasanter season, even if you are not successful in your bussiness , but I have not the least doubt you will be partially so if not fully, but be that as it will, you will have done your duty & what can man do more? We will be contented & gratful to the end of our race. The weather is here cold, raw, & gloomy, but I am very well, keep close within doors. My books & my pen are all my amusement but when it grows a little warm shall crawl, or rather play cat with the spring birds. April 2d I contemplate you now in the bustle & [??] of the great city where I hope you will find more pleasure than you expected & as much success as you wish. I find to my surprise every body knows your business in its full extent . Many will be sorry & I suppose some will rejoice if you do not succeed , but I have no Idea that you will not in some shape or other. A certain young man must be wretched if you do not—to be longer Idle in this Idle place is dreadful—yet he keeps up tolerable good spirits. I long to hear from you & to hear that you are well & chearful. If you are we shall do very well here till you return and much better afterwards. My expectations & hopes—my experience of the past goodness of providence & confidence in its future support gives me tranquil days & closes my lids peacefully at night. I am indeed very well, so do not let your mind suffer the smallest anxiety on my account. Politics—I hear little off & care less about. We have suffered too much by [??] attentions to the public weal ever again to be solicitous for modes, forms, or consequences of governmental systems—yet curiosity in some measure be kept awake & if not interrupted by public injustice or private vexation, the manuvers of polititions & the ligitations of speculators & asurers1 may be some amusement. I believe you have done very well indeed with regard to a certain publication .2 You observe much fortitude is necessary after such a plunge on the sea of public opinion, but I some how or other feel very easy as to that matter. I have lived too long to be much affected by anything the world can say either of person or productions. I enclose a copy of a Dedication. When you have perused it...

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