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3. In Greek mythology, the Amphyctions were guardians of religion and of the riches in the Temple of Delphos. A similar reference is made in The Federalist Papers in Paper No. 18, December 7, 1787. 28 to dorothy quincy hancock [The correspondent below, Dorothy Quincy Hancock (1747–1830), was the daughter of Edmund Quincy and thus cousin to mow’s acquaintances Hannah Quincy Lincoln and Josiah Quincy Jr. Dolly, as she was nicknamed, married the wealthy merchant and Revolutionary political figure John Hancock (1737–93) on August 28, 1775, and by him had two children: Lydia in 1776 (although she died in 1777) and George Washington in 1778, about whom more will be said in the notes to l 85. The Warrens and John Hancock, although on the same side in the war, differed politically; by 1778, jw and Hancock were rivals for the influence of Massachusetts’s future course. Although at the time of this letter the Warrens already had doubts about John Hancock’s commitment to the republican cause, mow swallows those in order to continue contact with the politician’s “lady,” renewing a friendship that must have begun well before Dolly’s marriage.] Plymouth [c. April] 17761 Madam I know my dear and much respected friend is led by her general benevolence , to wish to hear from any one in her own distressed Province; but from many circumstances, I have reason to flatter myself the motives of private friendship, will make a line acceptable from one, who, with the most cordial sincerity congratulates her on every event that contributes to her satisfaction and repose. While the sword hung over us, and devastation and flame were daily threatning to pervade the Capital, one could scarcely write without mixing in every sentence some reflections too painful for your tender feelings to peruse, with out dropping the tears of pity over your native town;—but now the hostile invader (with remarkable precipitations) is driven before 72  to dorothy hancock, april 1776 the brave, magnanimous, humane commander of the American forces, do not more cheerful accents become us? Yet will we stand still and adore that superintending providence which secretly directs the operations of men. While we detest the ignominious plunderers of Boston, and admire the traits of greatness which mark the footsteps of their conqueror, let us never forget that he who rules creation with a glance, has caused the guilty to fly; and that it is he alone who inspires with valour, virtue, and wisdom, sufficient to defeat the machinations of an obstinate, powerful and unrelenting foe. I shall not pretend madam to write you any thing by way of intelligence at this interesting period, when every passenger has his tale and every tongue is eager to communicate, even the minutia of public transactions, and military manoeuvres, as well as the more remarkable occurrences of private life. Yet though affection and esteem were my inducements for taking up the pen, I cannot help chatting a little with my excellent friend on the political aspects which seem to threaten the downfall of kingdoms and the rise of empires. But while we rejoice at the opening glories of America, who can forbear to pity that infatuated power which has imbrued its hands in the blood of its children? Nor will the compassionate tear cease to flow when we survey the interruption of social felicity and the many sacrifices of happiness and life which must doubtless be made before the contest subsides. When America takes her rank among the nations, which I hope we shall soon see, what will become of that misguided prince whose scepter and peace, whose conscience and crown he seems determined to hazard at the altar of despotism. But I leave him to his own fate to make an observation on a more respectable character, on one whose conscious worth sets him above the regalia of Kings. The men who amidst the elegancies of affluence quits the delights of domestic felicity, and from the noblest principles engages in defence of his country and through all the fatigues and horrors of war appears with peculiar dignity:—When to the courage and intrepidity of the hero, is added the virtues of social and private life, we know not which to admire most, the patriot, the friend, or the husband. Though madam you are not acquainted with General Washington, you will know this is a resemblance of his character;—he and his agreeable Lady left us...

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