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I fear it will be long before Harvard will see the chair of the Professor filled by a man of equal honour, dignity, and ability. Sure I am from my own feelings, his particular friends will never forget his virtues, though his country may grow cold to his memory; but his literary fame will live with the Newtons of every age. It is but a few days since I called on a family at the foot of Penn’s Hill4 on my way from Boston. I found them well—and as happy as possible in the absence of a fond father and an affectionate husband; but the lady of the mansion will be more particular, who will write by this conveyance. When you recieve this you will have so much reading before you from other hands, that I am convinced I ought to detain you no longer. I will only subscribe the name of your friend M Warren mwp15 1. The suburb of Paris where Benjamin Franklin had established the headquarters of the American diplomatic mission to France. 2. Supporters and associates of the American diplomat Silas Deane. 3. It is unclear precisely what mow refers to here, unless she means a loose translation of Cicero’s “O tempora, O mores!”—O the times, O the manners of people. The letter contains no close quotation marks. 4. The Adams home in Braintree, Massachusetts. 5. This letter exists as an rc and is published in wal2: 113–15. 46 to winslow warren [In 1779, mow’s son Winslow was living in Boston, gaining, it seems, a reputation for pleasure seeking while ostensibly trying to establish himself in the trade business during wartime. Always her favorite son, ww brought on himself many admonitory letters from his mother, which represent a fascinating glimpse into a republican mother’s conflicted desires to honor a son’s independence while calling him to account on the republican score of virtue. In 1780, ww would set off for Europe, only to be captured by the British, as later letters and notes make clear.] to winslow warren, december 1779  117 Plymouth December 4th 1779 When a young gentleman first enters the more conspicuous stages of life and begins to tread the circle which circumscribes all the world can give, there are few things which are attended with more advantage than a just knowledge of the characters of those who court his acquaintance. Thus guarded, he may transact business with reputation, and toast the amusements adapted to his own age, untangled by the silken snares that have proved fatal to the virtue of thousands who started at the image of vice till grown familiar by imperceptible deviations:—deviations which he never would have slidden into but from a too intimate connexion with those, in whom genius may occasionally sparkle, though the attic[?] flame was never lighted in their bosoms; this must be kindled by an higher principle than that which animates the deistical caviller.1 As I write with the warm emotions of maternal tenderness, strengthened by the reciprocalitie of friendship and confidence (a light in which at a certain stage I wish to view my sons) I shall touch the outlines of the character of a person concerning whom you lately inquired; a character dangerous to society, more especially the younger part who are easily caught by the eternal appearance of affluence and the gaudy shew of wealth which raises a temporary esteem whatever guilt may be accumulated in the acquisition. By the advantages of some early knowledge of the world he can adapt[?] his demeanor to the taste of different circles, and his manners are smoothed by an intimate connexion with a lady of delicacy. He has studied the belles lettres sufficiently to converse with ease, whether the subject is business, politics, or pleasure. Yet a bully without courage he challenges without design; and in the true spirit of chivalry advances in defence of a bubble blown up in his own imagination, to which he affixes the abused, prostituted name of honour. But amidst an assemblage of vices, quick feelings, and great good nature , the love of gaming has the ascendancy over every other passion—and with paws extended as a beast of prey he sallies round in the nocturnal shade to catch the unwary and to mark the steps of young acquired wealth. While he smiles at his own success more from weakness than malignity, and makes use of every art...

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