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I sometime since hinted at the political manoeuvers and the state of parties in this country; since which Mr H—— is again elected the nominal governor of the Massachusetts—he can never be more—he has not the strength either of body or mind for the execution of the office with honour to himself or his country,—and had he the abilities and the virtues necessary to hold the reins with precision or dignity, his caprice would blast his administration.2 A fortunate coincidence of circumstances has established his popularity, and hung such a veil before the eyes of the vulgar, that nothing less than the convulsions of an Earthquake can rend it in sunder; yet the reputation of this Idol of straw has lately been in the wane; his obstinacy, vanity, levity , and ostentation, have created disgust and rendered him contemptible in the eyes of the soberer part of the community; but his partizans have influence enough to divide the Capital: to spread dissention among the people, and prejudice against the firmest patriots in the State. Thus for want of some other center of union, some decided character to command the fickle voice of the multitude who never reason, of the vulgar who never act, but as the instrument of artful men, he secures a reelection from year to year, and probably fixed in the chair for life. When you are ordered to the Court of Great Britain you shall again hear from your humble servant M Warren. mwp1 1. mow’s pen name; see note 2 to l 24 (to jw). 2. Another mow slap at John Hancock, distrusted also by ja. 67 to winslow warren Milton May 4 1783 Expectation is almost worn down & hope ready to give place to fears of the most alarming Nature. Six long months & not a line from a son whose fillial attention used to watch all opportunities of communication. I this day transiently heard you was gone to Montpelier.1 It called up a sigh from the Bottom of a most affectionate Heart, accompanyed with the instant Recollection that the nearer we approach the sun[?] the more 168  to winslow warren, may 1783 familier we become with Vices of every kind. What judicious, experienced, virtuous friend have you chosen for a companion in this dangerous rout? A traviller, a writer of some fame has observed that in the south of France & Italy sins of the blackest dye are not only commited with impunity but boasted of with Audacity, & that it was next impossible for a young Man to escape the sharpers, the gamblers, the abandoned of both sexes—& that he could not enjoy an hour’s Contentment while a son of his was making what is called the tour of Europe. If such were the feelings of a Man of stronger Nerves & bolder advances to the Threshold of Criminallity, judge what must be the agitations of a more tender Bosom. They are too inexpressible for Language to utter, & my pen can only communicate that every hour wafts me to some place where you may possibly reside. The innocent pleasures you may enjoy, the advantages you may reap, or the evils that may overtake you, alternatly crowd on a mind never forgetful of your Honour & Happiness, & when the evening carrys you in my arms to the Throne2 of Heaven, & my lids are closed on the pillow of rest, Imagination presents you before me in a thousand Vicissitudes, & the Dawn awakes me to inquire if my Winslow is safe. Not a sail in sight3 but my eager eyes look out & my heart beats in unison with a Family of amiable sons whose Mornings wishes are that this day may bring tidings agreable from an absent Brother. I have lately wrote via Philadelphia & by a ship bound for England. I cannot form a conjecture where this or those will find you, but if in possession of Health & peace of Mind, the Consequence of Temperance, Moderation , & Integrity, I shall be happy. Fortune is a secondary consideration & Industry & oeconomy will always acquire a sufficiency. The letters enclosed for Mr. Adams you will keep if you find he has embarked for America. I suppose you know he forwarded a resignation of all his employments which Congress received in February. I could have wished you had been with him during your Residence in Europe. I suppose Mr Watson[?]4 will deliver this who is gone by his brother’s Request to enter on Bussiness in England. Yours, yours, affectionately, M Warren mwp2, rc to winslow warren, may 1783  169...

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