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I now only add my fervent prayers for the most permanent happiness to you and yours. As ever I subscribe your most affectionate Sister, Mercy Warren mwp13 1. The letter reads “1770,” but the beating of James Otis by the customs official Robinson took place in early September 1769; it is unlikely mow would have waited several months to respond to an event she learned of quickly. 2. mow refers to jo2’s daughters, Elizabeth and Mary, and Mercy and James’s father, Colonel James Otis. 3. This letter exists as a copy of a draft in what has commonly been referred to as the Letterbook, a collection of mow letters copied out by her son James. See the Editorial Note for discussion of the problems this text presents. At the top of this letter is written “To the Honble Mr Otis after the abuse of Robinson and party—.” 2 to james warren [mow had married James Warren (1726–1808) of Plymouth, a Harvard graduate, in 1754; by 1772, they had produced five sons and had become a prominent family in town. jw often traveled for reasons of governmental business and thus became the recipient of a number of mow letters. Many of their letters reflect the late eighteenth-century understanding of the “companionate” marriage, one in which the couple forms a kind of partnership of friends, both of whom are committed to the welfare not only of the family but also of society. Such a marriage begged a near equality, at least in the eyes of each partner, and jw appears to have supported mow in her efforts both to run the household and to enter into public political debate through her writing.] Plimouth April 22 1772 The fond and affectionate friend of my heart tho absent but a day will doubtless think me inexcusable if I omit to let him know that I am as well as when he left me. All the pain I have suffer’d since that time is on to james warren, april 1772  5 his account. The impetuous Hurricane1 of yesterday shook my trembling heart when I considered one exposed to its pearcing Blasts whose health is precarious and yet all my earthly Happiness depending on the continuance of his life but I will hope you escaped every ill effect from this circumstance and that you will soon return Both well & happy. My Family is greatly Lesson’d for besides the alteration of Teusday I’ve consented to let Henry go to Barnstable this morning with mr N. Winslow2 but do not [be] concerned about me. I find some of the ancients most exclent company, whilst others are holding up to veiw the wickedness of mankind in its Blackest array at the same time teaching the Vanity of all Human greatness. And now I have got to the bottom of my page I shall conclude or follow my own inclination and fill another. If you will promise not to Laugh at the scribler (as you sometimes call her) I will go on to inform you (as the only peace of inteligence I can think of) that I had the agreable company of miss P Winslow last Night who proposes to continue this kindness through the week and Let me just observe that I think this is not a singular instance of a whig and a Tory Lodging in the same bed and believe there are very few instances where there is so great regard for Each other as between the parties above mention’d.3 Gardning goes on finely to day under the direction and assistance of your industrious son who refused to go to Barnstable least he shou’d by it Loose the opportunity of going when his Aunt Otis comes. You know his great affection for that Lady to whom my best regards when you see her. Thursday Evening. I supose you are by this time much Engaged in politicks . Wishing you may help to stear the ship right I take Leave for the present only repeating that I am with the same respect & reason as usual your affectionate Wife Mercy Warren mwp2, rc 1. Given the date, by “Hurricane” she means strong wind, possibly a nor’easter. Hurricanes occasionally hit New England, but not at this early date in the season. 2. Her son Henry (1764–1828) is going possibly with Edward “Ned” Winslow Jr. (1746–1815), son of Edward Winslow (1713–84), a leading Tory in Plymouth. jw...

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