Macaulay, Catharine (1731-1791) to John Adams
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01785.02 Author/Creator: Macaulay, Catharine (1731-1791) Place Written: London Type: Autograph letter signed Date: August 1773 Pagination: 2 p. ; 34 x 22 cm. Order a Copy
CM's retained copy noting that Hutchinson's fall will be an example to others who try to destroy American liberty.
[struck: Dear Sr]
[struck: The fav Your favor of the 19 of April relieved me from the Disagreeable [inserted:state] of uncertainty I was not sure you had received my letter.]
I was very sorry to find by your favor of the 19 of April that you had so many good reasons [inserted: to allow] for the Depriving me this long of the pleasure of your Correspondence we simpathise [sic] so much in mind and Body that you cannot think me guilty of [struck: flattery when] compliment when I say that I was much concerned at the account you gave me [struck: both] of the [struck: situations] [inserted: state] of your own health and the situation of your public Affairs [struck: but] these are some matters of importance which [struck: coming out] [inserted: have come to light] since the reception of your letter which will be I hope leading steps to the Amendment if not the thorough reformation of that unjust system of policy which for too long prevailed [struck: amongst] [struck: amongst you] [inserted: in your government] and filled the minds of your patriots with [struck: very] melencholly [sic] Apprehensions for the future [struck: fate] State of America.
[struck: We] I have just received intelligence that Governor Hutchinson desired leave to resign [struck: may]. The sacked have fallen into the pit they have digged [sic] for others. May [struck: his] [inserted: Hutchinson's] example be a warning to the rest of your Countrymen for if American Liberty is destroyed the Destruction will be effected by [struck: Vipers nourished in her own Bosom] the Vipers which she Nourishes in her own Bosom.
Your controversy with General Brattle afforded me a [struck: great] [inserted: good] Deal of amusement. I am fond of the subject when treated with any Degree of perspicuity [struck: and as the Vulger]. Practical assertion and plausible argument has a greet [sic] influence on the judgement of the vulger [sic] and on that consideration had you not received a challenge the pains you took [struck: on the subject] [inserted: in the controversy] was undoubtedly well bestowed.
In the next Letter which I have the honor of receiving from you I hope to hear that the appearance of a renovation of the Union betwixt the Colonies is become a reality. It is the [illegible] and Divisions which has always subsisted among you that has encouraged Ministers to attempt those innovations which if submitted to naturally lead to the subversion of your Liberty.
I am Yrs with great Esteem
Your very Obed. Humble Serv.
Catherine Macaulay
London
August: 1773
[Docket:]
1773 August
Mr. Adams Letter and Answer
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.