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Macaulay, Catharine (1731-1791) to John Adams

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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

Macaulay, Catharine, 1731-1791
Adams, John, 1735-1826
Hutchinson, Thomas, 1711-1780

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