James Lovell to Abigail Adams, May 29, 1781
May 29 1781
Yesterday’s Post brought me your Letters of the 10th and 14 with a Copy of March 17. on the
Subject of which I shall be particular when I have a proper Opportunity. 1 I have a Friend 2 to whom I
communicate most unreservedly all the Ocurrences which tend to
govern my Pleasures and my Pains; your Letters will of Course be submitted in that mixt View:
I have already hinted their Influence in the latter; so that there is a Chance of some
Eclaircissement before I can convey them in whole, should you meet each other.
“You have a very small personal Acquaintance with the Lady whom you esteem and
commisserate—you have as little personal Acquaintance with the Gentleman connected with
her.” 3 —Had you greater with both, you could not
fail to think more highly of the former, and not so well or so ill of the latter as you seem
at present to think, if I, who am perfectly intimate with them, may conclude from the
Communications which you have lately made to me.—When I write again on this Subject I shall
transmit some Anecdotes which you will think interesting to your Friend abroad. I believe I
have already told you to see S [amuel] A [dams] as a
Preparative.
I please myself with imagining you had Letters by Capt. Porter who appears to have reached
Boston the 13th. in 27 Days from France. We are still without a Line from Mr. A or Mr.
D [ana] since October.
I shall be attentive to Mr. Cranch if an Occasion offers to Fishkills.
I need not betray the Secrets which I am enjoined to keep. Your Eveship ought to be
satisfied with what the Printers are pleased to give to the good People of Boston-Town. Glory
or Shame, great in Degree of either Kind, depends upon the Behavior of the Americans in the
coming six months, but more especially in the two first. I shudder verily at the Thought. Is
it not almost a Resurrection from the Dead that I am looking for?
And now, avaunt ye Emanations of an honest Pen! Come to my aid ye Products of Insincerity! It is not the candid but the sentimental
to whom I send you.
“I have the Honor to be with the most perfect Consideration Your Excellency’s most
obedt. & devoted humble Servant,”
James Lovell
PS By way of Nota Bene Excellency in English is of both Genders.