Mercy Otis Warren to Abigail Adams, March 10, 1780

Plimouth March 10th 1780

I have to thank my Friend Mrs. Adams for a very agreable Letter Received a few days since. I shall make no other Apology for my long silence, but a Frank acknowledgment that I had layed asside my pen in Complesance to her, supposing her time and Attention taken up in more profitable correspondencies. But shall Fail at no time to shew myself Equally ready to Resume it. I Rejoice in the Happy opportunity to Congratulate you on Mr. Adams’s arrival in Europe. [I] hope by this time you have Letters, which are the best and almost the only Consolation in the absence of such Friends.

I am obliged for the Communication of some Extracts from Mr. Adams’s Friends in France. I think they shew both the spirit of the times and the Industry of our Enemies, but I think they Contain nothing to enhaunce your fears.

The probity of the best of Men may for a time be suspected. But when there is a uniform principle of Integrity, a Man May bid Defiance to the stings of Calumny, for the General sense of Truth still Remaining among mankind will in time do justice to his Character.

Curiosity burns not so high in my Bosom as it has done in Former Days. I feel more Indiferent to the transactions on a Theatre which will soon be taken down, or the actors Removed to more permanent scenes. Yet if there is anything Communicable in your Late letters, it may be an amusement of a solitary Moment, and prolong the Obligations of Friendship.