A Rogue and a Runaway

There is, however, still some weakness in my shoulder, though much stronger than when I left Boston, and mending. I am otherwise very happy in being at home, where I am allowed to know when I have eat enough and drunk enough, am warm enough, and sit in a place that I like, &c., and nobody pretends to know what I feel better than I do myself. . . .

George Washington offers his negro Tom for sale (To Capt. Joh. Thompson)

IR:

MOUNT VERNON, 2 July, 1766

With this letter comes a negro (Tom), which I beg the favor of you to sell in any of the Islands you may go to, for whatever he will fetch, and bring me in return from him

One hhd of best molasses

One ditto of best rum

One barrel of lymes, if good and cheap

One pot of tamarinds, containing about 10 lbs

Two small ditto of mixed sweet meats, about 5 lbs. each. And the residue, much or little, in good old spirits. That this fellow is both a rogue and a runaway (tho' he was by no means remarkable for the former, and never practised the latter till of late) I shall not pretend to deny. But that he is exceeding healthy, strong, and good at the hoe, the whole neighborhood can testify, and particularly Mr. Johnson and his son, who have both had him under them as foreman of the gang; which gives me reason to hope he may with your good management sell well, if kept clean and trim'd up a little when offered for sale.

I shall very chearfully allow you the customary commissions on this affair, and must beg the favor of you (lest he should attempt his escape) to keep him handcuffed till you

get to sea, or in the bay, after which I doubt not but you may make him very useful to you.

I wish you a pleasant and prosperous passage, and a safe and speedy return.

John Hancock can live no longer without Dolly

MY

PHILADELPHIA 10th March 1777 10 o'clock evening

DEAR DEAR DOLLY: My Detention at the Ferry & the badness of the Roads prevented my arriving here untill Friday Evening.

I put my things into Mr. Williams' house, and went in pursuit of lodgings. Neither Mrs. Yard nor Lucy could accommodate me. I then went to Smith's & borrowed Two Blankets & returned to my own house; soon after which, Mrs. Smith sent me up a very handsome supper, with a Table cloth, Knives & forks, plates, salt, a print of Butter, Tea, double refined Sugar, a Bowl of Cream, a Loaf of Bread &c. &c. & here I have remain'd & shall do so waiting your arrival. Indeed Mrs. Smith oblig'd me much. I however lead a doleful lonesome life. Tho' on Saturday, I dined at Dr. Shippins'. He desires his Regards. he is as lonesome as I. On Saturday I sat down to Dinner at the little table with Folger on a piece of Roast Beef with Potatoes. We drank your health with all our Baltimore friends. Last night Miss Lucy came to see me, & this morning, while I was at Breakfast on Tea with a pewter tea-spoon, Mrs. Yard came in. She could not stay to Breakfast with me. I spend my evenings at home, snuff my candles with a pair of scissors, which Lucy seeing, sent me a pair of snuffers, & dipping the gravy out of the Dish with my pewter tea spoon, she sent me a large silver spoon, and two silver tea spoons — that I am now quite rich.

An Abundance of Lies

I shall make out as well as I can, but I assure you, my Dear Soul, I long to have you here, & I know you will be as expeditious as you can. When I part from you again it must be a very extraordinary occasion. I have sent everywhere to get a gold or silver rattle for the child with a coral to send, but cannot get one. I will have one if possible on yr. coming. I have sent a sash for her & two little papers of pins for you. If you do not want them you can give them away.

However unsettled things may be I could not help sending for you as I cannot live in this way. We have an abundance of lies. The current report is General Howe is bent on coming here, another report is that the Mercht's at New York are packing their goods & putting them on board ships & that the troops are going away, neither of which do I believe. We must, however take our chances, this you may depend on, that you will be ever the object of my utmost care & attention.

...

I have been exceedingly busy, since I have been here, tho' have not yet made a Congress, are waiting for the South Carolina gentlemen. . . . I hope you will be able to pack up all your things quickly & have them on the way, & that you will soon follow, be careful in packing & do not leave anything behind. Let Harry see that every thing is safely stored in the waggons. I send Mr. Mc Closky, he will be very useful. . . I was exceeding glad to hear from you & hope soon to receive another Letter. I know you will set off as soon as You can. Endeavor to make good stages. You may easily lodge at Mr. Steles' at Bush the first night. It is a good house. must leave those matters to you as the Road must in a great measure determine your Stages. I do not imagine there is any danger of the small-pox on the Road. Wilmington is the most dangerous, but perhaps you can order

However I

your stage so as not to lodge at Wilmington, but go on to Chester. I want to get somebody cleaver to accompany you. I hope to send one to you, but if I should not be able, you must make out as well as you can.

II March

I can't add as I

I will write you by the Post tomorrow. am now call'd on. Take good care of Lydia. I hope no accident will happen. Inclosed you have a few memo. as to pack'g, &c. which I submit to your perusal.

My best reg'ds to Mr. & Mrs. Purviance Capt Nicholson & Lady, Mr. Luce & family & indeed all friends. My love to Miss Katy, tell her to Ransack the house & leave nothing behind. The Waggoners will attend you at all times. Remember me to all in the family. May every blessing of an Indulgent providence attend you. I most sincerely wish you a good journey & hope I shall soon, very soon, have the happiness of seeing you with the utmost affection and Love. My Dear Dolly,

I am yours forever

JOHN HANCOCK

Doctor Bond call'd on me, Desir'd his compliments. He will inoculate the child as soon as it comes.

Mrs. Washington got here on Saturday. I went to see her. She told me she Drank tea with you.

George Washington recounts his diurnal pursuits to James McHenry

SIR,

MOUNT VERNON, 29 May, 1797

DEAR Sindebted to you for several unacknowledged

letters; but never mind that; go on as if you had them. You are at the source of information, and can find many

Respect or Curiosity?

things to relate; while I have nothing to say, that could either inform or amuse a Secretary at War in Philadelphia.

I might tell him, that I begin my diurnal course with the sun; that, if my hirelings are not in their places at that time I send them messages expressive of my sorrow for their indisposition; that, having put these wheels in motion, I examine the state of things further; and the more they are probed, the deeper I find the wounds are which my buildings have sustained by an absence and neglect of eight years; by the time I have accomplished these matters, breakfast (a little after seven o'clock, about the time I presume you are taking leave of Mrs. McHenry), is ready; that, this being over, I mount my horse and ride round my farms, which employs me until it is time to dress for dinner, at which I rarely miss seeing strange faces, come as they say out of respect for me. Pray, would not the word curiosity answer as well? And how different this from having a few social friends at a cheerful board! The usual time of sitting at table, a walk, and tea, brings me within the dawn of candle light; previous to which, if not prevented by company, I resolve, that, as soon as the glimmering taper supplies the place of the great luminary, I will retire to my writing-table and acknowledge the letters I have received; but when the lights are brought, I feel tired and disinclined to engage in this work, conceiving that the next night will do as well. The next comes, and with it the same causes for postponement, and effect, and

so on. ...

John Adams bids his wife COME

NEW YORK, 14 May, 1789

Y DEAREST FRIEND,

ΜΥ

I have received yours of the 5th. If you think it best, leave Thomas at college, but I pray you to come on