[60] The date of Mr. Adams's departure.
[61] Letter of Mr. Adams, 29 September, 1774.
[62] See the Memoir of the Life of Josiah Quincy, Jr., by his son, Josiah Quincy, p. 182.
[63] James Warren, of Plymouth.
[64] One of these letters has been preserved. The writer was at this time seven years old. His subsequent career may make it interesting enough to print. It is written in a tolerably good, boy's hand, as follows:—
October 13, 1774.
Sir,—I have been trying ever since you went away to learn to write you a letter. I shall make poor work of it; but, sir, mamma says you will accept my endeavors, and that my duty to you may be expressed in poor writing as well as good. I hope I grow a better boy, and that you will have no occasion to be ashamed of me when you return. Mr. Thaxter says I learn my books well. He is a very good master. I read my books to mamma. We all long to see you. I am, sir, your dutiful son,
John Quincy Adams.
29. John Adams.
Hartford,[65] 30 April, 1775.