with the Spirit of Enterprize to make such Acquisitions as wd ensure a safe & lasting Peace.  But if Europe shall remain quiet & Britain with the Acknowledgmt of our Independence shd pro pose Terms of Accommodation, would it be safe for America to leave Canada, Nova Scotia & Florida in her hands.  I do not feel my self at a loss to answer this Question; but I wish to be fortified with the Sentiments of my judicious Friends.  You may easily discern that I write this Letter in the utmost Hurry.  Adieu.

1 Massachusetts Bay.

2 William Cooper.

To Mrs. Adams.

[Ms., Samuel Adams Papers, Lenox Library.]

Philade March 7-1779—­

MY DEAR BETSY

Yesterday your obliging Letter of the 3d of February was deliverd to me by Mr Hoskins.  I thank you for the Concern you express for my Health, which through the Divine Favor I again enjoy as usual.  The Advice you give me on this Head shall be duly regarded.

Your Wish that I would resign the Office of Secretary perfectly coincides with my own Inclination.  I never sought for that or any other Place.  Indeed I never was pleasd with it, for Reasons which you are not unacquainted with.  I am very sorry for Mr ——­ that he should treat me with Unkindness.  I never gave any just occasion for it; but if he was bid to do it, how could he disobey?  I heartily forgive him, for I do verily believe it did not proceed from the Malevolence of his Heart.  To do him Justice I must say he is a good naturd Man, and would do the Duties of that office better than I should.  But if he depends upon the Interest of a certain popular Gentleman he may be disappointed; for he proposd last Summer to Mr L, who mentiond it to me with a generous Disdain.  But a Change of Place oftentimes induces a Change of Opinion, and even a Promise made in York Town or Philadelphia, may be forgot in the Hurry of Affairs in Boston.  I do not think Mr A. is my Enemy; or if he is, I am under no great Apprehensions from it.  There are others who are of much more Consideration, at least in their own Estimation than he; and even these might upon certain Conditions be made my Friends.  I mean as much my Friends as they are or can be to one another.  A few flattering Speeches to this Man, and a Promise to that, of a Vote & Interest to keep him snug in the Possession of Places & Emoluments would effectually secure their gracious Smiles.  But who would condescend to such Baseness for the Friendship of any Man?  Let those who can do this, enjoy the Fruits of it.  I do not covet them upon such Terms.  I should become contemptible in my own Eyes; and you know that I had rather be despisd by all the World, hard as my Fate would be, than to be conscious to my self that I deservd Contempt.