Edm[und] Quincy autograph letter signed to Dolly Quincy, April 22, 1775; Boston, [Province of Massachusetts Bay] Handed to Benjamin Church to be delivered to its recipient, but instead turned over to Thomas Gage by Dr. Church.

From the Thomas Gage Papers, American Series.

Boston (a Garison’d town) Ap^l. 22^d. 1775

Dear Dolly

I’ve an opport^y (unexpected) by Doct^r. Church, Just to / tell you, that I’m kept from my intended Journey to L-ton & Lanc^r. / by restraint of Princes – endeavors are rising to obtain an opening / but how soon, none know! . It’s y^e will of Heaven, that it should / be thus – ! – To His Will, let us learn Submission, thro, all the / Changing Scenes of a Short uncertain Life – I may God we / may all learn this profitable Lesson, that we ^{^may} be reaping the / advantage at all times, especially in a time of Sharp trials, to / w^ch. we are in every State more or less liable

We are generally in good health – but as generally under / great sorrow, for the loss of so many humane lives, Wednesday / last: Pray the God of Armies to restrain Man, from further / Attempts of a Similar kind – Your Bro^r & family / propose removal – to providence – if the Gates are opened to / us – your Trunk is hear – if mine go, yours will also –

I condole with Mad^m. Hancock, & you, under present & late / Circumstances of things – I hope to see you soon, if it please God / Interim recommending you to his protection, w^th all your near / Connexions in this devoted town – I am ^{^with} my Sincere regards to Mad^m H. / M^r. Clark & Lady – , Dear Child, your Affectionate Father & Friend / Edm: Quincy

Your S. Sewall distress’d, with y^e view the she of things

[Written perpendicularly along the left margin]

I hope M^r H. is well on his Journey – you are happy in y^o. being out of this town – tho^h y^e Gov^r. Speaks fair He / is much troubled himself.