To John Adams from Thomas Boylston, 23 December 1782
From Thomas Boylston
London Decm. 23d 1782
Sr
The happy moment is now arrived, the strugle is at an end. America is recognizsed free & independent States: I congratulate you on this important period— I feel myself riseing from that state of dejection, wch always attends uncertain prospects, of great & very interesting events—so far, so well—but all is not completed, tho’ all in a fair way— Its with pleasure I feel myself unshackel’d, & may write an innocent line to a Friend, without hazarding a suspicion or being chargeable with criminal intentions; I’ve often resolved, & as often been deterd from this consideration to write you. the obstruction is now removed
This is a very fine Country, it wanted nothing to complete its happiness, or rather for the continuation of it but political wisdom. O pity! pity!
What an excellent School is Europe! from hence America, without centuries of dear bought experiences, & gropeing in the dark, may at once learn how to direct her riseing empire— I am anxious to know the result of the present negatiation, whether peace or more war, & shall be happy to have a line from you, & if its proper to be favord wh your Opinion, you’re near the light, & your Opinion is of great weight with me— My health every since I’ve been here, has been very indifferent—but like the times its now mending
I am Dear Sr wh much esteem / Your Hume Serv
Tho Boylston1
ps Please to direct to me to Mess. Lane Son & Fraser Merchs London. as soon as you possible can & you’ll Oblige / Your HS
Tho Boylston
RC (Adams Papers); internal address: “To / John Adams Eqr.”
1. Thomas Boylston (1721–1798), first cousin of JA’s mother, was a wealthy former Bostonian who had gone to London in 1779, probably more for mercantile than political reasons. The correspondence that he began with this letter likely was owing to his desire to be involved in the renewal of Anglo-American trade. Boylston lost his fortune in 1793 and served time in prison as a bankrupt due to the failure of Lane, Son, & Frazer, the firm to whom JA was to address any reply. For a lengthy sketch of Boylston, see , 4:342–343.