and consistent men are forced to take opposite
sides, even at the cost of suffering heavy injustice.
The letter to his wife is here given in full.

=====MY DEAR GIRL===============

This you will get by Mr. Hart's flag of Truce, who is
coming to Boston for his family. I know the disposition
of the Leaders at Boston so well, that I doubt not of his
success. I would have come for you and the boy, but I
thought you would leave your father with reluctance, nor
am I sure that I could have obtained leave for you to come
away, if you were disposed. I fear the resentment of the
people against me may have injured you, but I hope not.
I am sorry such a prejudice has arisen.

Depend upon it, there never was the least truth in that
infamous newspaper publication charging me with ingratitude,
etc. I am happy that they have had [to have] recourse
to falsehood to vilify my character. Attachment to
the old Constitution of my country is my only crime with
them--for which I have still the disposition of the primitive
martyr.

I hope and believe you want no pecuniary assistance. If
you should you may apply to some of my friends or your relations.
You may then use my name with confidence that
they shall be amply satisfied. I believe I shall have the
power, I am sure I shall have the will, to recompense them
again.

I somewhat expect to see you in a few months--perhaps
not before I have seen England. In the meanwhile, my dear
Girl, take care of your own and the Boy's health. He may
live to be serviceable to his country in some distant period.

[[150]]

p149 _ -chap- _ toc-1 _ p150w _ toc-2 _ +chap+ _ p151

v?