TO ELBRIDGE GERRY.

[J.  T. Austin, Life of Elbridge Gerry, vol. i., pp. 310, 311.]

Boston, Dec. 20, 1779.

My dear sir,

Last Saturday the two houses of assembly of this state made choice of yourself and Mr. Osgood to represent them in the convention recommended by the joint committees of the five eastern states to be held at Philadelphia.  As it was a doubt in the minds of some of the members, whether so many of the other states would send their agents as to make a convention, it was thought prudent to leave it to the gentlemen who represent this state in congress, to agree upon any two of their number for that service.  But it was overruled for several reasons; one was, that it was necessary to send one gentleman at least, immediately from hence, because it was supposed such an one must be better acquainted with particular circumstances in this state, necessary to be made known to that assembly, and which are perpetually varying, than any gentleman could be who has been absent for any length of time.  Some gentlemen were 10th you should be taken off a moment from your important services in congress, but all were desirous of your assistance in the convention, in case it shall meet.  Mr. Osgood will set off with all possible speed.

I am with truth and sincerity,

Your affectionate friend,

To Elbridge Gerry and James Lovell.

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

Boston Decr 20th 1779

Gentlemen/

Since my last Letter to you, I have had an Opportunity of conversing with Doctor John Warren,1 Brother of our deceasd Friend, concerning the Scituation of his Children.  He tells me that the eldest Son was, as early as it could be done, put under the Care and Tuition of the Revd Mr Payson of Chelsea; a Gentleman whose Qualifications for the instructing of Youth, I need not mention to you.  The Lad still remains with him.  The eldest Daughter, a Miss of about thirteen, is with the Doctor; and he assures me, that no Gentlemans Dauter in this Town has more of the Advantage of Schools than she has at his Expence.  She learns Musick, Dancing, writing & Arithmetick, and the best Needle Work that is taught here.  The Doctor, I dare say, takes good Care of her Morals.  The two younger Children, a Boy of about seven years, and a Girl somewhat older, are in the Family of John Scollay Esqr, under the particular Care of his Daughter at her most earnest Request; otherwise, I suppose, they would have been taken Care of by their Relations at Roxbury, and educated as reputable Farmers Children usually are.  Miss Scollay deserves the greatest Praise for her Attention to them.  She is exceedingly well qualified for her Charge; and her Affection for their deceas’d Father prompts her to exert her utmost to inculcate in the Minds of these Children,