Massachusetts spy and Worcester advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1823-1825, 1825-06-15


country, predominated in his affections.
Tie repeatedly said to the seaman, on
whose attentions he was chiefly depen-
dant, that he had but one desire and one
prayer, which was, that he might live
long enough to have an interview with
Samuel Adams, or Joseph Warren;-
that granted, he should die content.
This wish of the patriots heart, Heav-
en-, in its incrutable wisdom, did not
grant.
As he drew towards his native shore,
the crisis he had so long forseen arriv-
ed. The battle of Lexington was
fought. According TO his prediction,
"his countrymen sealed their faito and
.constsasy to their liberties with their
bfood.'' But he lived not to hear the
event ofthat glorious day.
While yet the ship was three days
sail from land, exhausted by disease, and
Perceiving his last hour approach, be
called the seaman to the side of his
birth, and being himself too weak to
write, dictated to him letter full of the
most interesting and affecting communal
cations to his family, and nearest friends.
This letter still exists among his papers,
in the rude hand writing of an illiterate
sailor.
"The following extracts, heing of a
general nature, are here inserted, in the
iouruono xyh.ch bo J,otoAaI
AT SEA, APRIL 81, ITS.
Foreseeing that there will be many
ihexp!icable circumstances in the way Of
my friends, TO account for many things
relating to my conduct, l should have
been glad, if God had spared my life. TO
converse with them once more. But
this, his holy Providence seems fully
settled to deny. Some few matters l
have prevailed with a friend on board to
minute for their information.
My going to America at this time,
was very considerably against my incli-
nations, especially as Doctor Fothergill
was of opinion that Bristol waters would
be of great advantage to me. But he
did not dissuade me from going to Amer
lea, but advised it very strongly in pref
erence TO my staying in London, or its
environs.
The most weighty motive of all that
determined my conduct, was the ex.
IRENE urgency of about fifteen or TWEEN
ty most staunch friends to America, and
may Of them the most learned and re-
spectacle characters in the Kingdom, for
my Immediately proceeding to Boston.
Their sentiments what ought to be the
conduct of Boston, and of the continent,
at this, and the approaching season,
had heard very often in the social
circle and in what things they differed
l perfectly knew. 1t appeared of high
importance that the sentiments of such
persons should be known in America.
To commit their sentiments in writing
was neither practicable nor prudent at
this time. 10 the bosom of "a friend
they could entrust what might be of
great advantage 10 my country. To me
that trust was committed, and was, i'm
mediateIy upon my arrival, to assemble
certain persons, TO whom | was to COM
municate my trust, and had God spared
my life, it seems 1t would have been OF
great service to my country.
4 * X II
" Ever since have been
out, almost every thing has been differ
ent from what expected. Instead of
pleasant weather, the most inclement
and damp, which removes me entirely
from the deck, and when l was hattered
with the hope of getting into port six
days ago, am yet here, as distant from
it as when the encouragement was Civ
en- me. Had Providence been pleased
that should have reached America six
days ago, should been able to converse
with my friends. am persuaded that
this voyage and passage are the inslru-
ments to put an end TO my existence.
His holy will be done -
MIR. Quincy is so low, that he prob
ably will not be able to read a word of
the foregoing, but it is to be hoped it
will be ineligible with little pains. :"
Such is the last notice of the close
of the life of Josiah Quincy, Jr On the
Goth day of April, ITS, within sigh; of
that beloved country which he was not
permitted TO reach, neither supported
by the kindness of friendship, nor cheer
ed by the voice of affection, he expired; ;
not indeed, as, few weeks afterwards,
did his friend and co-patriot Warren, in
battle, on field ever memorable and
ever glorious; but in solitude, amidst
suffering, without associate, and without
witness, yet breathing forth a dying
wish for his country, desiring to live on
ly to perform towards her last and sig
nal service.
"a few hours after his death, the ship