San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1889-08-26
OLD TIME LOTTERIES.
Some of the Celebrated Danes Who Once
Invested in Them.


The interesting article in The Press on the
old time lotteries has stimulated research
upon That subject, and find that no less a
parsonage than Abigail Adams, aptly styled
1.-THE Portia of the Rebellious Provinces"
and subsequently called in the order of Provi-
dence to be the first presiding lady at the
White House, was at least once an investor
in a lottery ticket, and that her agent in the
matter was the almost equally revered Mrs.
Mercy Warren, of Massachusetts, This ven
ture was made during John Adams cam.
paign for the presidency in 1867.
Here is the brief correspondence preserved
on the subject between two elect women,
mothers of the republic:
Mrs. James Warren to Mrs Adams
PLYMOUTH, q February 1877
1t can be of little consequence to you my dear
madam whether your late venture with me
amounts to $1,000 or only eight shillings Yet it
is my duty to let you know how it stands, and to
take your commands either to vest you again as
an adventures in the next class or remit to your
order the sum of eight and fourpence AS
think it always best to rise in subject, instead
of sinking from great to small things, my gratu
Iations on Mr.. Adams elevation to the presidency
are secondary to my coincidence and may form a
perfect contrast to your i'll success in Harvard
college lottery. The one, small stake in a most
precarious game; the other, the best card in the
pack second throw could make no addition
but a crown and that you have too much under
standing and knowledge of the world to suppose
it could enhance your happiness
Your assured friend and humble servant,
MERCY WARREN
Mrs. Adams to MS Warren:
QUINCY March, 1871
My DEAR MADAM received yesterday your
obliging favor of Feb. %. Ihave been so little a
favorite of fortune that never once examined
my numbers by the newspapers or other way,
concluding that those who were equally interested
would take proper care of me. AS had formed
no expectations | met with no disappointment,
and am quite pleased that my adventure should
be appropriated to the promotion of science and
literature. For your congratulations upon late
important event accept my Acknowledgements
Considering it as the voluntary and unsolicited
gift Of free and enlightened people, it is pre-
cious and valuable deposit, and calls for every
exerton of the head and every virtue of the heart
to do justice to sacred trust. | shall esteem
myself peculiarly fortunate if, at the close of my
public life, can retire esteemed, beloved and
equally respected with my predecessor martha
Washington. Old friends can never be forgotten
by me- In that number have long been accus-
toned to consider Gen. and Mrs. Warren. 1t will
always give me pleasure to see them at this house.
or wherever else they may meet their friend and
humble servant A. ADAMS
From the date of this letter it will be seen
that it was written the day of her husbands
Inauguration, at Philadelphia, she being de
tanned at their house by the illness of Mr.
Adams venerable mother, which resulted in
death the following month. 1t is in many
ways remarkable letter, particularly for
its dignifed modesty and self pose.-Emma
James in Philadelphia Press.