Abolition and Revolution
Phillis Wheatley, Front piece
Phillis Wheatley, Front piece from Poems, on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral (London: A. Bell, 1773). New-York Historical Society Library.
Phillis Wheatley to Mary Wooster
“Phillis Wheatley to Mary Wooster,” July 15, 1778. Collection of the Massachusetts Historical Society.
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Summary |
| Madam I received your favor by Mr. Dennison inclosing a paper containing the character of the truly worthy General Wooster. It was with the most sensible regret that I heard of his fall in battle, but the pain of so afflicting a dispensation of Providence must be greatly alleviated to you and all his friends in the consideration that he fell a martyr in the Cause of Freedom – |
I received your letter with the article about General Wooster’s death from Mr. Dennison. I was so sorry to hear he was killed in battle. The sadness you feel at this act of God must be lessened by the knowledge that he died fighting for freedom. |
| From this the muse rich consolation draws He nobly perished in his Country’s cause His Country’s cause that ever fired his mind Where martial flames, and Christian virtues joined. How shall my pen his warlike deeds proclaim Or paint them fairer on the list of Fame — Enough, great Chief — now wrapped in shades around Thy grateful Country shall thy praise resound — Though not with mortals’ empty praise elate That vainest vapor to the immortal State Inly serene the expiring hero lies And thus (while heavenward roll his swimming eyes): |
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| “Permit, great power while yet my fleeting breath And Spirits wander to the verge of Death — Permit me yet to point fair freedom’s charms For her the Continent shines bright in arms By thy high will, celestial prize she came — For her we combat on the field of fame Without her presence vice maintains full sway And social love and virtue wing their way O still propitious be thy guardian care And lead Columbia through the toils of war. With thine own hand conduct them and defend And bring the dreadful contest to an end — Forever grateful let them live to thee And keep them ever Virtuous, brave, and free — But how, presumptuous shall we hope to find Divine acceptance with the Almighty mind — While yet (O deed ungenerous!) they disgrace And hold in bondage Africa’s blameless race; Let virtue reign — And those accord our prayers Be victory ours, and generous freedom theirs.” |
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| The hero prayed — the wandering spirit fled And sought the unknown regions of the dead — Tis thine fair partner of his life, to find His virtuous path and follow close behind — A little moment steals him from thy sight He waits thy coming to the realms of light Freed from his labors in the ethereal skies Where in succession endless pleasures rise! — |
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| You will do me a great favor by returning to me by the first opportunity those books that remain unsold and remitting the money for those that are sold — I can easily dispose of them here for 12Lmo each – | Please send me any books you haven’t sold and the money you’ve collected for those you did sell. I can sell them here for a good price. |
| I am greatly obliged to you for the care you show me, and your condescension in taking so much pains for my Interest — I am extremely sorry not to have been honored with a personal acquaintance with you — if the foregoing lines meet with your acceptance and approbation I shall think them highly honored. | I really appreciate all the support you’ve given me. I’m sorry we’ve never met in person. If you like my poem, I will be honored. |
| I hope you will pardon the length of my letter, when the reason is apparent — fondness of the subject and — the highest respect for the deceased — I sincerely sympathize with you in the great loss you and your family sustain and am sincerely
Your friend and very humble servant |
I hope you’ll forgive how long this letter is when you realize it is inspired by my respect for your husband. I send you and your family my sympathy. |
“Phillis Wheatley to Mary Wooster,” July 15, 1778. Collection of the Massachusetts Historical Society.