François Soulés to John Adams

The scene is changed, and at the moment you shall receive this letter the Tacitus of America, will be safely lodged in newgate, there to finish the two next volumes of his history if he can, The old maid of Duke street my former LandLady enraged that I shou’d leave her house, and disentangle myself from a set of spies and Jacobites, refused a note of hand which I offered her at leaving her house, and arrested me last saturday. So great was the malice of my enemies that the writ is returnable to day so that I had not even time to turn myself in order to find bail. she did more she acquainted all the persons to whom she knew I was indebted with what she had done, spoke every where very disrespectfully of me, tho’ tho’ the greatest crime I have been guilty of is that I would not court her.

farewell now prospects of happiness

farewell delightful chimeras

the suggestions of too heated an imagination; hail horrors, slavery, and death—strange life! how many times was I almost on the surface of the water ready to extricate myself from all my difficulties, when a sudden blow replunged me at the bottom of miserys. believe me, Sir, whatever your Excellency may hear to the contrary my principles are the most honest; I wish my heart was as visable to all men as it is to God. I have been through all my life extremely unfortunate; but I must, however, thank the almighty, since my life was to be a scene of misfortunes that he blessed me with a mind quem neque pauperies neque mors neque vincula terrent. but why should I trouble your Excellency with my affairs: Indeed I must be very presumptuous to imagine they may interest you. farewell, Sir, may every sort of happiness attend your Excellency, and family—I am / most Respectfully, / Sir, / your most obedt. and / most humble servt.