Life of Count Rumford. 89 



If the event has proved contrary to my expectations, or if I can 

 be persuaded that I have acted upon mistaken principles, I am 

 ready not only to Express my sorrow, but to do it in the most 

 open and public manner. But 'till this can be the case, 'till I 

 can be fully persuaded that I have really done wrong, I cannot 

 be persuaded to acknowledge that I have done so. 



" I am extremely unhappy to differ from you in opinion in 

 anything, but more especially in an affair of so much conse- 

 quence as the propriety of my returning to Concord upon the 

 terms mentioned in your Letter. But I hope that the reasons 

 which I have now given, added to the inimical disposition which 

 the Committee have lately shown towards me, will serve in 

 some measure as an excuse for my not following your advice in 

 this affair. 



" Believe me, Sir, I always have had, and still retain, the 

 highest veneration for your judgement, and the most sincere and 

 dutiful affection for your Person j and hope that the unhappi- 

 ness of my present deplorable situation will not be increased by 

 incurring your displeasure. Be assured, Sir, I mean not to of- 

 fend, and hope that no offence will be taken. 



" I am too well acquainted with your Paternal affection for 

 your Children to doubt of your kind care over them. But you 

 will excuse me if I trouble you with my most earnest desires and 

 intreaties for your peculiar care of my family, whose distressed 

 circumstances call for every indulgence and alleviation you can 

 afford them. 



" I must also beg a continuance of your Prayers for me, that 

 my present afflictions may have a suitable impression on my 

 mind, and that in due time I may be extricated out of all my 

 troubles. That this may be the case, that the happy time 

 may soon come when I may return to my family in peace and 

 safety, and when every individual in America may sit down under his 

 own vine, and under his own Fig-tree, and have none to make him 

 afraid is the constant and devout wish of 



" Your dutiful and Affectionate Son, 



"BENJ^ THOMPSON. 



" REV? TIM? WALKER." 



