Mercy Otis Marries James Warren
On this day in 1754, Mercy Otis of Barnstable and James Warren of Plymouth began their remarkable 54-year partnership. When she married into a family active in public affairs, Mercy embraced the chance to be involved in the events of the Revolutionary era. She was a keen and intelligent observer and an accomplished writer. In the 1770s, she had several satirical plays published anonymously before embarking on a history of the Revolution. Her History of the Rise, Progress and Termination of the American Revolution appeared in 1805. The fact that the book discounted the diplomatic achievements of her old friend John Adams caused a bitter rift. "History is not the Province of the Ladies," Adams angrily declared.
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