Wadsworth, Benjamin (1750-1826) to James Lovell
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01450.020.03 Author/Creator: Wadsworth, Benjamin (1750-1826) Place Written: Danvers, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter Date: 10 December 1779 Pagination: 2 p. ; 20 x 16 cm. Order a Copy
Recipient inferred from content and because the collection is described as letters to or from Lovell, a Continental Congressman from Massachusetts. Wadsworth, pastor of the First Church at Danvers, thanks Lovell for his last letter. Congratulates him on being reelected to his seat in Congress and praises his work. Speaks of two young gentlemen who have been assigned to parishes. Mentions the difficulty of regulating the price of materials. States he was sad to hear of the American defeat at Savannah (3 September - 28 October 1779) but realizes that disappointments must be expected in war. The British have completed another campaign but he believes they have not taken steps toward accomplishing their purpose. States that most of Europe is for American independence but only an act of God will get the British to consider peace. Mentions that he is pleased that the last circular letter has calmed the minds of people. Includes a draft of a letter to David Hopkins from Lovell dated 7 March 1780 contained on verso.
…Agreable to your expectations, experience has taught us the impracticability of regulating the prices of articles for any considerable time. As that plan is universally given up among us for the present, it is hoped the difficulties that have arisen in any towns on that account will speedily subside. -
Our Ally's defeat before Savannah gives us sensible pain. But we know the fate of war is very uncertain, & we can't but expect disappointment sometimes. From our moral character as a people, it is rather to be wondered that we meet with no more, than that we meet with so many. -
Our enemies have concluded…another campaign, but without effecting their purpose. Like rogues & villains yy [they] have plundered & burnt several defenceless towns, but made no considerable acquisitions or gained any singular advantages over us. As they can't but know that American Independance is favoured by the European [illegible]ers in general, it seems nothing but, a judicial Infatuation from heaven can prevent their serious attention to the subject of a reasonable peace. Tho' they please themselves with ridiculing the state of our currency; they will still find that as its depreciation never has, so it never will either support their armies or present our's from playing the valiant soldier.
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