Lovell, James (1737-1814) to Samuel Holten
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01450.020.15 Author/Creator: Lovell, James (1737-1814) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 9 May 1781 Pagination: 1 p. ; 34 x 21 cm. Order a Copy
Signed with initials. Discusses a letter sent to Elbridge Gerry concerning money. States that Congress cannot move forward with the creation of a new system during this wartime without money from the states. Writes "Congress without their money presses, depending on the punctual supplies of the states are, at this critical period of the Campaign, as a set of Clockmakers from whom an Orrery or Microcosm is expected tho their Hands are evidently struck with the dead palsy."
Lovell, Holten, and Gerry were Continental Congressmen from Massachusetts.
May 9th. 1781
My dear Sir
I had begun to write to you, to go by Post yesterday, but fell upon a Topic not fit to be trusted in that Way, and therefore covered you a news Paper under a few Words of Intelligence.
I had a private Occasion to write afterwards to Mr. Gerry somewhat largely about money, and therefore do not add any Thing to the inclosed Scrawl, persuaded that He will converse with you respecting my Letter and the Position of your Delegates here. But I must not refrain from adding that their private Embarrassments are but a small Clue towards explaining their public. Congress without their money Presses, depending on the punctual Supplies of the States are, at this critical Period of the Campaign, as a Set of Clockmakers from whom an Orrery or Microcosm is expected tho their Hands are evidently struck with the dead Palsy.
I shall trouble you not again with any private Concerns. If I can hobble up Street I will endeavor to make the Backwardness of the Printer of the Journals less & less a Disadvantage by giving you often manuscript Heads of what you ought to know - .
Affectly. & with Esteem
yrs.
JL
Hon. Mr. Holton
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