Wadsworth, Benjamin (1750-1826) to Samuel Holten
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01450.020.20 Author/Creator: Wadsworth, Benjamin (1750-1826) Place Written: Danvers, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 30 June 1783 Pagination: 1 p. + docket 31.5 x 20 cm Order a Copy
Begins by expressing thanks for his last letter and for the informative pamphlet on Congress. Mentions that the Continental debt is much lower than people had expected thanks to the "prudence and good economy of Congress." Comments that self interest is of utmost importance to most men and praises extensively the soldiers who fought in the Revolution for the common good. Remarks that Wadsworth's wife said he was taking a journey for his health and gives his wishes that he achieves it. States that his family is healthy, the season is good, and his salary is better than other years.
Wadsworth was the pastor of the First Church in Danvers. Holten was a Continental Congressman from Massachusetts.
…That honorable provision ought to be made for compensating the services of those heroes, who have, with examplary patience & steady perseverance, braved so many dangers, endured so many hardships, & nobly waded thro' so many fiery scenes to accomplish so glorious a revolution, every man, possessed of a soul himself, must acknowledge. They under God have been our martial deliverers from the cruel hand of tyranny, & introduced us to independent liberty - independent but on heaven…
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