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Macaulay, Catharine (1731-1791) to John Dickinson

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01790.02 Author/Creator: Macaulay, Catharine (1731-1791) Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1771 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 23.3 x 18.1 cm. Order a Copy

Response in draft form to Dickinson's previous letter, concerning her hopes that America confine its "lust for ornaments to the limits of their own ingenuity."

Macaulay is a British historian who supported American liberty.

Sr
It was with some difficulties that I could prevent my Heart [struck: from] [inserted: the] being somewhat elated with Vanity on the reception of a present from [struck: one of] [inserted: a man of] the most Dignified character on the other side the Atlantick nor [struck: shall] [inserted: can] I ever wear [struck: the] the example of American industry [inserted: and ingenuity] without feeling a very sensible pleasure the best wish I can form for the Americans is that they would be always satisfied with the produce of their [struck: a] plentiful Country [inserted: that] they would confine their lust for ornaments to the limits of their own ingenuity and rather emulate that [struck: happy &] meritorious simplicity and [2] moderation which [struck: prevailed] [inserted: was to be found] in the [struck: most] happy and virtuous periods of the Greek and Roman States than the vices and luxuries which afterwards [struck: prevailed to] [inserted: prevailed in those] their [inserted: [struck: Republicks] illustrious Republicks to their entire] ruin and which mistaken Modern men call civilisation I am Sr with [inserted: all the] Gratitude esteem and Respect which are due to the virtues in your Character and the Favors I have received from you Your Very much obliged
And very humbe Sevt
Catharine Macaulay

[docket]
Letter from 30 th
[struck: Mr John Adams
And Answer]
Mr Dickenson with the answer
1771

Macaulay, Catharine, 1731-1791
Dickinson, John, 1732-1808

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