Boudinot, Elias (1740-1821) to Lewis Pintard
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02046 Author/Creator: Boudinot, Elias (1740-1821) Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 11 January 1804 Pagination: 2 p. ; 25 x 19 cm Order a Copy
Informs that he has been confined four weeks with gout and was not able to write. Begins by writing about ordering trees from Mr. Livingston. Disagrees with a legal position maintained by Alexander Hamilton, who was an attorney in New York City at the time. Gives best wishes for the new year ahead. Recommends Pintard sell a newspaper that he owns. Discusses mutual acquaintances.
Boudinot was a delegate to the Continental Congress and director of the United States Mint from 1795-1805. Pintard was a merchant and commissary for American prisoners during British occupation of N.Y. during the Revolution. The newspaper referred to could be the New York Daily Advertiser, as Pintard edited it in 1802 but later relinquished it.
Philadelphia 11th Janry. 1804
My very dear Sir
A four weeks confinement with another fit of the Govt has prevented my writing, to acknowledge the rect of your favr of 25 Novr before this - I now also have to add, your favour of the 2d Instt. - I am not yet quite rid of my Compliant, but have got downstairs -
I shall be careful hereafter of troubling Mr Livingston with orders for Trees, as I am pretty Confident he has every Tree in plenty, mentioned in my list, but I suppose he does not choose to scatter them, as they are very fine Cyder Apples - This kind of par[illegible] does not desire Encouragement is I hope to be able to get them elsewhere, at all events Cyons from some out of his own Nunory - I observe what you say with regard to Mr Hamiltons opinion, but it appears strange to me, that he does not see the difference between establishing, by Book, an account when the demand is for the ballance in the usual way, and merely establishing an equitable bar to an antiquated Claim of the Complainant - Strong presumption is sufficient in one case, while positive proof is required in the other -
My good old Lady, with her [Ewelamb], you are in reciprocating every kind & affectionate Compliment of the New Year - May every revolving Seven fence no better & better prepared for a happy transit to eternal glory - The Madame is included in this devout wish - Our Time can be but short, may we be always ready - The Situation of the Captain & his lady our Sister, gives in much uneasiness, may a wise & gracious Providence be ever around them, & prepare him for Gods wall & pleasure -
I most heartily wish that you could get rid of the News Paper at 12000
Dole. and I would have you jump at it, if you can obtain any decent security for the money - but I would not let the staff out of my own hand. [2] I think if you was to advertise it for Sale, you might take in some speculator who wishes to be employed -
Lewis has been here several days & returns to morrow - he informs me that he has been successful in business and has a good prospect before him - Johnny has gone on to Washington - I do not know his business, but I think he might get some birth in Louisiana, as they will want such a person very much - He would make an excellent Secretary -
I am still in some pain, occasioned (I believe) by the sudden change of the
weather -
Remember us all to the Madame - I shall write to the Captain or my
Sister -
I am my D Sir
Yours very Affecte.
Lewis Pintard Esqr Elias Boudinot
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.