Ogden, Samuel (1746-1810) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.02815 Author/Creator: Ogden, Samuel (1746-1810) Place Written: Boonton, New Jersey Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1 December 1783 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 30.6 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Wants to know when General George Washington will be in town so he can pay his respects before Washington returns to Virginia. States that the treatment of Loyalists in New York City is much to the honor of the U.S. military and nation as a whole, though since Britain renounced all claims to its American colonies, the Loyalists should now feel bound to the new American government.
Boonton, Decr. 1st. 1783
Dear Sir,
I flattered myself it would have been in my power to have seen you immediately after the evacuation in New York; But unfortunately my absence from hence, for near two Months past completes my stay here for about Ten Days, after which I hope to pay my respects to you. appropos will you be so good as to let me know what stay the General will make in Town before his departure for virginia; as I wish to pay my respects to Him also previous thereto.
I feel myself exceedingly Indebted to you and my Friend Jackson for your attentions to the Deacon, who writes in raptures, with his situation. It is not in my power to express to you my Happiness at the Mildness and Liberality extended to the Inhabitants by the Millitary; It will most certainly [redound] much to their Honor, as well as to that of the Infant nation in whose service they are. I pray the example may [2] be followed, by the Civil authority; and the Pacific and conciliatering system be pursued, so as to induce, all Parties to forget, & forgive and thereby banish all Party spirit and animosity to the end that a universal disposition may prevail for the Peace, happiness and Prosperity of this Country.
The Controversy has been continued for upwards of Eight Years, and whatever may have been its principles, the Legislature of Great Brittain [sic] has, most solemnly renounced all claim and right to this Country; by acknowledging its Sovereignty and Independancy [sic]; Such therefore as formerly considered themselves bound in allegiance to the British monarch, and the Old Constitution; should now in the fullest manner conceive themselves bound to the new Government established: and stand thereto every mark of Loyalty and attachment which they conceived [3] due to the Former Governments.
Few persons I believe have been more sanguine in Politicks than myself and perhaps as few have experienced more disagreeable sensations in the loss of very near and valuable connections than I have done; Yet I can with great truth declare myself in perfect Charity with all Men; And as I mean to continue a citizen of America; I feel myself anxiously disposed to make every question for its prosperity and happiness in my power. ~This sentiment I flatter myself you will find to pervade the bosom of every person of my compulsion (as G- L- express it)
If I mistake not you are before this tired with Politicks; Why I have seen into them I can not say Yet I may you to believe me Yours very sincerely
Saml: Ogden
General Knox
[docket]
From Saml Ogden Esqr
1st Dec 1783 -
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