Butler, Maria (fl. 1791) to George Washington
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.05269 Author/Creator: Butler, Maria (fl. 1791) Place Written: Pittsburgh Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 22 December 1791 Pagination: 1 p. : address ; 19.3 x 15.9 cm.
Written by Mrs. Maria Butler, the widow of General Richard Butler, who had been killed that year by Indians in battle in the Ohio Territories. Refers to the death of her husband and the dangerous living conditions surrounding her in the Pittsburgh area. Requests more troops to protect her and her family and the other white settlers in the region, and to hold onto the land that was so dearly fought for by her husband.
[draft]
PittsBurgh Dem 22 1791
Sir -
I should address you with diffidence if I did not know from your great Philanthropy, that you concern enter into the feelings of Individuals to - I am the unhappy Relick of Genl Butler (official Accounts will have informed you of the particulers) Constitutionaly <?> I am [strike-out] Almost worn out by a succession of Melancoly Events - I am <?> you to now for Sorrow.
With the little exertions I can make and the great Anxiety I feel, for mine and my Children Situation as their are not one white Inhabitant between my Hous and the spot where <?> his Body lies in the Wilderness - I am compeld by my Miserable feelings, to request you if it is not Inconsistant with the Policy of the United States, to have a few regular Troops [2] Gar[inserted: r]isond at this Place, as the Inhabitants can witness how much Publick property has been risqud from time to time for want of gaurds.
A Committee from the four Countys Westmorland Payet Washinton and Allegany has met in this place - Praying some Immediate relief from the Governor and Legislature of this State - as I feel Confident they will not send - the consequence I suppose will be the Militia orderd out on the Frontier - which if any thing can be concievd less or <?> then nothing they are - They cannot give the People Confidance to sit still - And at present the Inhabitants only want the example of one or two families to Move from fear to train the <?> of its strength - It is my Ardent Desire to be protected in the Land that was so dear to my friend [3] And live in the Country that his Blood has been shed for - I hope youll be Indulgent of this Impromted card by the Unhappy and Miserable State of
M[aria] Butler
May the Supreme director Long Spare you to be A Father to the People and to me - - Who has Lost in one year Father Husband and Brother
[address]
To The President
of the United States
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