Sullivan, James to Tobias Lear re: President Washington's upcoming visit
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02794.007 Author/Creator: Sullivan, James Place Written: Boston Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1789/10/18 Pagination: 3 p. + docket 22.7 x 18.4 cm Order a Copy
Governor John Hancock's desire to house President Washington during his visit. "Should the President take any other lodgings besides at the Govrs house it will hurt the feelings of the Governor . . . ." Sullivan was a prominent Massachusetts lawyer.
Boston 18th October 1789.
Dear Sir
When we reviewed the news of your coming this way with our illustrious President, we flattered ourselves with the idea of your making our house your home while you should stay in Town. but [sic] I have been with his Excellency our Governor to Day [sic], he is obliging enough to forward this by an express he sends to meet the Presi[d]ent [sic], and he tells me that his intention is to invite the President to command his house while he should continue here, and that he hopes and expects you will take [struck: illegible] up your abode here also. When I know that to be the case it would be but [illegible] of formality to give you an invitation otherwise than by saying that if any thing should happen that should prevent the Governor Superiour [sic] invitation Mrs. Sullivan will be much hurt by your going to any other house than ours. it [sic] is possible from an unfortunate call we have in the County that we may be absent when you arrive but Miss Sullivan has it in charge to receive you as our dear & very [illegible] friend [2] friend [sic] and we shall rejoice abundantly to find you here when we return, which we shall do with all possible expidition [sic] and would by no means fail of paying my respect to the President or of having the pleasure of seeing you.
The Governor is making arrangement [sic] to show every mark of respect to the President. and [sic] i believe he will be wearied with the rejoicing and acclamations of the people.
Should the President take any other lodgings besides at the Govrs house it will hurt the feelings of the Governor and of all the people who have seen with pleasure the process of the late revolution. the [sic] House is very convenient, and there can be no difficulty in the Presidents receiving the Compliments of the Gentlemen in the Governors Commodious Hall. There will be a number of people in the street paraded to see the President as he [3] he [sic] shall come into town. and [sic] it would be a great convenience to the Governor to know as soon as possible on what Day [sic] and hour the President expects to arrive; if you can give this intelligence I wish you to address a line to the Govr or to your friend Major otis [sic] to be communicated to the Governor. but [sic] if it should be after this week and you do not choose to write the Governor I wish you to indulge me with a line. I am very [illegible] that the President would wish to avoid this Parade but the wishes of the people must be complied with and you may as well arrest the tide as stop it.
I am Dear Sir with great
regard your friend and
Humble servant
Ja[mes] Sullivan
Mr. Lear
[Docket]
The Hon:ble Ja.s Sullivan
October 10th, 1789
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