Thornton, William to Tobias Lear re: praise for sending grain to relieve hunger in Algiers
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02794.094 Author/Creator: Thornton, William Place Written: Washington Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1805/08/17 Pagination: 1 p. + address 25 x 20.2 cm Order a Copy
Thornton praises Lear: "I cannot express the satisfaction I feel at the worthy Act you have done in sending Grain to Algiers when they were in destress [sic], & when it would have made you a very large Fortune you have done it on the part of Government . . . . Nothing can more reconcile the Barbarians to us than to shew such disinterested Conduct." Dr. Thornton treated Lear as a patient, and was also a prominent architect and inventor. Attached to GLC 2794.111.
City of Washington 17th: Augt. 1805.-
My worthy Friend
A letter was received last night from Mt. Mountford - You have done yourself great honor. I cannot express the satisfaction I feel at the worthy act you have done in sending grain to Algiers when they were in distress, & when it would have made you a very large Fortune you have done it on the part of Government. This is truly worthy of you, and of our Government whose honor I rejoice to see supported. It is an honor to human nature, and may God reward you for man cannot. I have much pride in you that I can only say I could embrace you as a Brother. - Nothing can more reconcile the Barbarians to us that to show such disinterested conduct. - It will raise the American name in their Estimation. - You are worthy my dear fellow of your great and good Friend & Patron the deceased Washington. -
Adieu my worthy Friend, and may heaven ever direct you to do good!-
Tobias Lear Esqur.} William Thornton -
[address]
Colonel Lear
Consul General
Algiers--
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