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Ellery, William (1727-1820) to his grandson

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC05508.097 Author/Creator: Ellery, William (1727-1820) Place Written: Newport, Rhode Island Type: Autograph letter signed Date: August 13, 1815 Pagination: 1 p. 25.3 x 20.3 cm + 1 engraving ; b&w ; 23.4 x 15.5 cm Order a Copy

Congratulates his grandson's wife's safe delivery of a baby boy. Advises that the child be taught piety and virtue from a very young age, so it will stay with him always. He also urges the mother to nurse the baby and "not suffer any silly ideas of the polite to prevent her discharging this duty to which nature & nature's God require." The recipient possibly may be George G. Channing, with whom Ellery corresponded for many years. A Member of the Continental Congress from 1776 until 1785, William Ellery was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. He was Collector of the Port of Newport from 1790 until 1820. 1 black and white bust engraving of William Ellery included.

Ellery, William, 1727-1820
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The Age of Jefferson & Madison

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