Letter, to Janet Livingston Montgomery, January 29, 1791

Martha writes to Montgomery, widow of Brigadier-General Richard Montgomery, upon Montgomery's return to the U.S. from Europe.

Martha Washington

Fields, Joseph E. 'Worthy Partner': The Papers of Martha Washington. Westport, Conn.: Greenwood Press, 1994.

Greenwood Press

01/29/1791

Joseph E. Fields, editor

Published version of manuscript document

Fields, Joseph E. 'Worthy Partner': The Papers of Martha Washington. Westport, Conn.: Greenwood Press, 1994.

Boston Public Library

Dear Madam                                    Philadelphia January the 29th 1791

I must trust to your goodness to receive the apology I shall offer for this late acknowledgement of your letter of the 26th of October, - I received it but a few days before I left Mount Vernon, and you will redily conceive that my time and my mind were so fully occupied with and about my friends there as to afford me little opportunity for writing; and since my arrived in this place the business of settling in a new habitation receiving and returning visits have left me no time for myself while in health; and for some weeks past a very severe cold has rendered me incapable of doing anything - I am thank god now recovering.

Having offered the reasons for this delay in answering your letter permit me madam to congratulate you upon your safe arrival in your native country and to the arms of your friends, none but those who have been as long absent as you have, and at so great a distance from their friends can conceive of the sensations which are experienced upon meeting them again; I dare say your feelings on that occasion were not to be described - and that you returned from Europe with all your prejudices in favor of America I have no doubt; for I think our country affords every thing that can give pleasure or satisfaction to a rational mind, I never apprehended that your good sence would be so far overcome by the splendour and hurry which you might see abroad as to make a return to your native Country unpleasant -

I beg you will be asured that I have a greatful sence of the affectionate terms in which you express your regret at not finding us in New York - I have been so long accustomed to conform to events which are governed by the public voice that I hardly dare indulge any personal wishes which cannot yield to that - But whare ever I may be my friends may always relay upon a greatful and affectionate remembrance; and and altho I will not give up the expectation of seeing you again; yet in any event you will be remembered with friendship and will have my best wishes

I beg you will present my kind regards to your mother and sisters - the President writes with me in congratulations on your return and presents his complements to you

with very great regard
I have the honor to be
Dr. Madam your
most obdt Hble
M Washington

Autograph Letter Signed