Letter, from Anonymous, February 2, 1792

anonymous

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

Greenwood Press

02/02/1792

Joseph E. Fields, editor

Published version of manuscript document

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

George Washington Papers, Library of Congress

Mrs. Washington,
Madam,

I am induced from your well known generosity of heart, and charitable disposition, to intrude for a moment on your patience - the object of these lives is to crave a Boon which the writer hopes your benevolence of Soul (manifest on every occasion of this nature) will not refuse to grant to a person whose necessities compel1 him to make this uncommon request - a request which Madam, is as distressing to his feelings as it may appear to you extra-ordinary, for an Anonymous Signature to make -

A young man of genteel connections in this city, from unforseen circumstances, is likely to be involved in difficulties which if not speedily prevented will be greatly to his disadvantage - if not his utter ruin, his case is of so delicate a nature that he would sooner suffer death, than make it known to the circle of his Friends - 30 Dollars would relieve him from the most inconceivable distress - & to you Mrs Washington as the patroness of distress'd merit he submits his case presuming on that beneficence of mind which is the greatest ornament of human nature & with which Madam, you are so eminently endowed to extricate him from a Scene of (ruin) that will inevitably ensue unless your friendly hand will be pleased to administer that relief which he now humbly sollicits. -

I am Madam
Yr Most Obedt & hum Sert
Anonymous

Philad a 2 Feby 1792

Autograph Letter Signed