BIB_ID
80046
Accession number
MA 1262.3
Creator
Dana, Edmund, 1739-1823.
Display Date
1778 Mar. 4.
Credit line
Purchased by Pierpont Morgan, 1899.
Description
1 item (4 p.) ; 23.1 cm
Notes
The author does not identify the recipient, however it is possible that it may have been George Johnstone, younger brother of William Johnstone (later Sir William Pulteney). George Johnstone was a member of the Carlisle Commission and his letter appears to refer to the work of that Commission in America. Edmund Dana's wife was related to Sir William Pulteney.
Volume 5 (MA 1262) of a 33-volume collection of the correspondence of Sir James Pulteney, his family and distinguished contemporaries. (MA 487, MA 297 and MA 1260-1290). The arrangement of the collection is alphabetical by the author of the letter. Items in the collection have been described individually in separate catalog records; see collection level record for more information (MA 1262.1-75).
Volume 5 (MA 1262) of a 33-volume collection of the correspondence of Sir James Pulteney, his family and distinguished contemporaries. (MA 487, MA 297 and MA 1260-1290). The arrangement of the collection is alphabetical by the author of the letter. Items in the collection have been described individually in separate catalog records; see collection level record for more information (MA 1262.1-75).
Provenance
Purchased from the Ford Collection of manuscripts.
Summary
Complimenting him on his pamphlet; saying it is "well calculated to familiarize to the people the nature & origin of the dispute & to give an impartial insight to the arguments on the side of America, which have hitherto been passed over with too little attention owing probably to deep rooted prejudices or an intricacy which designing men have labored to introduce in orders to involve the inquirer in as much difficulty as possible. In short S'r your very ingenious pamphlet has been received here with uncommon avidity & it is beyond a doubt that such a plan would have had the most promising effects had it been offered three years ago...This consideration inclines me to believe you S'r one of the most likely persons for the important trust of the intended commission, which however with Submission I will venture to foretell will not have the desired Success, nor do I think any plan now, except that of an alliance will be acceptable to America or in the power of Brittain to obtain. I will further add, that I think the period passed wherein even an alliance would be acceded to. The trial however is worthy the attention of every true lover of this country & I should be glad to hear that the Commissioners were entrusted with such powers should the other be found impracticable;" continuing that the real purpose of his writing was not to compliment him nor to discuss the likelihood of success of the commission, but rather to let him know of his desire to visit "my native country in order to see my friends & if any of them are left & to concert such measures as I think may eventually Serve my family. Should your appointment take place, I Should imagine my wishes might be obtained by you."
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