Congress of the Confederation delegate folded letter
Collection: National Postal Museum
Object type: Covers & Associated Letters
Date: July 25,1785
Place Through: New Hampshire
Place of Destination: New York
Place: United States of America
Medium: paper; ink
Dimensions: Height x Width (folded): 3 3/8 × 5 9/16 in. (8.57 × 14.13 cm) Height x Width (unfolded): 8 1/4 × 12 3/8 in. (20.96 × 31.43 cm)
Description: The cover addressed to "The Honorable / Samuel Holten Esq / delegate in Congress / New York / p[er] post" was sent without postage as the single sheet, folded letter was on government business. The top left has a two-line postmark, "PORTSMOUTH / JULY", in red ink. On reverse is handwritten "Copy of a letter to judge Sewall, 25th July, 1785." The folded letter begins, "New york, 25th July 1785. Dear Sir...." The valediction is unsigned and the name at the bottom left, typically indicating the recipient, reads "Hon[ora]ble Mr. Sewall". It is undetermined who was the author and who was the copyist of this letter.
Holton (1738-1816) was and doctor and among his public offices and service, he was a Massachusetts delegate to the Continental Congress, 1782-1787. Sewall (1757-1814) was a lawyer and among his public offices and service, he was member of the Massachusetts state house of representatives in 1784 and 1788-1796.
['PORTSMOUTH JULY, 1785\nThe Honorable\nSamuel Holten Esq n\ndelegate in Congress.\nNew York\nP. Post\n1785'
 None
 "Dear Sir,\nNew York, 25 th July, 1785.\nI have been honored with your attention of the 27 th ult o & thank you for the just observations & justly ones therein contained. I think the good people of Mass ts can't but be happy under the administration of their first magistrate.\nThat there has been good and prudent acts that have been called the stamp act & I consider them as being dangerous to our peace and politicals.\nIt seems you were at a loss to know what the Gen l Court was doing, I have lately been made acquainted with some of their proceedings, which are very important tell my son, what could induce them to propose a convention to make a new confederation or constitution for the united states, any thing  very far & future matters  more distinctive to our present  happinefs as a nation.\nIt had not been considered before the peace, I have no reason to think  it  ever would have taken place, but to give  the particular reason, I could mention against it, would make this epistle too lengthy  long , however, we have instructions to endeavor to have it take place  adopted , but the duty we owe our constituents, we think will justify us from proceeding until we can express our sentiments upon the matter to the hankle court, & receive their further orders; you may consider my colleagues to be of the same opinion, but you will mention this matter only within such a circle as you may judge proper.\nM r Adams, son to our worthy friend in Europe last , arrived here about a week since, & on Thursday by the postmet, we had letters from M r Adams, who had arrived at the British Court, & been rec d . with all the usual formalities, & introduced to the King.\nDon Diego de Gardoqui the Spanish minister, appears to be a very agreeable man, & has great Court address: Congress have appointed him to negotiate with him respecting  all the the line between the U.S. & the King his master.\nI expect to return in a short time, with Don  as it appears, the  Huntley  it  is not think it advisable  advisable for one to continue here much longer, if I may en g ye before their full election."
 '& it would add to my happiness, to have the pleasure  an opportunity of paying you my personal respects, & in learning myself more fully upon public affairs. However, I wish you to honor me with the correspondence of your con- sideration, as I may not take leave of Congress this coming month. I remain, with great respect your most obedient Servant M c Duvall\nPORTSMOUTH JULY\nThe Honorable\nSamuel Holten Esq o\ndelegate in Congress.\nNew York\nP.S.\nCopy of a letter to George the 25 th July 1785.\nDAE\n120 B']