George Washington Papers

To George Washington from Samuel Fraunces, 4 December 1783

New York Decr 4th 83

Sir

I cannot but with heartfelt anxiety think of your leaving so soon your sincere friends, together with your humblest of servants. However reluctant, we must acquiesce, since it is the resolution of one of the [first] and best of men. Your extreme goodness and generosity will pardon any impropriety in this small Address since the motive rises from the overflowings of a gratefull heart.

Let me intreat your Excellency to accept the sincere wishes of one who is proud to say he has been but too much Honored—for which you have the constant prayers of a numerous [ illegible which a] sensibility and a thorough knoledge of your kindnesses inspires.

And that all happiness in this life may attend you & your good family; and every thing the Blessed expect from [   ] and the sincere and daily prayers of Your Excellency’s intirely devoted Servant

Samuel Fraunces

N.B. I most earnestly beg your Excellency will order about the Carriage of a small piece of Shell Work which I have lately compleated for Mrs Washington purposely—whose acceptance of it will confer the greatest Honor on me—the [feild] is Hector and Andromache adorned with Shell Flowers the collection of a number of years—I have but one more wish, that is at any time your Excellencys commands are laid on me, to think they will be undertaken with the greatest pleasure & that I always shall be as I am at present—I dare hope your Excellency sooner or later will not deprive my family & self the satisfaction of hearing of yr health.

S. Fraunces

DLC: Papers of George Washington.

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