George Washington Papers
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https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/06-02-02-0224

To George Washington from James Abercrombie, 25 May 1798

From James Abercrombie

Philad[elphi]a Pine Street No. 101. May 25th 1798

Sir

Tho’ conscious that the Sermon which accompanies this, is in no degree worthy of your acceptance, yet, while distributing the copies of it among those I most esteem and honor, I cannot resist soliciting permission to offer one to you.1 With most respectful Compliments to Mrs Washington, I have the honor to subscribe myself Sir, Your mo. obedt hble Servt

Jas Abercrombie

ALS, PHi: Gratz Collection.

1GW replied from Mount Vernon on 10 June: “Revd Sir The letter with which you were pleased to honor me—dated the 25th of last month—accompanying the discourse which you delivered in the Churches of Christs & St Peters, on the day appointed by the President of the United States for a general Fast, is just come to hand; and receives as it merits, my best thanks for your kindness in sending it to me.

“Mrs Washington, grateful for your polite remembrance of her, unites with me in compliments, & every good wish for your happiness. With respect I am—Sir Your Most Obedt Hble Servt Go: Washington” (ALS [photocopy], DLC:GW). A copy of James Abercrombie’s A Sermon, Preached in Christ Church and St. Peter’s, Philadelphia: on Wednesday May 9 1798 (Philadelphia, 1798) was in GW’s library. Abercrombie was an assistant minister of the Philadelphia church. On 23 Mar. President Adams designated 9 May “as a day of solemn humiliation, fasting and prayer” (Adams, Works of John Adams, description begins Charles Francis Adams, ed. The Works of John Adams, Second President of the United States: With a Life of the Author, Notes, and Illustrations. 10 vols. 1850–56. Reprint. New York, 1971. description ends 9:169).

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