11To George Washington from John Sheridan, 22 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
While the publick testify their Sentiments on your Arrival please to admit a private (but indigent) Character to address You in what he thinks will be agreable to Your Virtues the Wishes that the following Composition may be followed—’tis Extempore Since the firing of the first Gun this day, and with more propriety may be sung to the Tune of Smile America—than—Smile Brittania, Please to...
12From Benjamin Franklin to John Whitehurst, 22 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Descendants of the Rawle and Corning Families, Connecticut (2010) The Bearer, Mr Kempel, is the Creator of the Wooden Man who plays so well at Chess; but he is very ingenious in other Matters of more Importance, and has some useful Inventions to communicate to the Publick. I beg leave to recommend him to you Civilities, and to request your Advice to him, as to the Manner of making those...
13Aug. 22d. Friday. (Adams Papers)
This forenoon at 11 o’clock, I went, in Company with My Lord Ancram, Mr. Stewart and my father to see the Academy of the Abbe L’epée, who has undertaken to teach, people born deaf and dumb, not only to converse with one another very fluently, but also, to read and write, and he has succeeded entirely. It is astonishing to see how fast and how easily they make themselves understood, to one...