To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, Jr., 20 February 1786
From Jonathan Trumbull, Jr.
Lebanon [Conn.] 20th Febry 1786
Dear Sir
I pray you to excuse the Liberty I take in presenting you with a Funeral Sermon preached at the Interment of the late Govr Trumbull.
If it does not appear with all that sentimental Elegance & purity which have distinguished the writings of some Gentlemen, yet I trust it will discover a degree of merit & Ingenuity, which will not discredit the reputation of a young preacher, or injure the Character of the deceased; for whose sake I am sure you will not refuse to give yourself the trouble of its perusal.1
I rejoice exceedingly Sir that you enjoy a good degree of Health—with satisfaction in your pursuits—I most sincerely wish that Mrs Washington might be a partaker with you in both.
I sometimes meditate a Journey into your State—If this takes place one of the greatest pleasures I promise myself in the Tour, will be the satisfaction I should take in paying my affectionate respects to you & Mrs W. With Sentiments of the most perfect regard & Esteem—I have the Honor to be Dr Sir Your most Obedient & most humble Servant
Jona. Trumbull
ALS, DLC:GW.
1. The sermon, preached by Rev. Zebulon Ely at Jonathan Trumbull’s funeral on 19 Aug. 1785, was entitled The Death of Moses the Servant of the Lord. The copy sent to GW, which was in his library at Mount Vernon at his death in 1799, was printed in Hartford in 1786 by Elisha Babcock ( 74).