Thomas Jefferson Papers

William Bentley to Thomas Jefferson, 18 July 1805

From William Bentley

Salem. 18 July 1805. Mass. U.S.A.

Sir,

A Stranger, except to your unrivalled talents & services, I could not refuse to express my sincere wishes, (assured by my friend Hon. J. Crowninshield that I should be forgiven), that I might be permitted in any form you may recommend, to express your kind memory of our Northern Hero, Gen Stark. The history of our Revolution cannot report respecting him more honourable services, than the present times of his Country. He is independant in mind & estate. Lately at his home in Derryfield, NH, I admired his patriotism, & his warm attachment to our present happy administration. He talks of Approaching dissolution. Should the President of the United States permit some kind congratulation, which regarded the memory of his military services, & undeviating patriotism, it would enrich the Old age of Gen Stark, & add to the highest pleasure of, Sir,

with the highest respect of your Genius, & your Immortal Public Services, as well as of your personal virtues & character, your devoted Servant,

William Bentley.

RC (DLC); addressed: “For Thomas Jefferson. President of the United States of America. Washington”; notation: “In the care of Hon Jacob Crowninshield, Esqr. of Salem Mass. USA”; endorsed by TJ as received 2 Aug. and so recorded in SJL. Enclosed in Jacob Crowninshield to TJ, 19 July.

Bentley had visited General John Stark at his home near Derryfield on 28 May (The Diary of William Bentley, D.D., Pastor of the East Church, Salem, Massachusetts, 4 vols. [Salem, Mass., 1905-14], 3:160-2, 173).

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