To George Washington from Donald Fraser, 30 June 1790
From Donald Fraser
New York [30 June 1790]
Sir.
I am about publishing a book, entitled the young Gentleman and Lady’s Assistant. The manuscript Copy of which, I have submitted to the President and professors of Columbia College, who have been pleased to give their approbation of the same.
The universally and justly establish’d Character, of the President of the United States, for beneficence and affability—and his known desire of promoting the cause Literature, induces me to hope; that he will pardon my presumption, in soliciting the honor, of his patronage to my inten’d publication. With the highest sentiments of respect, I am Sir, your most obedient and most humble Servant
Donald Fraser
School-master
ALS, DNA: RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters.
Donald Fraser (1755–1820), a New York schoolmaster, was the author of The Young Gentleman and Lady’s Assistant; Partly Original, but Chiefly Compiled from the Works of the Most Celebrated Modern Authors; Calculated to Instruct Youth in the Principles of Useful Knowledge (New York, 1791). He later published other books mostly of a similar didactic nature as well. No reply to this letter, nor any evidence that GW subscribed to the book, has been found.