To George Washington from William Linn, 30 May 1798
From William Linn
New York, May 30th 1798.
Sir,
Excuse the liberty I take in inclosing to you a discourse delivered on the late fast day. The reasons for the publication, in the manner which it appears, you will see in the preface. To confirm some of my sentiments, I have quoted, in the notes, a few passages from your address on your resignation; & I was sorry that more could not be conveniently introduced from a performance immortal as your fame.1
I beg leave only to express my wishes, that the evening of your busy & eventful life may be peaceful & happy; that you may see your country established in the enjoyment of those blessings you toiled to secure; & that, when removed from this earthly scene you may, through the merits of the Redeemer, receive a crown of glory in heaven. I am with highest respect your Most Obedient
Wm Linn
ALS, DLC:GW.
1. William Linn, a minister of the Dutch Reformed Church in New York City, began sending GW copies of his sermons as early as 1791. See Tobias Lear to Linn, 21 Oct. 1791, DLC:GW. On 4 June GW thanked Linn for the sermon he sent at this time, A Discourse on National Sins, delivered by Linn on the day of general fasting, 9 May, in these terms: “Revd Sir, I received with thankfulness your favour of the 30th Ulto, enclosing the discourse delivered by you on the day recommended by the President of the United States to be observed as a general Fast. I have read them both with pleasure; and feel grateful for the favourable sentiments you have been pleased to express in my behalf; but more especially for those good wishes which you offer for my temporal & eternal happiness; which I reciprocate with great cordiality, being with esteem and respect, Revd Sir Your Most Obedt Hble Servt Go: Washington” (ALS, CSmH; letterpress copy, DLC:GW; LB DLC:GW).