September 22, 2011
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/22/2011
Wonderful Autograph Letter addressed to Colonel Stone, editor of the "The New York Commercial Advertiser," pertaining to the inauguration of George Washington as first President of the United States in New York City, 2pp. folio, and reads in almost its entirety: "...In your paper of the 8th Inst. I have just read an article entitled "A Half Century Reminiscence" in which was described Washington's journey from Mount Vernon to New York when he was about to be inaugurated as the 1st President of the United States. In the closing paragraph of that communication it is asserted that Washington crossed the N. River from Paulus Hook round by 12 pilots and steered by a thirteenth. I had the felicity of being a spectator on that occasion as also his subsequent inauguration and I think I can not be mistaken when I say that Mr. Denini (who it seems was not present) was misinformed on the subject of Washington's occupation in your city. As the smallest incidents which relate to the history of that great & good man and the organization of the constitution under we live must create a body of interest in the bosom of every true American and especially of your citizen who dwell on the spot which was in a measure consecrated by the events of that day. I will take the liberty of stating facts as I recollect them. A splendid Barge having been built & fitted up for that special occasion it was manned by 13[?] pilots corresponding with the then number of the U.S. They were dressed in a uniform of white frocks and black caps and Commodore Nicholson acted as Coxswain or helmsmen. In this barge a committee of distinguished persons frolic fortionius proceeded to Elizabeth Town point where Washington...were received on board and was rowed majestically to the city by men whose hearts and oars were in perfect unison. A platform covered with a carpet had been laid on a score on the east side of the Coffee house ship from which a flight of steps railed and ornamented rose to the level of this wharf a military escort was in waiting with a multitude from city & country which could not be numbered filled the coffee house area, the adjacent streets and covered the tops of the houses. I shall not attempt to described the entire scene with which he was received by the multitude. Party politics found no place in the bosom and every one then felt what was afterward pronounced on the floor of Congress when his death was announced. That he was First in War - first in peace and first in the heart of his country. His servants & horses having proceeded him by the way of Paulus Hook he mounted his majestic white charge - still now majestic in his own person and was escorted through Pearl Street to the Franklin house at the head of Cherry street which had been prepared for his reception and there commenced the palmy days of our federal government when the publick good was the polar star and the constitution and laws the hand by which one nationship was steered in safety through all the rocks and quicksands with which it was surrounded. When the civic virtues of Washington and his coadjutors carried into successful operation that admiralable system of government which the wisdom of Franklin, Madison & Hamilton and their associates in the grand convention had derived. But these bright luminaries have passed away and their mantle has not falled on those who now fill their stating....Thos suns are set - O rise some other such/Or all that we have left is empty talk/Of old achievements & despair of new" Fine condition. The Constitution of the United States was ratified by the states in June 1788. In February of the following year the new nation's Electoral College selected George Washington to be its first president. On April 16, 1789 Washington began the journey from his home at Mount Vernon to New York City, then the nation's capital, where he would be inaugurated. His journey to New York City took seven days and was transformed into a triumphal procession by the crowds and local officials who greeted the new president along the way. Celebrations erupted at numerous towns along his route including Alexandria, Baltimore, Wilmington, Philadelphia and Trenton. Washington arrived at Elizabeth Town, NJ on April 23 where a ceremonial barge awaited to take him across the river to Manhattan.
Click on a thumbnail above to display a larger image below
Hold down the mouse button and slide side to side to see more thumbnails(if available).
Click above for larger image.