Perfumes, as of Eden, flow'd sweetly along,
And a voice, as of angels, enchantingly sung :
"Columbia, Columbia, to glory arise,
The queen of the world and the child of the skies."
Samuel Kettell, Specimens of American Poetry (Boston, 1829), I, 246-247.
165. Woman's Work for the Soldiers (1780)
BY MRS. ESTHER REED AND GENERAL GEORGE WASHINGTON
Mrs. Reed was the wife of Joseph Reed, for whom see No. 61 above. The letter shows the interest and spirit of self-sacrifice of the time. — Bibliography : W. B. Reed, Life and Correspondence of Joseph Reed, II, 253-255, and Life of Esther Reed. — For Washington, see No. 195 below.
Sir,
THE subscription set on foot by the ladies of this City for the use of the soldiery, is so far completed as to induce me to transmit to your Excellency an account of the money I have received, and which, although it has answered our expectations, it does not equal our wishes, but I am persuaded will be received as a proof of our zeal for the great cause of America and our esteem and gratitude for those who so bravely defend it.
The amount of the subscription is 200,580 dollars, and ₤625 6s. 8d in specie, which makes in the whole in paper money 300,634 dollars.
The ladies are anxious for the soldiers to receive the benefit of it, and wait your directions how it can best be disposed of. We expect some considerable additions from the country and have also wrote to the other States in hopes the ladies there will adopt similar plans, to render it more general and beneficial.
With the utmost pleasure I offer any farther attention and care in my power to complete the execution of the design, and shall be happy to accomplish it agreeable to the intention of the donors and your wishes on the subject.
The ladies of my family join me in their respectful compliments and sincerest prayer for your health, safety, and success.
I have the honour to be,
- With the highest respect,
- Your obedient humble servant,
- With the highest respect,
