August 29, 1778

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to unknown

Reports that his son left the recipient's horse at Daggets instead of at Sanfords in Bristol, where William Ellery had promised to deliver it in his last letter as his part in the "Newport Expedition." Comments on General John Sullivan and the withdrawal of Charles, Count d'Estaing, from the siege of Newport. Tells him he has heard from Philadelphia that the French Ambassador has met with an audience of Congress. Asks for any news he can be given and indicates that he has heard New York is to be evacuated by the British. A Member of the Continental Congress from 1776 until 1785, William…

GLC03236

21 September 1812

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George G. Channing

Personal letter in which Ellery describes a man named Mr. Otis as "a mellifluous, pathetic speaker" and explains his views on the relationship between business activities and intellectual improvement as well as the proverbial saying "laugh and be fat." Discusses the current political climate, the non-importation act, relations with Britain, and duty collection. Mentions the alarm in Newport caused by the presence of three British frigates and the possibility of being attacked. Also concerns Ellery's uncertainty about the upcoming presidential election. Written shortly before the…

GLC03841

1806

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Book signed

Title: Message from the President...communicating discoveries made...by...Lewis & Clark

GLC03644

1 November 1792

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Nancy Ellery

Comments on Nancy's recovery from a smallpox inoculation (variolation). Congratulates her and suggests that she will make a better wife after having smallpox because it must have filled her with patience and resolution, and made her immune. Reports that Nancy's friends in Newport were surprised to learn she had undergone variolation. Ellery has also been inoculated. Comments on his old age. A Member of the Continental Congress from 1776 until 1785, William Ellery was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Nancy was his daughter.

GLC04780

May 1778

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Whipple

A long letter from member of the Continental Congress (1776-1781, 1783-1785) and signer of the Declaration of Independence William Ellery to New Hampshire member of the Continental Congress (1776-1779) William Whipple which reprises events from the fall of 1777 to the present time and discusses British mistreatment of prisoners of war, morale and current events in the progress of the American Revolution. Notes that Howe was moving from Philadelphia; "I am just this moment informed that our army will halt this winter in Valley Forge." Addressed to Whipple in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Free-…

GLC07154

circa 1777-1778

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph manuscript signed

Title: [The Lancaster pocket almanack, for the year 1778. Being the third year of American Independency. Inscribed by William Ellery].

Title continues: "and the neighbouring states; containing a variety of useful lists and tables." Signed on the cover with his title: "Lancaster Almanack for 1778." Includes 24 blank pages for notes, which Ellery has filled with diary, notes, and some accounts while serving as a Member of the Continental Congress. He purchased the book in late 1777, possibly after Congress fled to Lancaster to escape the British occupation of Philadelphia. The diary discusses Congress' July 4 celebration, the British evacuation of Philadelphia, the Battle of Monmouth, Franklin's arrival at the French court…

GLC06669

13 August 1815

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his grandson

Congratulates his grandson's wife's safe delivery of a baby boy. Advises that the child be taught piety and virtue from a very young age, so it will stay with him always. He also urges the mother to nurse the baby and "not suffer any silly ideas of the polite to prevent her discharging this duty to which nature & nature's God require." The recipient possibly may be George G. Channing, with whom Ellery corresponded for many years. A Member of the Continental Congress from 1776 until 1785, William Ellery was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. He was Collector of the Port of…

GLC05508.097

February 19, 1807

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Stedman

William Ellery writes that he received his last letter and had hoped Stedman would provide some political news but since Stedman is apathetic about politics, Ellery must read the newspapers. He asks who originated the suspension on Habeas Corpus and mentions that General James Wilkinson wants it suspended. He shares a recollection about Wilkinson at Valley Forge and his role in the Conway Cabal. Comments that he expected to have heard more about Aaron Burr's rebellion. Asks his opinion of Napoleon's blockade and states, "It seems to me that it will prevent our filling the Treasury as fast as…

GLC00298

1802-1806

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Header Record

Title: [Collection of 26 letters from William Ellery to his son, George Wanton Ellery. Decimalized.]

GLC02300

4 August 1802

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Wanton Ellery

Written to his son at Captain Barney's School in Wickford, Rhode Island, to encourage him in his studies: "It is my highest wish that you should be so educated as to assist you in becoming a useful and honorable member of society; and if can give you such an education it will be the best legacy I can leave you." Would like him to go to college. When he next visits, he is to get winter clothes. Sends his regards to the Chaloners and to Mr. Updike and to his family. A Member of the Continental Congress from 1776 until 1785, William Ellery was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. He…

GLC02300.01

January 16, 1803

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Wanton Ellery

Written to his son at Captain Barney's School in Wickford, Rhode Island. Is pleased to learn that the son of his friend, Mr. Bowen, boards with George. Advises him to be studious: "Now is your time to lay a foundation for future usefulness. Time past cannot be recalled. Therefore, my son, exert yourself, and let not your hours run to waste without improvement." Asks him to have the weak part of his skates replaced. Mrs. Barney is to apply to Mr. Updike for any monies owed the school for him. Docketed by George Wanton Ellery. A Member of the Continental Congress from 1776 until 1785,…

GLC02300.02

January 25, 1803

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Wanton Ellery

Written to his son at Captain Barney's School in Wickford, Rhode Island. Admonishes his carelessness in exposing himself to poison sumac, and warns him to avoid poisons in the future: "I wish to see you a strong, vigorous boy, not a puny effeminate one." Encourages him to expose as much of his body as is possible to the air and not to overdress. Notes spelling errors in his letters and gives him advice on word division. Explains that he took him out of Mr. Chaloner's School and placed him in Captain Barney's School because it was less expensive. Asks if he has the proper Latin textbooks…

GLC02300.03

26 March 1803

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Wanton Ellery

Written to his son at Captain Barney's School in Wickford, Rhode Island. Thanks George for admonishing him for forgetting to date his last letter. Corrects his spelling and grammar errors, and instructs him how to fold and seal letters properly. Asks George to retain his letters: "keep my letters as I do yours." Commends George on his diligence in getting through his Latin grammar. In the event of Ellery's death George's care will be entrusted to his older brother, William. Will pass on to Dick his thanks for the oranges. Docketed by recipient. A Member of the Continental Congress from…

GLC02300.04

2 May 1803

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Wanton Ellery

Written to his son at Captain Barney's School in Wickford, Rhode Island. Thanks him for his letter. Corrects his spelling and grammar errors. Encloses with this letter a pair of socks from Nancy. George is to bring his clothes when he visits, and leave his books where they will be safe. He should also bring his old clothes, "for they may be useful to a little boy whom I have hired because old Dick has become infirm." Ellery will travel to Providence on business, but will return the next Wednesday. A Member of the Continental Congress from 1776 until 1785, William Ellery was a signer of…

GLC02300.05

16 June 1803

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Wanton Ellery

Written to his son at Captain Barney's School in Wickford, Rhode Island. Mentions Dr. Pearson, a professor at Harvard College, who visited Wickford. Uses George's fishing mishap, a dogfish snapping his line, as a metaphor to teach a lesson about dog-like men giving one trouble in life. Corrects his spelling and grammar, but also commends George for his improved spelling and writing. A Member of the Continental Congress from 1776 until 1785, William Ellery was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. He was Collector of the Port of Newport from 1790 until 1820.

GLC02300.06

25 October 1803

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Wanton Ellery

Written to his son at Captain Barney's School in Wickford, Rhode Island. Thanks him for his letter of 15 October, which had been delayed because of misdelivery. Ellery is a strong supporter of good local schools. Encourages George in his study of Latin grammar. Carr has not finished his shoes, and when he does, he will send them to George. Critiques his handwriting, grammar, and spelling. A Member of the Continental Congress from 1776 until 1785, William Ellery was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. He was Collector of the Port of Newport from 1790 until 1820.

GLC02300.07

11 November 1803

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Wanton Ellery

Written to his son at Captain Barney's School in Wickford, Rhode Island. Thanks him for his letter. Gives dietary advice to avoid cholic. Accuses George of writing a short letter in order to avoid errors, and tells him to "[s]tretch your wings, and fly over two pages at least." Since his shoes are too small, he should get a pair in Wickford. Includes a recipe for rat poison for Mr. Updike. Closes with an admonition to George to keep his teeth clean. A Member of the Continental Congress from 1776 until 1785, William Ellery was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. He was…

GLC02300.08

25 May 1804

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Wanton Ellery

Written to his son at Captain Barney's School in Wickford, Rhode Island. Advises George that perseverance is necessary to succeeding in studies, and that education lays the "foundation for future reputation and usefulness." Is sorry to hear of the derangement with Benjamin Reynolds. Tells him of the unexpected deaths of two members of the same family. Advises George to read his Bible, and to go to church both forenoon and afternoon on Sundays. A Member of the Continental Congress from 1776 until 1785, William Ellery was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. He was Collector of the…

GLC02300.09

23 June 1805

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Wanton Ellery

Written to his son at Captain Barney's School in Wickford, Rhode Island. Encloses the shoes made for him by Mr. Carr. Advises that diligence and attention will enable the gradual process of knowledge acquisition. Also advises George to be pious and virtuous, so that he will "grow in grace, and every kind of useful knowledge, and be a comfort to me in my rapidly declining years." A Member of the Continental Congress from 1776 until 1785, William Ellery was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. He was Collector of the Port of Newport from 1790 until 1820.

GLC02300.10

20 September 1805

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Wanton Ellery

Written to his son at Captain Barney's School in Wickford, Rhode Island. Is sending him Lindley Murray's abridged English grammar. Advises George to employ himself in useful activity by reading books. Reading provides comfort, instruction, and aids in "forming right judgment." George should reserve reading for leisure time, and focus especially on the Bible. A Member of the Continental Congress from 1776 until 1785, William Ellery was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. He was Collector of the Port of Newport from 1790 until 1820.

GLC02300.11

4 October 1805

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Wanton Ellery

Written to his son at Captain Barney's School in Wickford, Rhode Island. Mentions positive reports concerning his son's progress in mathematics and also his improved health. Notes that his own skin disorder, identified as "ascorbatic Erysipelas, or St. Anthony's fire," may not improve as easily. A postscript indicates how to fold letters so that the seal does not cover the writing. A Member of the Continental Congress from 1776 until 1785, William Ellery was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. He was Collector of the Port of Newport from 1790 until 1820.

GLC02300.12

5 November 1805

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph letter

Title: to George Wanton Ellery

Written to his son at Captain Barney's School in Wickford, Rhode Island. Discusses the barbarism and immorality of dueling. Ellery is not sure he will become involved with the North Kingston Bank. Corrects George's spelling errors. A Member of the Continental Congress from 1776 until 1785, William Ellery was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. He was Collector of the Port of Newport from 1790 until 1820. Signature clipped from letter.

GLC02300.13

12 November 1805

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Wanton Ellery

Written to his son at Captain Barney's School in Wickford, Rhode Island. Comments on George's experience seeing the invisible lady, an acoustical illusion of the Enlightenment that appeared to trick the senses by transforming mundane voices into divine utterances. Reassures his son that their is more reality than magic in the device, and explains that it is the invisible lady's inscrutable mode of operation that makes it a popular curiosity. Explains his point through an oppositional example, telling the story of how Christopher Columbus balanced an egg on its small end by using an obvious…

GLC02300.14

3 December 1805

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Wanton Ellery

Written to his son at Captain Barney's School in Wickford, Rhode Island. Discusses George's school and his studies. Corrects his spelling and grammar. Calls sickness and death "unavoidable evils." Advises that a religious life will prepare one for death, and urges George to be pious. Pitt Carr says that George's shoes will be ready this week. A Member of the Continental Congress from 1776 until 1785, William Ellery was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. He was Collector of the Port of Newport from 1790 until 1820.

GLC02300.15

January 10,1806

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Wanton Ellery

Written to his son at Captain Barney's School in Wickford, Rhode Island. Is glad to hear that George's academy increases in numbers, and believes that it will rival the Greenwich Academy. Advises George to master one concept in arithmetic before moving on to the next. Critiques George's composition against dueling, telling him "to adduce all the arguments," and noting that "[s]hort and sweet is good, but long and sweet is better." Complains the winter cold aggravates his bad humour because it checks his perspiration. A Member of the Continental Congress from 1776 until 1785, William…

GLC02300.16