February 12, 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. Berates him for his delay in answering his previous letter. Tells George about the importance of mathematics and neat handwriting for his expected career working in the Customhouse. Critiques George's spelling and grammar. Hopes George will be able to finish his education at Wickford within six months. 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.

GLC02300.17

4 March 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. Discusses general subjects of study in mathematics, astronomy and geography. Also makes reference to the re-election of President Thomas Jefferson and related celebrations. He remarks: "Public days are not celebrated with such animation as they formerly were..." Asks George to ask Mr. Updike to look out for a servant for Ellery. He would like "a black boy about 14 years old, who is good tempered, active, and tractable, who knows how to take care of a horse or cow, and how to milk, and who is faithful and honest. I…

GLC02300.18

14 March 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. Has received George's letter. Berates George for sending him the wrong description of the geography he needed for school. Corrects the grammar of his letter. Is glad to hear that there are persons in Wickford who are religiously inclined. Advises him to read his Bible: "and may the Holy Spirit inspire you with a principle of holiness. Without holiness no man can see God, and enjoy his smiles." He continues to have the "bad humour" about the lower region of his belly, "otherwise my health is as good as a man my age…

GLC02300.19

26 March 1806

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Wanton Ellery

Written to his son at Captain Barney's School, Wickford, Rhode Island. Thanks him for his letter. Is glad that Mr. Updike has furnished George with a scale and dividers; he has sent him money to purchase a geography book for him. Is glad to hear that "the inoculation for the small pox did not take on those who had been inoculated for the swine pox; not because I in the least doubted the latter being a perfect security against the former, but because it will inspire the Wickfordians with faith, and induce them to undergo vaccine inoculation." Corrects his spelling and grammar. Happy that…

GLC02300.20

15 April 1806

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Wanton Ellery

Written to his son at Captain Barney's School, Wickford, Rhode Island. Thanks him for his letter. Is pleased to hear from Mr. Updike that the two volumes of geography have arrived. Wishes that he would read English grammar in his leisure hours: "It will assist you in speaking and writing English correctly, which is an accomplishment. Any honor you may acquire by attention to your studies and conduct, I shall receive a portion of by reflection, and shall by your improvement in useful learning be amply requited for any kindness I have shown you." Adds, "an honest man is the noblest…

GLC02300.21

24 April 1806

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph letter

Title: to George Wanton Ellery

Written to his son at Captain Barney's School in Wickford, Rhode Island. Thanks him for his letter. He has no objection to his learning to dance, for it will make him easy and graceful. If the fee is to be paid at entrance to dancing studies, Ellery asks George to ask Mr. Updike to advance it. Warns him not to let the dancing interfere with his studies. Aunt Burt in Bristol is seriously ill. Dean's wife died yesterday, leaving a "husband, and her eleven children many of whom are quite young. Every death should be a memento to us to be prepared for death, who spares no age nor condition…

GLC02300.22

10 June 1806

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Wanton Ellery

Written to his son. Thanks him for his letter with its "serious and just observations on the all conquering power of death." His "dear Aunt Burt" has "gone to join with the redeemed." "Judge Dana has come to Newport to wait upon his wife and Sarah Ann and Mr. Channing." Has enjoyed their company, and wishes George had been there to join them. Is now sending George Euclid's Elements, and recommends he study it. 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…

GLC02300.23

24 June 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. Thanks him for his letter. Advises him to continue with his studies. Ellery plans for George to finish the academy, and at such time to place him in a situation where he "may acquire a knowledge of merchants accompts." Is glad that the academy increases in the number of its students, and looks forward to the time when it will exceed the Greenwich Academy in quality as well as in size. Asks George to tell him how the recent eclipse of the sun affected him. A Member of the Continental Congress from 1776 until 1785,…

GLC02300.24

12 July 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. Encloses a pair of socks, enlarged by Nancy. Hopes that George will use his remaining time at school well. Discusses the question as to whether or not Lombardy poplar and worms that infest it are poisonous. 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.

GLC02300.25

6 August 1806

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph letter

Title: to George Wanton Ellery

Written to his son at Captain Barney's School in Wickford, Rhode Island. Would be glad to know if George wishes to be at the "commencement in Cambridge." If so, he should be "here on the 18th of this month, for commencement is on the 27th." Has been expecting a letter from him. Undoubtedly George has heard of the death of his Aunt Champlin. She has gone to her eternal reward, for she was a pious woman. Ellery sends regards to Mr. Updike and Captain Barney, and to their families. A Member of the Continental Congress from 1776 until 1785, William Ellery was a signer of the Declaration of…

GLC02300.26

June 15, 1790

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Elbridge Gerry

Ellery writes to Congressman Gerry from Massachusetts to say that since the Constitution has been ratified, it is now proper for him to ask for his support for appointment as the Collector of the Southern District of Rhode Island. He has asked him to be appointed a judge, but now thinks he is more qualified to be a collector. Thinks that the state legislature of Rhode Island will continue to insist that the national government assume the debt of the states. Sends his regards to their mutual acquaintances: Colonel Partridge, "father Sherman," "old Foster, and all my congressional acquaintances…

GLC01497

1776-1780

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Header Record

Title: [Collection of five journals chronicling William Ellery's travels to Congress] [Decimalized .01-.05]

GLC00107

circa 1776-1777

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph manuscript

Title: [Journal of William Ellery's journey from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Dighton, Massachusetts]

Signed "W.E." Discusses his travels and expenses through eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, southern New York, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. Contains descriptions of Moravian settlements near Bethlehem, Pennsylvania; imprisoned Tories at Newton, New Jersey; room and board at Fishkill, New York; and news of General William Howe's evacuation of New York. William Whipple accompanied him on his trip.

GLC00107.01

20 October - 15 November 1777

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph manuscript

Title: [Journal of William Ellery's journey from Dighton, Massachusetts, to Yorktown, Pennsylvania]

Discusses British General John Burgoyne's surrender at Saratoga and meetings with Generals Oliver Wolcott and Israel Putnam, and with Members of the Continental Congress Francis Dana, John Hancock, John Adams, and Samuel Adams. Includes allusions to Cervantes' "Don Quixote" and Laurence Sterne's "The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman."

GLC00107.02

June 28, 1778-July 23, 1778

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph manuscript

Title: [Journal of William Ellery's journey from Pennsylvania to Massachusetts]

Discusses his travels through Eastern Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Princeton, New Jersey, southern New York State, Connecticut, Providence, Rhode Island, and Massachusettes. Describes the defeat of Sir Henry Clinton at the Battle of Monmouth and speaks of Philadelphia's mood after its liberation. Mentions Elbridge Gerry and Francis Dana, members of the Continental Congress. Item in original brown wrappers fastened with a pin.

GLC00107.03

24 October 1778 - 14 July 1779

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph manuscript

Title: [Journal of William Ellery's journey from Dighton, Massachusetts, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania]

Discusses travels through Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, Eastern Pennsylvania and Philadelphia. Describes preparations for Independence day in Philadelphia on the day of his departure (3 July 1779) and reports news of British marauding on the Connecticut coastline. Details his expenses as a Member of Congress. Note in Ellery's hand on back cover reads: "Mr. William Redwood of Philadelphia joined me at Providence in his way home." Item includes original sewing in margin.

GLC00107.04

November 10, 1779 - April 15, 1780

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph manuscript

Title: [Journal of William Ellery's journey from Cranston, Rhode Island, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania]

Discusses his travels through Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. The bulk of the journal records the journey from Rhode Island to Philadelphia. Discusses a debate about blood chemistry and other medical matters that he provoked between Dr. Graham of Westbury and Thomas Tillotson, the Surgeon General of the Northern Department. Mentions a letter discovered on the road, which speaks of the forthcoming British evacuation of New York. Details his expenses as a Member of Congress.

GLC00107.05

1812 - 1815

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Header Record

Title: [Collection of nine letters from William Ellery to his grandson, George Channing] [Decimalized .01-.09]

GLC00108

January 20, 1812

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George G. Channing

In the letter, William Ellery thanks his grandson for his letter and for the wine he sent. He apologizes for the delay in responding due to outfitting a revenue cutter to cruise against violators of the Non-Intercourse Act. He reports that he has received a letter from R.H. Dana of Provincetown. In the letter, he praises education, and includes local news intended for Channing's mother and mentions a letter of recommendation for R.H. Dana. He asks that the letter be forwarded to M.R. Dana. A poetic note is written on the envelope leaf.

GLC00108.01

March 18, 1812

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George G. Channing

In the letter, William Ellery thanks his grandson for his letter. He approves of Channing's career choice, and compares the commission brokerage and the auctioneering business. He advises him to be polite to all persons, especially in business dealings, and thanks him for family news.

GLC00108.02

April 15, 1812

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George G. Channing

In the letter, William Ellery thanks his grandson for his letter. He expresses happiness on the success of his auction business and that the candidate who opposed Channing in the recent election was defeated. He is much pressed with the increase of his duties during the present conflict with Great Britain. He reports that in local politics that the Federalists are sure to triumph.

GLC00108.03

August 21, 1812

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George G. Channing

In the letter, William Ellery reprimands his grandson for the delay in sending his last letter. Channing asked for aid regarding a bank in which Ellery owned stock. Ellery replies that he will help his grandson and uses a shipping metaphor to preach moderation. Ellery considers nations with intemperate rulers as being punished by God. He thinks it highly unlikely that there will be a President of the United States from the North. He writes that though enslaved people increase Southern representation he believes that enslaved people would side with the North if given a chance. He thanks…

GLC00108.04

December 5, 1812

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George G. Channing

In the letter, William Ellery writes to his grandson that he is happy Channing has gained a business partner and inquires as to who drew up the legal documents executing the partnership. He believes theological differences in the world will persist, and that everyone would get along if they treated each other morally. He comments that a religious war would be much worse than the War of 1812. He discusses a preacher and his success with parishioners. He comments on the Channing family moving from Newport, Rhode Island, to Boston. He sends his love to all the members of the family.

GLC00108.05

April 30, 1813

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George G. Channing

In his letter, William Ellery thanks his grandson for his letter and advises him to stop apologizing so much for the delay in writing. He apologizes for the character of his own writing, which has resulted from not taking proper care of his pen. He discusses his understanding of feminine psychology and sends his love to the family.

GLC00108.06

May 14, 1814

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George G. Channing

In his letter, William Ellery agrees with his grandson that evils have resulted from commercial regulations brought on by the War of 1812. He does not think Congress will enact an embargo and believes the British have a right to blockade their enemy's ports. He advises moderation in expenses and pleasures when he marries. He refers to the Book of Ruth in a discussion of marriage customs as they relate to the impending nuptials between Channing's mother and William. He discusses a possible visit and family news, and mentions the good character of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry. Writing one…

GLC00108.07