Lovell, James (1737-1814) to Samuel Holten
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01450.020.16 Author/Creator: Lovell, James (1737-1814) Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 29 May 1781 Pagination: 4 p. : docket ; 20.5 x 33 cm. Order a Copy
Signed with initials. Recipient inferred from context and by comparing the docket to others in the 1450.020 collection. Wants to relay intelligence from Europe but he is concerned about doing so because of an obligation to secrecy. Remarks that the burden will fall on the inattentive and negligent states that are not in the middle of the war effort instead of on the discouraged states actively involved: "The Execrations of portenty will fall more justly perhaps on the Inattention and Negligence of the States distant from the immediate Carnage of the War than upon the Despondency and Cowardice of those in which it centers." Postscript mentions stagnant air of Philadelphia and informs that John Adams is well at home.
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