Description:

Thomas Russell
Boston, MA, May 16, 1789
Inauguration of G. Washington, T. Russell Writes to J. Langdon 2 Weeks After: "the president and vice president are...the greatest and best characters on Earth"
ALS
Thomas Russell (1740-1796). Autograph Letter Signed, "Thom. Russell", 3pp bifolium, 7.25" x 9", Boston, Massachusetts, May 16, 1789. Docketing at verso. Expected mailing folds and creases, with very minor separation and loss at same. Ink show-through. Small tear at top of page 3, not affecting text. Toning and scattered foxing. In very good plus condition.

To the Honorable John Langdon, in part:

"It is some time since I received your favour of 15 March, I readily conceive how tiresome it must have been to you to have waited so long for a Quorum of Congress to do business. I heartily rejoice at the organization of the federal government composed of such excellent characters. I anticipate every thing that is great and good - the president and vice president are in my opinion two of the greatest and best characters on Earth - enviable by the first potentates in the world.

I cannot let your amiable Mrs. Langdon leave me without asking how you do, I was in hopes her visit would not have been so short...You cannot imagine how much I was disappointed in not seeing your charming daughter, expecting she would have accompanied her mama - I think you judged right, so early in Life, in not introducing her to such round of company as must have been the case at N. York which I suppose is the London of America.

Mrs. Russell & I have it in contemplation to pay you a visit this summer in company with Mr. & Mrs. Lowell should Mr. Lowell be called for in the Judicial department of the federal government. I cannot conceive a man of his merit and abilities can be tossed aside....Please to make my compliments acceptable to Mr. Adams, Mr. Strong, and Mr. & Mrs. Dalton..."

Thomas Russell was a Boston merchant, active in the establishment and leadership of both the Bank of North America (1781) and the First United States Bank (1790). He was President of the Boston Branch of the first United States Bank; President of the Society for Propagating the Gospel among the Indians and others in North America; President of the Humane Society of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; President of the Agricultural Society; President of the Society for the Advice of Immigrants; President of the Boston Chamber of Commerce; and, President of the National Bank in Boston.

John Langdon (1741-1819) was an American politician and Founding Father from New Hampshire. He served as a delegate to the Constitutional Convention, signed the United States Constitution, and was one of the first two United States senators from New Hampshire. Langdon was an early supporter of the Revolutionary War. He later served in the United States Congress for twelve years before becoming president, and later governor, of New Hampshire. In April 1789, Langdon served as the Senate's first president pro tempore and counted the votes of the electoral college for the first presidential election.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 7.25" x 9"
  • Medium: ALS

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