WASHINGTON, George, President . Letter signed ("G: o Washington") AS PRESIDENT-ELECT to Justus Henry Helmuth and "the Ministers, Church-Wardens and Vestrymen of the German Lutheran Congregation in and near Philadelphia," [New York], [27 April 1789]. 1½ pages, folio, recipient's docket "George Washington" on blank. Discreetly silked, small chip at top corner of first leaf, otherwise in excellent condition .
WASHINGTON, George, President . Letter signed ("G: o Washington") AS PRESIDENT-ELECT to Justus Henry Helmuth and "the Ministers, Church-Wardens and Vestrymen of the German Lutheran Congregation in and near Philadelphia," [New York], [27 April 1789]. 1½ pages, folio, recipient's docket "George Washington" on blank. Discreetly silked, small chip at top corner of first leaf, otherwise in excellent condition . THREE DAYS BEFORE THE FIRST INAUGURATION, WASHINGTON LOOKS FORWARD TO "THE BLESSINGS OF A WISE AND EFFICIENT GOVERNMENT" UNDER THE NEW CONSTITUTION THE PRESIDENT-ELECT AFFIRMS THAT HE WILL ENCOURAGE "THE DOMESTIC AND PUBLIC VIRTUES OF INDUSTRY, ECONOMY, PATRIOTISM, PHILANTHROPY, AND "THAT RIGHTEOUSNESS WHICH EXALTETH A NATION" "SO LONG AS MY CONDUCT SHALL MERIT THE APPROBATION OF THE WISE AND THE GOOD." An exceptional letter, constituting Washington's sole public message to the members of a Lutheran congregation. The letter to which Washington responds is signed by Helmuth and J.F. Schmidt, both Ministers. On behalf of their congregation, they salute the President-elect, expressing "the joy we entertain for your appointment to the station of President in Chief." They profess "entire esteem" and "exalted consideration" for Washington's character and allude to "the duty we owe to this our country." In America's recent struggle for its independence, Helmuth writes, "your Excellency bore so illustrious a part from the very beginning of a most arduous contest." Even during the darkest trials of that war, "the blessings of divine providence" helped sustain them. Now, with a new government being formed with Washington at its helm, "pleasingly do we anticipate the blessings of a wise and efficient government--equal freedom, perfect safety--a sweet contentment spreading through the whole land...pure religion, and that righteousness which exalteth a Nation." Helmuth explains that he speaks for the wider congregation of "our German Brethren.." He reiterates their high regard for Washington and "confidence in your abilities, patriotism and distinguished goodness." In conclusion, he promises that the Lutherans will continue to pray to "the Throne of Grace" on Washington's behalf. (Full transcript available.) Washington, though burdened with an extensive correspondence as the inauguration ceremony approaches, responds: "While I request you to accept my thanks for your kind address, I must profess myself highly gratified by the sentiments of esteem and consideration contained in it. The approbation of my past conduct has received from so worthy a body of citizens as that whose joy for my appointment you announce, is a proof of the intelligence with which my future transactions will be judged by them." "I could not however avoid apprehending that the partiality of my Countrymen in favor of the measures now pursued has led them to expect too much from the present Government, did not the same Providence which has been visible in every stage of our progress to this interesting crisis, from a combination of circumstances, give us cause to hope for the accomplishment of all our reasonable desires." "Thus, partaking with you in the pleasing anticipation of the blessings of a wise and efficient government; I flatter myself that opportunities will not be wanting for me to show my disposition to encourage the domestic and public virtues of Industry, Oeconomy, Patriotism, Philanthropy, and that Righteousness which exalteth a Nation." "I rejoice in having so suitable an occasion to testify [to] the reciprocity of my esteem for the numerous People whom you represent. From the excellent character for diligence, sobriety and virtue, which the Germans in general, who are settled in America, have ever maintained; I cannot forbear felicitating myself on receiving from so respectable a member of them such strong assurances of their affection, for my person, confidence in my integrity, and zeal to support me in my endeavours for promoting the welfare
WASHINGTON, George, President . Letter signed ("G: o Washington") AS PRESIDENT-ELECT to Justus Henry Helmuth and "the Ministers, Church-Wardens and Vestrymen of the German Lutheran Congregation in and near Philadelphia," [New York], [27 April 1789]. 1½ pages, folio, recipient's docket "George Washington" on blank. Discreetly silked, small chip at top corner of first leaf, otherwise in excellent condition .
WASHINGTON, George, President . Letter signed ("G: o Washington") AS PRESIDENT-ELECT to Justus Henry Helmuth and "the Ministers, Church-Wardens and Vestrymen of the German Lutheran Congregation in and near Philadelphia," [New York], [27 April 1789]. 1½ pages, folio, recipient's docket "George Washington" on blank. Discreetly silked, small chip at top corner of first leaf, otherwise in excellent condition . THREE DAYS BEFORE THE FIRST INAUGURATION, WASHINGTON LOOKS FORWARD TO "THE BLESSINGS OF A WISE AND EFFICIENT GOVERNMENT" UNDER THE NEW CONSTITUTION THE PRESIDENT-ELECT AFFIRMS THAT HE WILL ENCOURAGE "THE DOMESTIC AND PUBLIC VIRTUES OF INDUSTRY, ECONOMY, PATRIOTISM, PHILANTHROPY, AND "THAT RIGHTEOUSNESS WHICH EXALTETH A NATION" "SO LONG AS MY CONDUCT SHALL MERIT THE APPROBATION OF THE WISE AND THE GOOD." An exceptional letter, constituting Washington's sole public message to the members of a Lutheran congregation. The letter to which Washington responds is signed by Helmuth and J.F. Schmidt, both Ministers. On behalf of their congregation, they salute the President-elect, expressing "the joy we entertain for your appointment to the station of President in Chief." They profess "entire esteem" and "exalted consideration" for Washington's character and allude to "the duty we owe to this our country." In America's recent struggle for its independence, Helmuth writes, "your Excellency bore so illustrious a part from the very beginning of a most arduous contest." Even during the darkest trials of that war, "the blessings of divine providence" helped sustain them. Now, with a new government being formed with Washington at its helm, "pleasingly do we anticipate the blessings of a wise and efficient government--equal freedom, perfect safety--a sweet contentment spreading through the whole land...pure religion, and that righteousness which exalteth a Nation." Helmuth explains that he speaks for the wider congregation of "our German Brethren.." He reiterates their high regard for Washington and "confidence in your abilities, patriotism and distinguished goodness." In conclusion, he promises that the Lutherans will continue to pray to "the Throne of Grace" on Washington's behalf. (Full transcript available.) Washington, though burdened with an extensive correspondence as the inauguration ceremony approaches, responds: "While I request you to accept my thanks for your kind address, I must profess myself highly gratified by the sentiments of esteem and consideration contained in it. The approbation of my past conduct has received from so worthy a body of citizens as that whose joy for my appointment you announce, is a proof of the intelligence with which my future transactions will be judged by them." "I could not however avoid apprehending that the partiality of my Countrymen in favor of the measures now pursued has led them to expect too much from the present Government, did not the same Providence which has been visible in every stage of our progress to this interesting crisis, from a combination of circumstances, give us cause to hope for the accomplishment of all our reasonable desires." "Thus, partaking with you in the pleasing anticipation of the blessings of a wise and efficient government; I flatter myself that opportunities will not be wanting for me to show my disposition to encourage the domestic and public virtues of Industry, Oeconomy, Patriotism, Philanthropy, and that Righteousness which exalteth a Nation." "I rejoice in having so suitable an occasion to testify [to] the reciprocity of my esteem for the numerous People whom you represent. From the excellent character for diligence, sobriety and virtue, which the Germans in general, who are settled in America, have ever maintained; I cannot forbear felicitating myself on receiving from so respectable a member of them such strong assurances of their affection, for my person, confidence in my integrity, and zeal to support me in my endeavours for promoting the welfare
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