Lot 4045
Ellery, William (1727-1820) Signer of the Declaration of Independence from Rhode Island. Autograph Letter Signed, Newport, June 19, 1766, three pages, octavo. A loving letter to his daughter Lucy, in Cambridge, instructing her on her future role in the Ellery household, which was motherless since Ellery's wife Ann died in 1764; he would marry his second cousin, Abigail Cary, in 1767. The letter has a few expert repairs, else fine.
In part: "Though I wrote to you very lately, yet as I have a good Opportunity by Mr. Turner I can't forebear writing to you more because I know it will please you to hear from Us. We are all pleased to find that you have enjoyed so much health….The Children wonder how you look; whether you are grown handsomer or taller….As I wrote you, it will be inconvenient for me to bring you home till after Commencement…In the meantime improve every Hour to the best Advantage. Don't be concerned lest I should expect too much from you. Parents are indeed apt to overrate the Capacities of their Children & to expect great things from them. I believe I am not of that sort…I am sure that you have as fine an Example of every female Accomplishment….If you have learned how to conduct yourself & have acquired any tolerable degree of Steadiness my principal Design in your being abroad is answered….I intend to get rid of Meribah as soon as [your brother] Tronbridge is a little bigger, & if you and [your sister] Bessy discover that by your Conduct, that I have no need of a Housekeeper. Meribah to do her justice is very good to Tronbridge, indeed she is too good. She humours him so much that if she should have the management of him long, He who is a clever boy at present…would be entirely spoiled. I think she is…as good a Housekeeper as I could get, But I don't like hired Housekeepers. I want to see you put on the Woman, and begin to do that which you may be obliged to attempt one time or other. The nice, prudent Conduct of a Family is the greatest female Accomplishment…."
Estimated Value $4,000 - 6,000.
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| Realized $2,415 |
