RUTH'S ROOTS
Ten Years Later:
The Journey Continues
Letter from Joshua John Moore to Thomas Pinckney, who was the 2nd United States Minister to Great Britain. Pinckney was appointed by George Washington, and served from 1792-1796. Moore was asking for an interview with Pinckney so that he could get a letter of reference that would help him enter New York society. He was traveling to New York in the USS Hunter in just a few days hence.
September 26, 1793
Honourable [sic] Sir,
A freedom like this from an entire stranger would by most people be deemed as greatly in want of apology, and nothing but the excellent character which fame has long allowed, you, could have induced me to act against that impression, but when I am told that you possess Humanity, Condescension, Generosity and unequivocable Philanthropy, I cannot undervalue or insult those precious virtues so far as to hesitate one moment in addressing you, nor by apology appear to mistrust what i have heard.
I am a young man who have long had it in mind to visit the continent of America. I think it highly probable that I shall there find reward better proportioned to the exertions of labour [sic] and application than has been my lot to experience in England, but as I have no connection by means of which I can get properly recommended on my arrival there or an application like the present appears to be the only means of surmounting that difficulty. This is the more necessary as I have the misfortune to be deaf and long habits of sedentary and reclusive occupations have rendered me unfit for those active bustling and spirited manners so essential in most affairs where a commerce between man and man is necessary.
I flatter myself that if you will allow me the honour [sic] of a personal interview you will find me qualified for something useful and not discreditable to your recommendation. I have several very respectable friends who can speak to my character, but I wish it were possible you could interview me internally. I’ve the integrity and sincerity of my heart.
I shall go to New York in the [USS] Hunter, which will set sail in a very few days.
Be pleased to honour [sic] me with permission to wait upon you, and i shall ev
er consider it as the greatest of Obligations conferred on,
Honourable [sir] Sir,
Your most respected Servant,
Joshua Moore
Sept. 26th 1793
No. 33, Red Lion Street, Whitechapel
(He was staying at a pub called King Harry’s Head.)
There is no letter in the archives from Thomas Pinckney himself, yet this second letter from Joshua John Moore dated September 28 there is no letter in the archives from Thomas Pinckney himself, yet this second letter from Joshua John Moore dated September 28, 1793 implies that there had been at least some form of communication.
Letter from Joshua John Moore to Thomas Pinckney, who was the 2nd United States Minister to Great Britain. Pinckney was appointed by George Washington, and served from 1792-1796. Moore was asking for an interview with Pinckney so that he could get a letter of reference that would help him enter New York society. He was traveling to New York in the USS Hunter in just a few days hence.September 26, 1793Honourable [sic] Sir,A freedom like this from an entire stranger would by most people be deemed as greatly in want of apology, and nothing but the excellent character which fame has long allowed, you, could have induced me to act against that impression, but when I am told that you possess Humanity, Condescension, Generosity and unequivocable Philanthropy, I cannot undervalue or insult those precious virtues so far as to hesitate one moment in addressing you, nor by apology appear to mistrust what i have heard. I am a young man who have long had it in mind to visit the continent of America. I think it highly probable that I shall there find reward better proportioned to the exertions of labour [sic] and application than has been my lot to experience in England, but as I have no connection by means of which I can get properly recommended on my arrival there or an application like the present appears to be the only means of surmounting that difficulty. This is the more necessary as I have the misfortune to be deaf and long habits of sedentary and reclusive occupations have rendered me unfit for those active bustling and spirited manners so essential in most affairs where a commerce between man and man is necessary.I flatter myself that if you will allow me the honour [sic] of a personal interview you will find me qualified for something useful and not discreditable to your recommendation. I have several very respectable friends who can speak to my character, but I wish it were possible you could interview me internally. I’ve the integrity and sincerity of my heart.I shall go to New York in the [USS] Hunter, which will set sail in a very few days.Be pleased to honour [sic] me with permission to wait upon you, and i shall ever consider it as the greatest of Obligations conferred on,Honourable [sir] Sir,Your most respected Servant,Joshua MooreSept. 26th 1793No. 33, Red Lion Street, Whitechapel(He was staying at a pub called King Harry’s Head.)There is no letter in the archives from Thomas Pinckney himself, yet this second letter from Joshua John Moore dated September 28 there is no letter in the archives from Thomas Pinckney himself, yet this second letter from Joshua John Moore dated September 28, 1793 implies that there had been at least some form of communication.