William LINN (1752 – 1808) Presbyterian clergyman; first Chaplain of the United States House of Representatives; second President of Queen’s College (Rutgers) from 1791 to 1795.

Autograph Letter Signed, “Wm Linn“, 2pp., 8 x 6 1/4 in. (200 x 160 mm.), New York, 30 May 1797, with integral transmittal leaf addressed in his hand to “The Rev. Dr. Jedediah [sic] Morse Charleston Massachusetts” (and carried by “The Rev Saml. Spring“). Docketed by Jedediah MORSE (1761-1826) below: “Dr Linn and. June 28 97 (briefly) with a promise of a more full one … asking answers to a list of questions relative to Indians &c” and identifying his correspondent above the address as “a very celebrated clergyman of New York“.

Linn opened introducing an enclosure of a questionnaire concerning American Indians,”The successful attention which you have Bestowed on American Geography will enable you to gain some useful information respecting the Indians, & Your attachment to the interests of science & religion will induce you to contribute your Share for the promotion of these. I write in haste and have not the time to state the questions most difficult to me. Whatever communications you will please to make on the questions in the printed letter, or on whatever occurs to you necessary on this business will be greatly received…”

Jedediah Morse was a noted American minister, accomplished geographer, and father of Samuel F. B. Morse, the telegraphy pioneer. The author of numerous textbooks beginning in 1784, Morse enjoyed national recognition as the “father of American geography.” Morse was very interested in American Indian affairs, and in 1820 the Secretary of War commissioned him to study tribes on the frontier and to recommend a means of “improving” their condition.

Samuel Spring (1746-1819), the bearer of the letter, was a conservative Massachusetts Congregationalist minister and chaplain during the Revolutionary War who served during the Siege of Boston and accompanied Arnold to Quebec.
 
 
 

Marginal losses at seal tear and corner of address leaf filled in, minor tears at margins, one of which is reinforced with glassine, usual folds, partly split at spine, else very good.

Together with William LINN, REMARKS on Dr. MOORE’s ADDRESS to the MEMBERS of the PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH, in the CITY of New-York. (New York: Printed by Thomas Greenleaf, 1793) 46 pp. 8vo., string bound. Evans 25722.

Marginal tears, light dampstains, else very good.

(EXA 4051) $750