Laurens, Henry, as President of the Continental Congress

Letter signed ("Henry Laurens") with autograph closing, 1 page (9 3/8 x 7 3/4 in.; 238 x 196 mm), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 13 October 1778, to [Meshech Weare, President of New Hampshire]; formerly folded, lightly browned, integral address leaf mostly gone leaving wax seal only. Calf folding case within a quarter calf clamshell box.

Letters of Delegates to Congress, vol. 11, p. 55

formerly folded, lightly browned, integral address leaf mostly gone leaving wax seal only.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

A circular letter, sent to all the States, enclosing the 12 October act of Congress "recommending the encouragement of true Religion and good morals, and the suppression of theatrical entertainments, horse racing, gaming, and such other diversions as are productive of Idleness, Dissipation, and a general depravity of Principles and Manners."

According to the editors of the Letters of Delegates, this act "met more opposition than may appear from a casual reading of the journals. A majority of the delegates were opposed to this resolution, which failed of adoption on the first vote, but when 'the yeas and nays' were called for on the question, several members reversed themselves to avoid going on record against "true religion and good morals." The campaign for adoption of this and companion measures calling for the dismissal of Continental officers who flouted its intent, "was marked by an uncommon degree of parliamentary maneuvering, which the paucity of comment on the subject in the delegates' surviving correspondence belies."