Warren, James

Letter signed ("Ja^s Warren"), 2 pages (9 x 7 3/8 in.; 228 x 187 mm), Plymouth, MA, 2 May 1789, to George Washington, docketing on integral blank leaf; formerly folded, fold-tears in integral blank leaf, two tears in central fold mended with tape, fore-edge of blank leaf frayed.

Abbot & Twohig, eds., GW Papers, Presidential Series 2:201-202

formerly folded, fold-tears in integral blank leaf, two tears in central fold mended with tape, fore-edge of blank leaf frayed.
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.

Congratulating Washington on his election.

Warren (1726-1808) succeeded Joseph Warren as president of the Massachusetts provincial congress, at which point he had frequent contact with Washington. He opposed ratification of the Constitution without a bill of rights, and later was a supporter of the anti-federalist party, both of which tensions are expressed in the letter: "When your arrival at the head of the General Government is announced, it is become my duty ... to make my congratulations both to you & to my Country ... for however I may have been at first in opinion against the new Constitution before it's ratification, I now think it is the duty of every good citizen to rejoice in every measure calculated to carry it into operation ...

I do not flatter you, Sir, when I assure you that my own particular wishes ... are fully gratified by this event ... Your Excellency will have no difficulty in believing me very sincere, notwithstanding any misrepresentations originating from party & founded in tory resentments ... The New Government, however untrodden & delicate the ground is on which the several branches have to act, seems to open with the auspicious omen of harmony; a circumstance very favorable to the hopes of their surmounting the many & great difficulties they have to encounter in the infancy of the Government when precedents are to be established with caution, & laws to originate without precedent."

Washington responded on 23 May (in part): "It gives me no small pleasure to find that former friendships have not been destroyed by a difference of opinion on this great political point. It is a proof of the good dispositions which govern the people of this Country, and which, if properly improved, will make us a happy people."