Judith Sargent Murray and her husband, the
Rev. John Murray, journied to Philadelphia in 1790 from their home in
Gloucester, Massachusetts, to attend the first national gathering of
Universalists. John Murray, who was considered the "Father of
Universalism" in America, would play a leading role.
Along the way, Judith was introduced to
President George Washington and watched him preside over a session of
Congress; met Martha Washington and befriended her granddaughter,
Nellie Custis; renewed her friendship with Vice President John Adams
and Abigail Adams; attended special events like the Fourth of July
celebration in Philadelphia; encountered famous artists, inventors,
and politicians; and witnessed the breathless expansion of the new
American nation in the villages, towns, and cities through which she
traveled.
Judith described her experiences in
wonderful detail to her family and friends back home in Gloucester
with the language of a poet, the attentiveness of a journalist, and
the insight of a deeply engaged citizen of America.
The sixty-four letters contained in From Gloucester to Philadelphia in 1790 are introduced by a synopsis and explanation of persons described; the book also includes maps of Judith's journey, a bibliography, and images.
Paperback book, 338 pages, 19 images. $25.00 includes
shipping.
SAMPLE
LETTERS:
Letter
783
in which Judith describes meeting President George Washington and
Martha Washington for the first time, visiting Vice President John
Adams and Abigail Adams, sitting through a session of Congress, and
watching the signing of the first treaty with the Creek Nation.
Letter
765
in which Judith describes visiting Benjamin Franklin's library and
Charles Willson Peale's museum.
Letter
777
in which Judith describes the powerful effect John Murray's preaching
had on his "hearers" in New Jersey.