From Gloucester to Philadelphia in 1790
Observations, Anecdotes, and Thoughts from the Letters of Judith Sargent Murray

by Bonnie Hurd Smith

The Emerging American Nation through the Eyes of 18th-Century America's Most Important Female Essayist

Judith Sargent Murray and her husband, the Reverend John Murray, journeyed to Philadelphia in 1790 from their home in Gloucester, Massachusetts, to attend the first national convention of Universalists. John Murray, who is considered the Founder of Organized Universalism in America, played a leading role.

Along the way, Judith was introduced to President George Washington and watched him preside over a session of Congress. She met Martha Washington and befriended the Washingtons' granddaughter, Eleanor ("Nellie") Custis. She renewed her friendship with Vice President John Adams and Abigail Adams. Judith attended special events such as 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 in Gloucester with the language of a poet, the attentiveness of a journalist, and the insight of a deeply engaged citizen of America.

Published by the Judith Sargent Murray Society, a division of Hurd Smith Communications. Soft cover, 338 pages, 19 pages of illustrations.

Contents

Introduction

Maps

About the Letters

"I am Jealous for the Honour of Our Sex"
Introducing Judith Sargent Murray

The Letters
(transcriptions of 64 letters, preceded by a brief introductory synopsis; includes letters written from Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania)

Epilogue

Bibliography

19 pages of illustrations

Sample Letters

Letter 783
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
Judith recounts her visits to Benjamin Franklin's library and Charles Willson Peale's museum.

Letter 777
Judith describes the powerful effect of John Murray's preaching on his "hearers" in New Jersey.
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