American Historical Ephemera & Photography

WRIGHT, Darius (1761-1846). Copy of a Psalm Sent by Lord Howe When in New York to Genl. Washington at White Plains. Springfield, MA, July 1846. 4 pages, 4to, minor toning, old creases.  

There is a long-standing legend that Admiral of the Fleet Richard Howe, 1st Earl Howe (1726-1799), knowing of the hard conditions at Washington's camp sent him a copy of Psalm 120. The story was widely circulated in the 19th century and this is an early account written by Wright who attests to be "a Revolutionary Soldier." Darius Wright of Springfield is listed in the early 19th censuses, he is listed in the Pension Roll of 1835 as having served as a private in the Massachusetts Militia, and his wife Louisa Wright continued to receive a widow's pension after his death. 

[With:]  [SEAWALL, Jonathan]. [Washington's Farewell Address in Rhyme]. [Portsmouth, NH]: [Charles Pierce], [1798]. 8vo. (Lacking title page, tissue repairs, last page incomplete, dampstaining.) One-quarter brown morocco with textured cloth, red morocco title label gilt (spine mostly deteriorated, dampstaining and soil). -- WASHINGTON, George (1731-1799). Gen. George Washington's Account with the United States, from 1775 to 1783, As Written by Himself. Hartford, CT: American Publishing Company, 1857. Folio. Illustrated title page, facsimile. (Toning.) Original publisher's illustrated leatherette gilt (chipping to spine, light soil). -- [Also with:] Authenticated Copy of the Last Will and Testament of George Washington, of Mt. Vernon. Washington, D.C.: A. Jackson, 1868. 8vo. Title page vignette, facsimile documents and Washington signatures. (Brown spotting.) Original pictorial printed wrappers (toned, brown spotting). -- Together, 3 Washington-related publications.