From Hannah States (unpublished)
Philadelphia Sepr 16th. 1785
Good Sir

At this Time of writing I’m threescore and ten, And therefore You cant expect much from my Pen.

But having been a staunch female Whig and occasionaly (tho in Cog.) have wrote something to the purpose, which hath been published by the Printers, together, with being the surviving Sister of Thos. Godfrey, one whose Genius, you once esteemed much from thence I felt an Impulse to render you somewhat, tho it was but a pueril old fashioned Acrostick, in order to express my regards for so venerable and upright a Character, as you, Sir, have justly merited from all lovers of Freedom, and in particular, one, who rejoices much at your return and in having the happiness to subscribe herself venerable Sir, your much devoted humble Servant

Hannah States

Endorsed: Mrs. States formely Hannah Wood
Acrostick

Born under a lucky Planet, as we say

Ever to be esteem’d a Man of Sway.

Nature gave such a Genius, as was meet,

Join’d to that Sense, which shew’d her Work compleat.

A Man design’d to be a general Good,

Must be influenc’d by a gracious God:

Inspir’d with evry Gift to suit the Plan,

No Mean, but hath concur’d, to Bless the Man.

Fixt, firm, and steady still, in freedom’s Cause:

Resolv’d t’oppose All, that obstructs her Laws.

A Gift from Heavn! too precious to be lost!

Nor to be parted with, at any Cost.

Kindness of Heart, we trust, has brought him Home;

Love to his Country oft induc’d his Roam.

In noble generous Acts seems still intent,

Not to desist from, ’till his Life is spent.

Which may prolonged be ’till late o’th’Night

This is my Hope and this a Widow’s Mite.

Hannah States

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