From David Bush (unpublished)
Wilmington October 10th: 1785
My Dear Sir

It gives me much pleasure to see the public congratulations denouncing your happy return again to America. Their voice, is a voice of sincerity, and a confidential mark of affection paid to your merit, for your conduct and services in being one of the principal agents in accomplishing and compleating the great and grand revolution of independence to the American Empire.

Our early acquantance claims the freedom in paying you the above compliment ’tho our distance for many years deprived seeing each other, yet, my memory is fresh revived and calls to mind the many happy hours, and cold winter nights, with a select sett of frinds and companions are now no more. You are the only survivor of them that I can call to remembrance. Our small Club was ever happy when you meet us; particular to me, as my attention was devoted to your conversation, and predictions relating to America. I am blest to see the day; and that with your assistance they are accomplished. Your wish was to make the people happy; Then without elogiums you are the Prophet. And the Children of America are brought out of bondage, from the tyrany of the British Nation. Your exhalted character will live, and be held in remembrance while America exists. Than let me assume to address you with the following lines (from Docr. Goldsmith)

Eternal blessing crown my earliest frind

and round his dwelling guardian saints attend;

Blest be the spot; where chearful guests retire

To pause from toil; and trim their ev’ning fire;

Blest that abode: where want and pain repair,

And every stranger finds a ready chair.

May you live to compleat that great and noble work, Providence designed you for, is the sincere Prayer of My Dear Sir Your Friend and Most Humble Servant

David Bush

p:s: I cannot close this letter without giving you a short history of my family; I had three Sons early in the Pensylvania service. The eldest was killed at the battle of Brandy-wine; The second who delivers this, is unsetled. The the third lives happy in Maryland. My youngest was not fit for the service therefore he studied Physic, and now is in practic. I am a Widower in the 78 year of my age. Could I say, I was free from the calamitys I suffered by the War (which now in my old age I sensibly feel) as I am from any bodily pain, or disorders, than gentily with contented ease, I’ll wait the stroke that closes the remains of life. Yours &c

D. B.

Addressed: The Honble: Benjamin Franklin Esqr. L.L.D. / Philadelphia / By Majr. George Bush
Endorsed: Mr. David Bush Oct. 10. 85
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