Washington, George, 1732-1799. The writings of George Washington from the original manuscript sources
Electronic Text Center, University of Virginia Library

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To JOSEPH REED

   Morris-town, February 15, 1780.

    Sir: I am much indebted to your Excellency for announcing my election as a member of the Philosophical society.19 I feel myself particularly honored by this relation to a society whose successful efforts for [promoting] useful knowledge have already justly acquired them the highest reputation in the literary world. I entreat you to present my warmest acknowledgments, and to assure them that I shall with zeal embrace every opportunity of seconding their laudable views and manifesting the

[Note:The American Philosophical Society, Philadelphia. Washington was elected a member Jan. 19, 1780. His membership certificate, in the Washington Papers , is dated Mar. 22, 1780. ]
exalted sense I have of the institution. The arts and sciences essential to the prosperity of the state and to the ornament and happiness of human life have a primary claim to the encouragement of every lover of his country and of mankind. With the greatest respect etc. 20

[Note:The draft is in the writing of Alexander Hamilton. The date line, address, and the word in brackets are in the writing of Washington. ]