40 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF THE [l/Sl 



While in Philadelphia, he attended a meeting of the American 

 Philosophical Society, on January 19th, and proposed General 

 George Washington as a member; the General was elected, and 

 Dr. Smith was appointed to notify to him the fact. The General 

 soon afterwards thus politely acknowledges the honor : 



General Washingion to Dr. Smith. 



Head-Quarters, Passaic Falls.* 



Sir: I am particularly indebted to you for the obliging manner in 

 which you have executed the trust reposed in you by the American 

 Philosophical Society. An excuse for the little delay that attended it 

 could have only found a motive in your politeness. 



All the circumstances of the Election are too flattering not to en- 

 hance the honor I feel in being distinguished by the fellowship of a 

 Society so eminently respectable. 



I warmly unite with you in the wish that the happy period may 



speedily arrive which will enable all the members to devote themselves 



to advancing the objects of this most useful institution. 



I am, Sir, with very great respect, 



V Most Obedient Humble Servant, 



Geo. Washinxton*. 

 To Rev. William Smith. 



Returning in a short time to Maryland, we find Dr. Smith 

 engaged in his work of corresponding, preaching and teaching. 



Dr. Smith to Gcesar Rodney, President of the State of Delaware. 



CllESTERTOWN, Maryland, Feb. Slh, 1781. 



Sir : When I had last the honour to wait on your Excellency at New 

 Castle, I informed you that I had left in the hands of Mr. Mc- 

 William, Jr., the Draft of a Bill for the Wilmington Lottery. As 

 Mr. Read, on whom we chiefly depend for getting this Bill forwarded, 

 may be engaged in the House wlien the Post passes through New Castle, 

 and not so easily found as your Excellency, I have taken the Liberty to 

 request that if it be not too much trouble for yourself to inform me the 

 State and Progress of the Bill by return of tliis Post. You will be 

 pleased to desire or direct Mr. Booth to do me that favour. 



I thank your Excellency for that gentlemanlike, liberal and candid 

 regard which I am well informed you have been pleased to pay to my 

 good name, when called in (jucstion by prejudiced or narrow-minded 



* This letter, which is in the collection of Colonel Frank Ettin^, is not dated ; but, 

 as the election was on the 19th of January, 1781, the letter must have been written 

 soon afterward. 



