Newport in Newport County, Rhode Island — The American Northeast (New England)

The Famous Letter by President George Washington

By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), May 6, 2023

1. The Famous Letter by President George Washington Marker

Inscription.

The Famous Letter by President George Washington. . The famous letter by President George Washington to the Hebrew Congregation in Newport, August 21, 1790, in which religious freedom is laid out as a basic principle of the new republic., To the Hebrew Congregation in Newport, Rhode Island.

Gentlemen,, While I receive, with much satisfaction, your address replete with expressions of affection and esteem; I rejoice in the opportunity of assuring you, that I shall always retain a grateful remembrance of the cordial welcome I experienced in my visit to Newport, from all classes of citizens., The reflection on the days of difficulty and danger which are past is rendered the more sweet, from a consciousness that they are succeeded by days of uncommon prosperity and security. If we have wisdom to make the best use of the advantages with which we are now favored, we cannot fail, under the just administration of a good government, to become a great and a happy people., The citizens of the United States of America have a right to applaud themselves for having given to mankind examples of an enlarged and liberal policy: a policy worthy of imitation. All possess alike liberty of conscience and immunities of citizenship. It is now no more that toleration is spoken of, as if it was by the indulgence of one class of people, that another enjoyed the exercise of their inherent natural rights. For happily the government of the United States, which gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance requires only that they who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens, in giving it on all occasions their effectual support., It would be inconsistent with the frankness of my character not to avow that I am pleased with your favorable opinion of my administration, and fervent wishes for my felicity. May the children of the stock of Abraham, who dwell in this land, continue to merit and enjoy the good will of the other inhabitants; while every one shall sit in safety under his own vine and figtree, and there shall be none to make him afraid. May the Father of All Mercies scatter light and not darkness in our paths, and make us all in our several vocations useful her, and in his own due time and way everlastingly happy. G Washington

In loving memory of our son Craig Ira Greenfield

The famous letter by President George Washington to the Hebrew Congregation in Newport, August 21, 1790, in which religious freedom is laid out as a basic principle of the new republic.

To the Hebrew Congregation in Newport, Rhode Island

Gentlemen,

While I receive, with much satisfaction, your address replete with expressions of affection and esteem; I rejoice in the opportunity of assuring you, that I shall always retain a grateful remembrance of the cordial welcome I experienced in my visit to Newport, from all classes of citizens.

The reflection on the days of difficulty and danger which are past is rendered the more sweet, from a consciousness that they are succeeded by days of uncommon prosperity and security. If we have wisdom to make the best use of the advantages with which we are now favored, we cannot fail, under the just administration of a good government, to become a great and a happy people.

The citizens of the United States of America have a right to applaud themselves for having given to mankind examples of an enlarged and liberal policy: a policy worthy of imitation. All possess alike liberty of conscience and immunities of citizenship. It is now no more that toleration is spoken of, as if it was by the indulgence of one class of
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people, that another enjoyed the exercise of their inherent natural rights. For happily the government of the United States, which gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance requires only that they who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens, in giving it on all occasions their effectual support.

It would be inconsistent with the frankness of my character not to avow that I am pleased with your favorable opinion of my administration, and fervent wishes for my felicity. May the children of the stock of Abraham, who dwell in this land, continue to merit and enjoy the good will of the other inhabitants; while every one shall sit in safety under his own vine and figtree, and there shall be none to make him afraid. May the Father of All Mercies scatter light and not darkness in our paths, and make us all in our several vocations useful her, and in his own due time and way everlastingly happy.
G Washington

In loving memory of our son Craig Ira Greenfield

Erected 1979 by Dr. & Mrs. Martin Lee Greenfield.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Civil Rights • Patriots & Patriotism

By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), May 6, 2023

2. The Famous Letter by President George Washington Marker

. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #01 George Washington series list. A significant historical date for this entry is August 21, 1790.

Location. 41° 29.379′ N, 71° 18.743′ W. Marker is in Newport, Rhode Island, in Newport County. Marker is on Touro Street east of Spring Street, on the right when traveling west. The marker stands on the grounds of Patriot's Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 60 Touro St, Newport RI 02840, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Letter from Moses Seixas (here, next to this marker); Charlotte Burleigh House (a few steps from this marker); Touro Synagogue (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Touro Synagogue (within shouting distance of this marker); Gideon Cornell House (within shouting distance of this marker); The New Jersey House (within shouting distance of this marker); Wilbour-Ellery House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Buffum-Redwood House (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Newport.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 11, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 11, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 56 times since then and 6 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 11, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.