Letter from George Washington to the Town of Newport, 1790

Letter from George Washington to the Town of Newport in 1790

“To the Freemen of the Town of New Port:

GENTLEMEN: I receive, with emotions of satisfaction, the kind address of the Citizens of New Port on my arrival in this State.

Altho I am not ignorant how much the worthy inhabitants of this town have been injured in their circumstances by their patriotic sufferings and services; yet I must be allowed to say that nothing on their part has been wanting to convince me of their affection to myself and attachment to the Government over which I am appointed to preside.

I request, gentlemen, you will be persuaded that I take a due interest in your particular situation, and that I join with you in anticipating the happy period when, in our own country at large, commerce, arts, manufactures, and agriculture shall attain the highest degree of improvement.

My expressions would but faintly communicate my feelings, should I enlarge beyond the proper limits of an answer to your address, in evincing my sensibility of your affectionate wishes for my felicity in the present and future state of existence. It will be a better proof of my zeal for the prosperity of the inhabitants of this town, and their fellow citizens of this State, to lose no opportunity of attending to the advancement of their interests, in combination with the general welfare of the community. This I shall do with unfeigned satisfaction, and may all the happiness be theirs which can result in their social character from the uniform practice of industry, virtue, fraternal kindness, and universal philanthropy.

G. Washington”

(Thanks to Cheryl Hackett for providing the text of Washington's Letter)

New Photos

Washington Square and the Opera House c. 1905-1910

Washington Square c. 1907

Touro Street in September of 1938 following the Great New England Hurricane

(All images in this post were reproduced with
permission from the personal collection of John Doty)

Horse Trough Slideshows

Please enjoy these slide shows put together by Howard Newman about Washington Square's new Horse Trough Fountain, and be sure to follow Newman's Ltd Youtube channel for updates on this and other projects.

http://www.youtube.com/user/NewmansLtd

Part 1:



Part 2:

Misson Statement

Square Roots Mission Statement

Square Roots celebrates Newport, Rhode Island's historic past and seeks paths that ensure a more prosperous future for the city center. Square Roots' mission reawakens Washington Square as Newport's original town common and raises awareness among citizens and visitors for Washington Square's historic, architectural, cultural and commercial significance. Square Roots promotes a public/private partnership that supports the economic vitality and livability of Washington Square, as well as areas that radiate from the square, through historic preservation, adaptive reuse, infrastructure improvements, cultural tourism enhancements, and green space development.

Washington Square

Washington Square in the early 20th Century
(Photo courtesy of the Rhode Island State Archives)

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