56. The Document That Changed How I Research Family History (Washington - Newenham Letter)

 56. The Document That Changed How I Research Family History (Washington - Newenham Letter)

This story has been mentioned quite a while ago. Back then, I didn't fully understand this letter to it's full potential. I just thought it was just a letter between a very world renowned person & my ancestor.

But sometimes in your Genealogical research, you come across something that you have no clue in understanding or you've spent so many hours on a certain part of research that keeps bringing up dead ends, you get frustrated as you know there should be more about the subject, in particular, with this document. You feel a bit "empty handed" to a point. But something inside you says either quit your losses or continue the research with a long road ahead, in hoping for some small sort of reward.
Inevitably & chances are more likely, that your curiosity is going to get you & you're going to keep researching. If you're a true Genealogist / Researcher, you will do this!

A copy of this historical letter, sat on my Great Aunt's wall for many years & it intrigued me to ask on why she had a letter from George Washington on her wall, as far as I knew, we had nothing to do with Washington. Well, after 20 years of first seeing this letter, now I know why it's on her wall.



This document, sat within my Maternal family till around mid 1930's, where a set of tragic circumstances forced it's sale at a Christie's Auction for just £70. It was written by George Washington, who had just been newly sworn in as 1st President of the United States.
He was writing to my Ancestor - Sir Edward Newenham & it was dated July 29th 1789.

It was an introduction letter, to acquaint my Ancestor, with the presence of Janet Livingston Montgomery - the Widow of a fallen Revolutionary War hero - Gen. Richard Montgomery, who died 14 odd years earlier, at the Battle of Quebec City in late December 1775.
Richard's story is depicted in depth, via the Ken Burns TV Series "The American Revolution".
And if you know your history well enough, Janet's Brother, administered the "Oath" for Washington's Inauguration. Close circles huh!!

This letter came about, where early in 1789, Janet was getting ready to visit Richard's Sister - Sarah  (Lady Ranelagh) in the coming months, to pay homage, to Richard's extended Family.
And Washington wanted Newenham (his Irish Supporter of American Liberties), to become part of this visit, well that's initially what I thought.
Much deeper research, unearthed the facts where Janet was actually the instigator/initiator of this letter, not Washington as first thought. Janet compelled Washington to write it, as she visited him at the President's residence based in NYC many times. Janet was a very driven woman & Washington must of thought it meant a great deal to her cause, but also the American political/diplomatic cause.
The actual spot where this letter was written, was placed at the exact area of one of the footings of the Brooklyn Bridge (Located at Dover Street & Pearl Street). The only thing that remains as to what was there, is a very small plaque mounted into the footing.

This story only bore fruit, in the last year of research, that is, just over 10 years went in finding the story & it was only in the last year it all came together. I found all these interesting avenues of facts, that I couldn't find before, that the research went a bit pear shaped & took another life of it's own.
Felt like I had "chased the rabbit down many holes".

My research changed, when I found, by chance, a document written by Eugene Coyle who wrote a small but detailed story, documenting Montgomery's life. It was a holy grail moment to my research & gave a 2nd perspective of exactly what I was looking for. I read it twice & still couldn't believe what I'd found. It backed up the story that I had imagined in my head, but it also quoted this exact letters existence, it also listed who carried the letter. Eugene's research was in 2 parts.

The first part centred on General Richard Montgomery, his Life, Military, Death & Janet his widow.
The second part, ironically centred on my Ancestor - Newenham & his involvement with Richard's story.
Eugene was detailed in the shortest way possible. But from my perspective, I noticed a quirky thing, Newenham's story was also detailed enough, where I felt Eugene believed that Newenham's connective story to Montgomery, was very well warranted. I even got the feeling that Newenham's story almost overshadowed Montgomery's, because how descriptive Eugene was. He even went into Newenham's political mantra, where Newenham was indeed, a bit too radical on somethings, particularly in his later years. 

Here, Coyle depicts quite the story, but also highlights "Letters of Introduction".
Though, also highlights the end of the trip, didn't end in an amicable way for each other. Such the tensions of the time.

This information was just icing on the cake. It helped authenticate many of my thoughts & questions, that I had on Newenham.
Eugene's research, put this letter into a new light, also showing it was an extremely important to diplomacy, between America & Ireland at that time.

This letter is also highlighted on the "Founders Online" Website : 
https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/05-03-02-0199