How many times have you watched Hamilton? It’s okay, I’ve lost count too. In my most recent viewing, when Burr and Hamilton each proudly proclaim their letter-ending valedictions in the song “Your Obedient Servant”, I began thinking “Where exactly did this phrase come from, why did they use it, and how did it fall out … Continue reading “I have the honor to be, your obedient servant”: Why Did Washington End His Letters this Way?
writing
History’s Paper Trail: What Handwriting & Spelling Reveal about Early America
One of the aspects of a historian’s job is dealing with primary sources, the paper trail of history. The archives here at The George Washington Foundation contain primary sources that include letters, wills, land grants, court orders, military orders, bills and receipts. These hand-written documents are largely related to the Fielding and Betty Lewis family … Continue reading History’s Paper Trail: What Handwriting & Spelling Reveal about Early America
Lives & Legacies 