Topics: Constitution

Jacob Broom Letter

Jacob Broom (1752-1810) was a farmer, surveyor, businessman, public official, and philanthropist. He prepared military maps for General George Washington prior to the Battle of Brandywine (1777) and held numerous local political positions throughout his life. Broom was member of the Delaware legislature (1784-86, 1788); and a delegate to the Constitutional Convention where he signed the federal Constitution (1787). He is probably one of the least known signers of the Constitution.

In this letter, Jacob expresses fatherly pride and reminds his son James to remember what he had been taught and “be a Christian”:

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This is the text of Jacob Broom’s letter:

Wilmington Feb. 24,1794

Dear James,

I recd.[received] your favor of the 27th ulti [last] & am well pleased at the sentiments expressed – whilst you go on, having your own approbation you have nothing to fear – I flatter myself you will be what I wish but don’t be so much flattered as to relax of your application – don’t forget to be a Christian, I have said much to you on this head [topic of discourse] & I hope an indelible impression is made –

Tell Mr. Harrison that I shall attend to his request, very soon – I am & have been very much engaged for some time past; being about to establish a Cotton Manufactory at this place – it is an arduous undertaking for an individual; but I hope to accomplish it – I have bought a valuable plantation on B. Wine and have secured a Mill seat [site] where I intend building (the ensuing summer) a Cotton Mill to spin part of the stuff [note: Broom built the first cotton mill at Brandywine in 1795 near Wilmington, DE] –

Your mamma, sisters & brothers are well & so is J.S. Littler – they join with me in love to you –

I expected sir now to receive another letter from you –

I have sold my Mercht.[Merchant] Mill & Plantations in Kent for 25,000 I am improving my other seat there – all this is nothing without economy, industry & the blessing of Heaven – I am building another Mill there –

I am, in haste yours affectionately

Jaco Broom

P.S. when will be your vacation? Your sister Nancy wishes to see you as soon as that shall take place –

The American Bible Society Constitution

Bible societies in America date back to 1809 when Declaration Signer Benjamin Rush helped establish the first Bible society in America. By 1816, 121 more Bible societies had been started across the nation, many of them with the help of key Founding Fathers. The American Bible Society, founded in 1816, was the first national Bible society. The original officers of the Society included: signers of the U. S. Constitution, revolutionary generals, U.S. Supreme Court Justices, a U.S. Attorney General, a U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, state governors, and others.

WallBuilders vast collection of original documents includes an original constitution of the American Bible Society as well as a first Bible printed by that society. Below are the title page and officers page for the 1816 American Bible Society Constitution.

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OFFICERS
OF THE
AMERICAN BIBLE SOCIETY.
 

President,

Hon. Elias Boudinot,         of New-Jersey.

Vice-Presidents,

Hon. John Jay,                   of New-York.
Mat. Clarkson, Esq.       of New-York.
Hon. Smith Thompson,       of New-York.
Hon. John Langdon,           of New-Hampshire.
Hon. Caleb Strong,             of Massachusetts.
Hon. William Gray,             of Massachusetts.
Hon. John Cotton Smith,     of Connecticut.
Hon. Jonas Galusha,           of Vermont.
Hon. William Jones,            of Rhode-Island.
Hon. Isaac Shelby,              of Kentucky.
George Madison, Esq.      of Kentucky.
Hon. William Tilghman,        of Pennsylvania.
Hon. Bushrod Washington,   of Virginia.
William Wirt, Esq.           of Virginia.
Hon. Charles C. Pinckney,    of South-Carolina.
Hon. William Gaston,           of North-Carolina.
Hon. Thomas Worthington,  of Ohio.
Hon. Thomas Pusey,           of Indiana.
Hon. James Brown,             of Louisiana.
John Bolton, Esq.           of Georgia.
Hon. Felix Grundy,               of Tennessee.
Robert Olivers, Esq.         of Maryland.
Joseph Nourse, Esq.         of the District of Columbia.

Secretary for Foreign Correspondence,

Rev. Dr. J. M. Mason.

Secretary for Domestic Correspondence,

Rev. Dr. J. B. Romevn.

Treasurer,

Richard Varick, Esq.