Timothy (1752–1817) Dwight to John Adams, January 24, 1794

Greenfield (in Connecticut) Jan y 24 th 1794.

Sir,

I have been some time employed in writing a poem, entitled Greenfield Hill ; of a rural character; in a degree descriptive; but principally didactic. In it, beside several other subjects, are treated the subjects of slavery, war, the state of society public & private, in New England, the education of children, religion, œconomy of private life, & the policy of this country.

It is written, in seven parts; connected by the situation; in which the writer is supposed to stand—on the beautiful eminence, which gives the poem it’s name. The parts are stiled—

The Prospect;

The Flourishing Village;

The Burning of Fairfield;

The Destruction of the Pequods;

The Clergymans advice to the Villagers;

The Farmer’s advice to the Villagers; &

The Vision; or Prospect of the future state of this Country.

This poem, sir, it is my wish to inscribe to you; should the proposal meet with your approbation. 1

If you think it proper, sir, you may obtain a general character of the work, by enquiring of M r Woolcot , the Comptroller of the public Treasury, who has read it.

Allow me to observe, sir, though perhaps the observation is scarcely necessary, that I am induced to request this favour, merely from a wish to bear publicly my own little testimony of respect to a Character, to which I view America at large, & myself in particular, as under peculiar obligations. Allow me also to subscribe myself, with sentiments of the highest respect, Sir, your very / obedient, / & most humble Servant,

Timothy Dwight.