Front: Noah Webster letter to Emily Ellsworth, 1837 May 27

New Haven May 27. 1837

Dear Emily.

We have your present of Wild Flowers
for which accept our sincere thanks.

Of the merit of this book I am not as good a
judge as many others; as I am not a reader of
books of fiction of any kind. I hear those who are
much better judges than myself speak of it with much
commendation. Of the style I can better judge
& can freely say that it is very good. If a second
edition should be called for, a few slight altera-
tions would improve the language; but as it is,
it will do you credit.

Only think. Noah Webster's eldest daughter
commended authoress! It [stands?] you in hand to
write pretty well, because the public will expect it.

Your mother & myself are very much gratified
by your motive in writing & publishing. For this reason
as well as others we feel much interest in the suc-
cess of the books. Besides, the tendency of the books is to recom-
mend religion, & it may be considered as a mite thrown
into the treasury of the Lord.

Accept my best wishes & prayers for your personal
happiness & that of your dear family from

Your affectionate father

N Webster -