Inside: Noah Webster letter to Emily Ellsworth, 1837 October 23

Mr Goodrich says, there must be a meeting of all my
children & grandchildren, next spring. I have now entered
my eightieth year, & such a meeting would be
a delightful event, if practicable. It is supposed
that Rosalie will be here, if she & her children are
in health & we can send for William. I hardly dare
to entertain an expectation of such an event as
life & health are uncertain, & many untoward cir-
cumstances, besides sickness, may interpose to defeat it.
My health at present is remarkably good; & I am a
wonder to my friends here, as well as in New York,
where I was a few days ago.

I have little now to occupy my time, except to
take pains to give circulation to my books, especially
to the Bible. In this, I have to encounter much ignorance,
much prejudice, some bigotry, & many honest fears.
But it is a satisfaction to know, that the Bible itself &
my reasons prefixed to the edition, are gradually removing
those obstacles. The opposition to it is not greater than the op-
position was to the version in King James reign. It was
many years before that work could be brought to super-
sede the old Geneva Bible. There is nothing new in this op-
position; but I am somewhat surprised to find it so strong
in some clergymen, or it appears to be. Their fears that
other persons may make alterations are wholly groundless;
for the reception one amended copy would prevent every
other attempt. Moderate & judicious reforms are the best
preventions of violent innovations.

Accept our love for you & the family from your

affection father

N Webster