Extremely rare dedication page from Francis Hopkinson's "Seven Songs for the harpsichord or piano forte" --- which Francis Hopkinson (1737 - 1791) sent to George Washington (1732 - 1799). The transcript is as follows (the document uses the 'long s' common at the time, but has removed here only for ease of reading): "To His Excellency George Washington, Esquire. Sir, I embrace, with heart-felt satisfaction, every opportuinity that offers of recognizing the personal Friendship that hath so long subsisted between us. The present Occasion allows me to do this in a manner most flattering to my Vanity; and I have accordingly taken advantage of it, by presenting this Work to your Patronage, and honouring it with your Name. It cannot be thought an unwarrantable anticipation to look up to you as seated in the most dignified situation that a grateful People can offer. The universally avowed Wish of America, and Nearness of the Period in which that Wish will be accomplished, sufficiently justify such an Anticipation; from which arises a confident Hope, that the same Wisdom and Virtue which has so successfully conducted the Arms of the United States in Times of Invasion, War, and Tumult, will prove also the successful Patron of Arts and Sciences in Times of national Peace and Prosperity; and that the Glory of America will rise conspicuous under a Government disgnated by the Will, and an Administration founded in the Hearts of the PEOPLE. With respect to the little Work, which I have no the honour to present to your notice, I can only say that it is such as a Lover, not a Master, of the Arts can furnish. I am neither a profess'd Poet, nor a profess'd Musician; and yet venture to appear in those characters united; for which, I confess, the censure of Temerity may justly be brought against me. If these Songs should not be so fortunate as to please the young Performers, for whom they are intended, they will at least not accasion much Trouble in learning to perform them; and this will, I hope, be some Alleviation of their Disappointment. However small the Reputation may be that I shall detrive from this Work, I cannot, I beleive, be refused the Credit of being the first Native of the United States who has produced a Musical Composition. If this attempt should not be too severely treated, others may be encouraged to venture on a path, yet untrodden in America, and the Arts in succession will take root and flourish amongst us. I hope for your favorable Acceptance of this Mark of my Affection and Respect, and have the Honour to be Your Excellency's most obedient, and Most humble Servant, F. Hopkinson. Philadelphia, Nov. 20th, 1788." This very document was used by the PA Society of Colonial Dames of America for a musical performance event held in 1919. From the Francis Hopkinson Family Archives