Erastus Wolcott to the Governor and General Assembly of Connecticut (May 15, 1787)

Hartford, May 15

The Subscriber, impressed with a lively Sense of the Honour done him in an Appointment he has received from your Honours in your present Session as a Delegate to a general Convention of the States to be held at the City of Philadelphia on the 2d Monday of May instant, takes Liberty on this Occasion to return his grateful Acknowledgement.

He has ever made it a principle to serve the public with Alacrity in every Appointment he has had the Honour to receive and in the present Instance would freely counteract his private Wishes to domestic Enjoyment natural to one in his advanced Period of Life to serve the public under his present Appointment were it consistant with his personal Safety.

But having never had the Small Pox a Disorder to which he would be greatly exposed in the City to which he is appointed to repair, he cannot suppose it would be prudent for him to hazzard his Life without the most pressing Necessity and as there are many Gentlemen in the State who are at least equally capable to execute the business of such a Commission to the Satisfaction of the public as himself,1 that would not be exposed to the Effects of that fatal Disorder, such a Necessity cannot exist. This Consideration when duly weighed, he is confident, will be his sufficient Apology to the Honorable Assembly in declining the Appointment he has had Honour to receive And is with every Sentiment of Respect Your Honours most obed. and most humble Servant Erastus Wolcott