"To Miss" (1789) by Henry Livingston, to "A Song" from the 1806 Duenna by Richard Sheridan.

YouTube ^ | Henry Livingston

[mairdie]

"To Miss" (1789), a poem by Henry Livingston, Jr., the author of "Night Before Christmas." Music from an 1806 score of "A Song" from "The Duena," a song appearing in Henry Livingston's Music Manuscript. Illustrated by vintage postcards. Henry's poems are read by Byron Nilsson, who played Henry at the "Trial Before Christmas."

All Henry Livingston YouTube videos

[mairdie]

These are adapted from my book, "Thrice Happy Poetry."

[mairdie]

PING

[Fiji Hill]

"Bright rise newly born, the young year, '89..."

The year '89 would turn out to be a tumultuous one in Europe that would also see George Washington assume the presidency.

[mairdie]

Henry’s family was in the midst of all of that. A letter from Washington to Henry’s brother, John Henry.

Tobias Lear to John Henry Livingston, 24 December 1789

New York Decr 24th 1789

Sir,

The President of the United States observing in the Public Papers that a sermon was to be delivered at the Dutch Church in this City for the benefit of a charity school belonging thereto,1 and not having an opportunity of contributing toward it at that time, he has now directed me to send you the enclosed sum of ten Dollars to be applied to that purpose. With very great respect I am Sir Yr most Obedt Servt

Tobias Lear

S.P.U.S.

[TEXOKIE]

Thanks, mairdie! HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

[mairdie]

The happiest Thanksgiving to you. Full of the most wonderful food, all calorie free, just for this special day.