Ann C. Morris’s Statement Regarding William B. Giles
| Morrisania March 14th 1815 |
Early in 1790 I derived an exalted opinion of Mr Giles from an estimable young man by the name of Harrison. At different times I heard of Mr Giles defending me amid the fury of Enemies, not for my sake, because indeed our acquaintance was too slight, but in a way which evinced much benevolence of heart—A flippant young gentleman undertook at our Table last Autumn three years to speak unjustly of Mr Giles, Saying he was rancorous etc, I retorted, and, recollecting I was at Home, said, “pardon me, Sir, Mr Giles is my Friend and I know him to be wholly different from what you have described. Instead of possessing rancor, he ever befriends the desolate and oppressed, I feel under obligations to him”—When I selected Mr G— to impose my packages on, it arose from my great veneration for, and reliance on, Talents and Virtue—Not on my personal acquaintance with him.