Unsigned docket in Hancock’s hand, “Letters respecting the conduct of some French Sailors who were suspected of being Concern’d in an affray,” on the integral blank leaf of a letter written to him in French from Newport, signed “Destouches,” one page, 8 x 12.5, January 6, 1781. The letter is accompanied by a contemporaneous translation which reads, in part: “I have learned with the greatest chagrin about the unhappy quarrel which happened between the Sailors of the King’s Frigates and those of the Alliance. I was informed at the same time of the requisition made by the Sheriff of Boston to the Captain of the Frigate for the Sailors accused of having taken part in this unfortunate quarrel, & of his refusing to produce them if the Sheriff did not shew an express order from your Excellency…. In the meantime I have nothing more at heart than to keep up the Harmony that subsist between the two Nations, which I hope will not be disturbed by this particular quarrel….” Mild scattered wrinkling, toning, soiling, and staining (slightly touching Hancock’s docket), otherwise fine condition. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
