South Carolina statesman (1724–1792) who was a delegate to the Continental Congress, third President of the Second Continental Congress, Vice-President of South Carolina, and Minister to Holland. Captured by the British Navy on a return trip from the Netherlands to the United States during the Revolutionary War, Laurens was imprisoned in the Tower of London until he was released in exchange for General Lord Cornwallis. ALS, one page, 7.75 x 10, May 4, 1791. An interesting letter to coach maker Alexander Penman. In part: “A friend & relation Mr. John Ball has requested me to imply for his use such a Carriage as you built for Mr. William Alston, capable of carrying with ease nine persons, to be highly varnished with harnesses for four horses brass furniture. The Carriage in all respects to be equal to Mr. Alston’s with any improvements which you may have lately projected. The Springs to be easy…If Mr. Alston’s Harnesses were plated, you will of course make a proper abatement for the difference of value between Plated & Brass.
Mr. Ball will not require his Carriage before the Month of October therefore you will have time enough to provide Wood & every other part of the very last. He has said nothing to me of the Colour nor whether he would have a Cypher, you will be pleased to have it of the most fashionable Colour & a Cypher of J.B. On the panel of each Door, if I can obtain the Arms of the family in time, these shall be transmitted… I hope my own little wheels is by this day embarked—it is very much wanted.” Second integral page bears an address panel in another hand and several dockets. In good condition, with intersecting folds, one through a single letter of signature, several small holes to body of letter, scattered toning, soiling, and staining (not adversely affecting readability), chipping to edges, and paper loss to second page from wax seal.
Following an illustrious and rather harrowing career as a statesman—including his imprisonment in the Tower of London—Laurens retired to the tranquility of his South Carolina plantation. Politics now a thing of the past, Laurens spent his few remaining years tending to his property, enjoying the view of the river below from his homestead, and occasionally dealing with the minor inconvenience of old age. All this, of course, when he wasn’t employing some of the negotiating techniques honed as a politician to persuade coach makers to spend five months building a bigger, better carriage for a friend—while inquiring about the delivery of “my own little wheels.” Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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