Revolutionary War-dated ALS signed “JH,” one page both sides, 7 x 9, October 2, 1780. Lengthy handwritten letter from Boston, concerning a lost prize taken amidst the Revolution. In part: "I this day Rec'd a Letter from the late Col. Wm. Richardson…ordering into my hands for Condemnation & Sales a Prize taken by the Brig. Talbot & Nesbit bound from Lisbon to New York, her cargo & every circumstance relative to her capture you will have in the Copy herewith. Capt. Batfield in whose charge the prize was had the misfortune to be taken by the Delaware Frigate when within a few house sail of this place & carried to Halifax, he arriv'd here from thence in a cartel on Saturday Even'g & proposes to morrow to set out on his journey to the Southward to whom I refer you for further particulars. It is very unfortunate that the Prize did not arrive, as her cargo would have net a very fine Market, & you may rely had she arriv'd here, I should have Expected myself to have promoted the Interest of the Concern'd, and in future should any Business of this kind fall into my hands, the owners may rely on the utmost attention to their Interest you will please to inform the other owners the fate of their ship." In fine condition. A fascinating, boldly penned letter as Hancock capably navigates a problem with political and mercantile repercussions.
This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for
$250.00
*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.
