Slave trader, privateer, industrialist, and politician (1764-1837) who was said to be the second-richest person in the entire United States at the time of his death. His fortune was built upon the slave trade, coffee and sugar plantations in Cuba, privateering (his ship 'Yankee' captured 40 British vessels worth more than $5 million during the War of 1812), and New England textile mills. ALS signed “Jas. D'Wolf,” one page, 9.5 x 14.25, June 17, 1805. Handwritten letter to "Colo. Henry Smith," who would succeed Arthur Fenner as governor of Rhode Island in October, regarding a contentious political appointment. In part: "It has this day come to my knowledge that the Feds are very desirous of obtaining the appointment & have recommended one of the most obnoxious persons to the Republican people they could find—Judge Reynolds…has been so hardly solicited by some of his relations they have got him to commit himself so far as to tell them he would not sign any recommendation for any person, and they having ascertained that the governor would appoint the man which Judge Reynolds should recommend. I would not wish you to show this letter, you know the way I stand with the Gov'r." In fine condition, with light overall wrinkling.
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