American mathematician remembered as the founder of modern maritime navigation (1773–1838); his influential encyclopedia, The American Practical Navigator, became a standard handbook on oceanography and meteorology. ALS signed “N. Bowditch,” one page, 8 x 9.75, May 14, 1807. Handwritten letter to Peter Augustus Jay, son of statesman John Jay, regarding the settlement of a matter involving the family of noted reformer Rev. William E. Channing. In part: "I received your letter…stating the offer of Macomb to pay 6,500 & quit claim to him all the rights of W. Channing (Mr. & Mrs. Channing, & Miss. Gibbs)…I called upon the Rev. Mr. Channing to converse with him about it…He & Miss Gibbs (each of whom own ¼) feel inclined also to accept the proposal & authorize me to do it. Still I thought it would not be amiss for him to converse with you before the business is finished…If you could not wait till you should see Mr. Channing you may conclude the business without. The transfer of all the right of W. Channing & is to be made but expressing in the fullest terms that no recourse is to be had to me, to Mr. W. Channing or to [any] of the other parties interested (viz Rev. W. E. Channing & Lady, & Miss Sarah Gibbs). The anxiety to settle this does not come from the general feeling of wishing to settle the whole estate quickly, but it comes from the peculiar situation of this loan & the sadness of the parties concerned & in making it the family would confide much in your opinion." In fine condition. Accompanied by an engraved portrait of Bowditch.
This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for
(inquire for price)
*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.
