LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2006 October Grand Format Autographs #629  / 

25293

1775 Report from Lexington & Concord by a Tory.

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:200.00 USD Estimated At:800.00 - 1,000.00 USD
1775 Report from Lexington & Concord by a Tory.
<B>1775 Report from Lexington and Concord by Richard Smith.</B></I> Signed "<I>Rich Smith</B></I>", one page, 7.5" x 9", Boston, Massachusetts, April 3, 1775. Two weeks before the Battle of Lexington and Concord Richard Smith reports "<I>the Man-of-War is Expected".</B></I> Smith a Boston Loyalist and merchant was named an "Enemy" in the Massachusetts 1778 Banishment Act and as such, forbidden to return there "upon pain of Death"! The letter reads in full: "<I>Sir- Boston April 3, 1775 - I received your kind present of Plants with your Note of March 21st, for both of which I sincerely thank you. This instance of your attention to one whom you have had so short acquaintance, while it please, to me evinces the liberality of your Mind and a generous desire of being serviceable to all you converse with. I have taken due care of them and shall be happy in sharing with you or your Friends the Produce of them with what else my Table Affords whenever you or they may favor me with a Visit. By this Post you will receive serious news for many among us, we have nothing more here than you will see in the Papers, the Man of War and Packet are daily expected. Please to present my Compliments to your Lady and Daughters and believe me Sir - Your Obliged Humble - Rich Smith</B></I>". <BR><BR>This is a view into the life of a Tory waiting for more British Troops to arrive any moment into Boston Harbor in the days immediately preceding "The Shot Heard Round The World." Loyalism became a distinct phenomenon in late 1774 and 1775. By signing addresses, bearing arms, doing business with the British Army, seeking military protection, or going into exile, about twenty percent of colonists showed their support of the Crown. Richard Smith was apparently, by 1778, an important enough enemy to the cause of liberty and America to be banned from Boston. The letter is in very fine condition, written in bold brown ink on fine period laid paper. A few usual creases run through the document, and the manuscript is bright, bold and easy to read.
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