114

1776 British Naval Armed Ship, Providence + Mary to NY and Sir William Howe

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:1,000.00 USD Estimated At:2,000.00 - 2,800.00 USD
1776 British Naval Armed Ship, Providence + Mary to NY and Sir William Howe
American Revolution
1776 Revolutionary War British Naval Document Armed Ship “Providence and Mary” to New York in America, there you will inquire for his Excellency Sir William Howe...”
November 23, 1776-Dated, Cork (England), Important Revolutionary War Manuscript Document Signed, “Robert Gordon” as Commissary of Provisions, (British Navy) in letter form, Cork (England), directing the Armed Ship “Providence and Mary” to New York in America, Choice Fine.
November 23, 1776-Dated, exceptional, highly important, 1 page, measuring about 9.5” x 7”, Manuscript Revolutionary War Document penned by Robert Gordon as Commissary of Provisions. Boldly written and easily readable on laid period paper having a bit of tone at upper left It is addressed: “To - Captain John Glyn of the Providence & Mary armed Ship - Cove of Cork” and reads, in full:

“Cork - 23rd November 1776 --- Sir - You will proceed to Sea as soon as possible with the Providence and Mary Armed Ship under your Command, and make the best of your way to New York in America, there you will inquire for his Excellency Sir William Howe, and proceed with the utmost Expedition to join him, and deliver your letters and Cargo to his Excellency's order. I wish you to keep Company all the way if possible with the Prince of Wales Captain Henry Dinton as Commodore and to obey all his orders and signals, and not to part from the Armed Ships of this fleet if possible, for your mutual safety. Wishing you a good Voyage - I am Sir your most obed(ien)t / Humble Servant - (Signed) Robert Gordon Commissary of Provisions.”

A truly historic early Revolutionary War Document is “1776” dated, expressly ordering a Captain and his ship to assist in the Blockade and Naval War against the rebel Americans!

The British ship “Providence & Mary” (not be be confused with the myriad “Providence” ships of America and other nations) was an armed sloop that saw service in America before being captured on February 2, 1777 by the Maryland privateer brigantine “Sturdy Beggar.” Ironically, the Sturdy Beggar joined the Continental Navy on November 19, 1776, just a few days before Robert Gordon wrote this letter.

Provenance: Collection of Ambassador J. William Middendorf II.