340

American Revolution: Political Intrigue Mentioning General Washington

Currency:USD Category:Everything Else / Other Start Price:NA Estimated At:1,000.00 - 1,500.00 USD
American Revolution: Political Intrigue Mentioning General Washington
GEORGE JAY. Revolutionary War Dated, Autograph Letter Signed, "Geo. Jay," on watermarked, fine laid paper, 4 pages, folded, December 6, 1782, Newport, RI, 12.5" x 7.5", Fine. Written in medium brown ink to Governor William Greene of Rhode Island. Letter is soiled along the folds of the last page, some minor rubbing to certain words along folds, and a few ink spots affecting parts of Jay's signature. Jay writes a very detailed letter to the Governor, explaining his intentions of going to New York to assist General Washington, and imploring the Governor to keep his intentions confidential. In part: "..I am very sorry to find that any exceptions should be taken to my conduct in returning to New York (which I understand was the case by some of the Members of the Genl Assembly of this State) & take this method to assure your Excellency of the rectitude of my intentions. When in New York & in hopes of an Evacuation I made Mr. Lovell (Financier of Mass. State) acquainted with my intentions to remain at that place; I was thoroughly known to him--he having been Prisoner a long time / about the commencement of the War; and being by him esteem'd worthy protection in person and property-- he promis'd to recommend me to Genl Washington therefor, at the same time it was recommended to me to get to Boston ... and have Mr. L's recommendation strengthen'd by several reputable gentlemen when on the spot who had been prisoners & knew me & Mr. Lovell & Captn. Williams stood ready to become sponsors for my conduct while there. There being no prospect of a cartel for Boston, I embark'd for this place, and your Excellency knows the measures I took on my arrival here...As I am an entire stranger to your Excly. I wish you to have the fullest satisfaction of the sincerity of the contents of this letter which may be easily obtain'd from James Lovell Esq., Captn. John Fester Williams or Captn. Geo. Little of Massachusetts State (three gentlemen whose characters are very well establish'd at Boston) but it contains circumstances that must not be known to the Genl Assembly from a possibility of it's being by this means made known to the authority in New York ... my political principles are so well known there already as to render me very much suspected of doing them every injury in my power. In the highest confidence therefore that your Excellency will not communicate its contents to any person whatever except Mr. Lovell, Captn. Williams or Captn. Little..." Fascinating political content, with secrets to be kept between States, written during the late stages of the Revolutionary War.