25408

On forming an independent government for New Ham On forming an independent government for New Hampsh

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:1.00 USD Estimated At:1,200.00 - 1,500.00 USD
On forming an independent government for New Ham On forming an independent government for New Hampsh
<B>On forming an independent government for New Hampshire</B></I><BR><BR> <B>Richard Partridge (1681-1759), colonial agent and brother-in-law of Massachusetts and New Hampshire Governor, Jonathan Belcher (1682-1757), Autograph Letter Signed,</B></I> "<I>Rd. Partridge</B></I>", three pages 6.5" x 8", London, August 28, 1739 to Belcher updating him on the progress in London to finally provide for separate governors for New Hampshire and Massachusetts: "<I>This day I have been w[i]th our friend Mr. T. at the Council Office to get what Information I could in thy Affairs against the Com[m]ittee tomorrow night and that Lord Presid[en]t has determined to refer back the Board of Trades Report to them about a Separate Governor for N[ew] Hamp[shi]r[e] with my Memorial for them to hear me upon it, at which I am not displeased for that We not onely [sic] gain time by it, but also that we have thus disconcerted the Measures of our Antagonists who I am apt to think will look blank upon it; And as to the appointing a day for hearing then. Hamp[shi]r[e]. Complaints that is like now to be post poned (according to my Information) till Oct[obe]r next that is-- during this Vacation the Judges being gone on their Circuits, an therefore I shall defer desiring the interposition of Our Friends the Quakers in thy favour till the time draws near that there is like to be occasion And then I shall not be wanting in calling upon them. Upon further conversation at Whitehall I find my Nephew & I have been too forward in Charging Ld. P--t with being the Secret design for Separating the Governments wherefore In Justice to that Lord we must retract and Say that altho[ugh] he manifestly seems to espouse N. Hampsh[i]r[e']s Cause yet he was scarcely concern'd in any clandestine design, whatever others were... I think thou needst not be under any Apprehensions about Sh--lys superceding thee in the least or (as Capt. Coram says) of any body Else. Pray let me know at what time the Subscribers set their names to the late N. Hampsh[i]r[e]s. Address, because it is objected that it seems by the Appearance of the paper to be an old Address laid by against the present occasion... </B></I>" Belcher, like most Royal governors in the colonies, developed political enemies. A popular clamor resulted in Belcher's removal as Governor of both Massachusetts and New Hampshire in 1741. The same year, New Hampshire would be granted an independent government by George II. Belcher would soon recover his political fortunes and in 1746, George II appointed him as the Royal Governor of New Jersey. Old catalog description mounted to verso, usual folds, else fine condition. From the Henry E. Luhrs Collection.