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

25277

Thomas Pownall Excellent Content 1769 ALS

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:150.00 USD Estimated At:600.00 - 800.00 USD
Thomas Pownall Excellent Content 1769 ALS
<B>Thomas Pownall Excellent Content Autograph Letter Signed</B></I> "<I>Th Pownall</B></I>". 2.5 pages, 7.25" x 8.75", lettersheet, London, June 26, 1769, to Sir William Johnson who has docketed on the verso "<I>London, June 26th, 1769, Govr. Pownall's Letter.</B></I>" The writer of this great colonial letter, an intimate friend of Benjamin Franklin, had been the colonial governor of Massachusetts and, at the time of writing, was an ardent champion of American causes in the British Parliament. The letter reads, in part: "<I>Although there has been an interruption in our correspondence, there has been none in our friendship. I am now in a situation independent not only of Gov but also independent of all the Parties & Factions with which our Affairs are perplext.... When I left America I saw things getting into factions amongst ye Officers & King's Servants there. I saw some of my friends (some that I most esteemed, yourself amongst those) not treated so well as they deserved both of ye Crown, of ye Public & of Particulars who raised themselves upon merits no their own... When ye Disputes first arose betwixt ye Mother Country & her Colonies, I was not in a Situation to take that part which I could have wished - & therefore in like manner wd take none. When I thought I saw ye Colonies pressed harder upon than I could acquiesce in, even upon ye Idea I had fixed to myself of not interfering, I threw out those Ideas & took those measures which (if attended to) might have prevented matters from coming to ye Difficulties which they are now under. I did this at a time even when I was connected with ye Ministry. But now I have none nor ever will have again, I shall give Scope to every sentiment of Friendship which I have for ye Colonies - & to every Sentiment of Affection & regard which I have for particular people therein...</B></I>" Fine condition, folds; writing dark, bold, and legible. This letter was purchased by Mr. Luhrs from Ben Bloomfield in 1956 for a cost of $165- quite a large sum in those days (original invoice included). <I>From the Henry E. Luhrs Collection.</B></I>
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