December 13-15, 2022 Collectible Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/14/2022
An interesting letter penned by Robert Morris addressed to William Bingham and Richard Harrison regarding the settlements from the Council of Safety in Maryland for "a certain Capt. Patterson who commanded one of their Armed Vessels and committed some Depredations within the Jurisdiction of Martinique." The letter continues with logistics regarding the shipment of Produce. There is a Captain William Patterson in the records who was issued a Warrant to enlist 25 men for the marine service on September 27, 1776. Patterson was the Commander of the schooner Dolphin and was accused of capturing an English ship near St. Pierre, Martinique, which bore the flag of truce in 1776. Due to this action the Maryland Council of Safety issued his arrest and deemed a sum of 1500 pounds necessary for restitution. It appears he was liked or sly enough to avoid major charges, as he was active again in the Maryland Navy as of March, 1877. A very clear example of Morris using his personal credit and business connections in the cause of American independence, despite difficulties created by those supposedly on the same side. This is an compelling letter concerning misconduct by a US Naval captain during the Revolutionary War. The letter is accompanied by a James Spence Authentication Full Letter of Authenticity. CONDITION: Letter exhibits slight discoloration with legible text. Staining above the signature. Nice edges.
Item Dimensions: 12" X 9 - 1/2"