May 27, 2020 Founders & Patriots
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/27/2020
Artemas Ward (1727-1800) as U.S. Representative to his son-in-law and daughter, dated "Philadelphia. Novr. 20th. 1794." Autograph letter signed, 1 p., bifolium sheet, addressed on recto to Elijah Brigham at Westborough, Massachusetts with "Free. A. Ward" handwritten frank in upper right corner. Ward informs "My dear children" of his grievous cold the greater time since my arrival in this place, have been troubled also with my old disorders, am now able to attend to my duty in Congress; The President this day makes his speach [sic] to the two houses, there was not a Quorum of the Senate until yesterday. The greatest part of a fortnight has been lost by that means." Ward notes that "By the Constitution we can sit no longer than the fourth of march next, that what is done by this Congress must be done by that time therefore we must be attentive to business or fall short." He relates news of French victories in Europe and the Duke of York's "sad rebuff" and Ward's "wish he may meet with more of the like kind." He relates that "The king of Prussia does note succeed to his wish against the Poles, he will, it is hoped, have more to do to suppress the insurrections in his own dominions....The spirit of liberty appears to be kindling I Europe & will it is thought burst forth into a mighty flame, Then Emperors & Kings must hide there [sic] head or loose them." With three of his hand-signed calling cards "Mr. Ward", two of which has a rust impression from a paper clip, and a news clipping from Thomas's MASSACHUSETTS SPY by "An Elector" dated 21 November 1790, advocating that Worcester County citizens should elect Artemas Ward as their representative, citing his service back to the times of colonial governors Bernard and Hutchinson, "a man of integrity, honesty and uprightness." JLK
Provenance: General Artemas Ward and by descent in the Ward-Brigham Family until 2012; private collection to present.