July 12-14, 2022 Collectible Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/12/2022
Lot consists of 2 Revolutionary War letters. (A) Matted and glassed in double sided frame letter dated Dec. 8, 1778, from Truro (Cape Cod, Mass.) addressed to Dr. Samuel Adams at Dorchester from Capt. Atkins Smith (1750 – abt. 1785.) The addressee is likely the Dr. Samuel Adams (1845-1819) who served as Surgeon in Fellow’s Massachusetts Regiment, 18th Continental Infantry and 3rd Continental Artillery, as well as other offices. His papers are at the NYPL. The letter welcomes him back from campaign, solicits his opinion on current affairs, and twice references the “Somerset,” a Royal Navy warship that enforced the embargo on Boston in 1775 and was wrecked by a storm on Cape Cod on November 2, 1778. Locals salvaged material and supplies from the wreck. Some 400 survivors were useful in prisoner exchanges. The letter references cast aways from the ship and books around town that had come from the vessel. Remnants of the vessel have periodically been uncovered in the sands by storms. CONDITION: Excellent, very legible. 1 small hole at lower center. Framed to show full text and address on reverse. B) Fragmentary letter addressed to “my dear son” from Killingly, dated August 1, 1775, signed “M. Adams.” Likely by Capt. Michael Adams of Killingly, CT, to his son, Dr. Samuel Adams in regard to his appointment as Surgeon in Fellow’s Regiment. Letter references the son passing examination and “having the lives of your fellow creatures in your hand- consider it wll my son, and may you improve every talent to the best advantage- and for the good of your country.”. CONDITION: Fair. Separations on folds, missing lower sixth, hole at lower center, but an encouraging letter to a Continental Army surgeon at the very beginning of the Revolution. The 2 items come with a later large format albumen photo, likely of a family member.
Item Dimensions: 16" X 11" X 5"