SAMUEL HOLTEN (1738 - 1816) American physician and statesman, represented Massachusetts as a delegate to the Continental Congress and as a Congressman in the House. Fine content A.L.S. 1p. 4to., Philadelphia, Nov. 3, 1778 to John Hancock. Holten thanks Hancock for having forwarded a letter from Holten's wife, then offers news: "...Congress have received a packet of letters & papers from Mr. J [ohn] Adams, but they contain no intelligences of great importance; it yet remains uncertain as to the intentions of the Court of Spain respecting our affairs...the inclosed direct to Mrs. Holten...cause it to be delivered to Colo. Hutchinson or the Hon'l Mr. Hopkins... ". Very good. Although Spain never overtly offered financial or military assistance to the beleaguered colonies, individual governors in Spanish colonies often saw to it that material be permitted to flow through their ports, and alliances were formed with anti-British Indians. $500-700