Description:

JONATHAN TRUMBULL
(1710 - 1785) Governor of Connecticut during the American Revolution who was critical in providing necessary supplies to the Continental Army. A collection of three war-date letters, all written to Ezekiel Williams (1729 - 1818), the Commissary of Prisoners for Connecticut. In the first A.L.S. 1p. legal folio, Lebanon, [Conn.], in part: "You may remember I gave Mr. Nathan Frink Jr. a Permit to go to New York during the Session of the last Assembly, which he has attempted but that not been suffered to go in. He was trying to transact there of importance & very nearly afflicting his Father's Interest & despairing of being able to yet in himself, as agreed with Mr. Ireland a Long Island Prisoner under your Care, to transact his business for him & is well satisfied that he can secured trust Him. Therefore in Compliance with Mr. Frink's earnest Request I have with the advice of the Council of Safety, given the Permit inclosed [no longer present] but with this understating that is you have any special or particular Instructions for General Washington. Commissary General of Prisoners respecting the sd. Ireland or have any special occasions to thin his going in on parole wo'd be particularly exceptionable to them or any who have right to influence & control him, you are in such Case to withhold hold the said Permission, & not suffer Him to receive or take benefit by it. but otherwise you will deliver the Permit, & take his parole in ye customary form to return within Thirty Days & let him go on with Mr. Frink who proposes to attend him to the Lines, you will conduct the matter with the best prudence so as to prevent his carrying any Intelligence, or being any ways injurious to our Cause...". Addressed in his hand on the integral address leaf. Offered with two other letters addressed to Williams, including an A.L.S. 1p. legal folio, Lebanon, Aug. 3, 1779 noting that he had "...sent by Capt. Metalls the Letters just received from...Ledyard - and Mr. Shaw -- You will comply with the request made and Assist in procuring a proper Vessel to go as a Flagg to New York...". With integral address leaf in his hand and bearing his franking signature. Lastly is an A.L.S. 1p. legal folio, Lebanon, Aug. 16, 1779 concerning "Mr. brown came hither from Boston last evening brought with him Capt. Hauit, captured by Capt. Manly in a Brig mounting sixteen Carriage Guns, and four Howitzers on Carriages -- says he has influence to bring his exchange about for Capt. Parker - If that fails, the Council at Boston say they have sent several other Captains, for one of whom they give leave to have Captain Parker exchanged.... I expect to have Capt. Hauit, with the other British Prisoners, sent very soon for the relief of Capt. Parker, and our other suffering Prisoners at New-York. Capt. Rogers in Flag from New-York, arrived on Saturday evening with thirty two Prisoners -- Capt. Perkins, of the Manner on board the Oliver Cromwell, came in her- Mar. Ledyard sent Capt. Harris in a Cartiel[?] for New York the 12th instant with thirty eight British Prisoners. Possibly it may be best that the whole should go in his name; he says the Commissary's Letter from New York appears very friendly - wish there should be no delay - our prisoners are under great hardships in their confinements and dispatch may be the means to save many of their lives...". With integral address leaf filled-out in his hand and bearing his franking signature. All three pieces bear the usual folds with some marginal wear including tears and chips, overall very good condition.

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October 9, 2010 11:00 AM EDT
Stamford, CT, US

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