A 1p autograph letter signed by Revolutionary War veteran Joseph Morrill (1753-1838), as "Joseph Morrill" at lower right. Written at "Landall" on June 1, 1793 on cream laid paper. The integral address leaf, docket, and traces of the red wax seal are located verso. Expected wear including paper folds, some brittle and with minor areas of separation, and isolated discoloration, else very good to near fine. 7.625" x 11.375."

Joseph Morrill sought the assistance of Major Samuel Atkinson (1748-1796) of Boscawen, New Hampshire in clearing up a land dispute between himself and another veteran. All four individuals related to the letter--the author Joseph Morrill, the recipient Major Samuel Atkinson, and two people mentioned within, "General Peabody" and "Capt Hovey"--had fought in the Revolutionary War. The letter illustrates the extent to which veterans relied on their wartime support networks in peacetime society just one decade after the Treaty of Paris. Sadly, it also suggests that many veterans like Joseph Morrill struggled to survive financially, even with pensions or land bounties.

Joseph Morrill wrote in full, with punctuation silently added to improve clarity:

"Sir, after my reguards to you I would inform you of my disadvantage. Capt Hovey now holds a part of my Land which I cannot improve which makes it very inconvenient for me. You l[e]ts[?] me to go on upon the Land but General Peabody has sent a number of times not to have any difficulty about the matter til he came up but he nor you has not come as you talked when I saw you Last. Capt Hovey is now again down to Concord to see General Peabody about the matter. I wish you would go down to Concord with him as you know about it & talk with them together and write to me how they settle and what way I shall proseed -

Sir, I am in Great wan of a little money. plese to send it by Capt Hovey for I have my bread to by and cannot git it with the money and every little helps -

all freends are wel att present. I have no news to write. my respects to all friends. So remember your friend & humble servent -

Joseph Morrill

Major Samuel Atkinson

Landall June [illegible] the 1 1793."

The individuals in this letter all had ties to the Massachusetts/New Hampshire border region, and locations upstate like Boscawen and Concord, New Hampshire. Joseph Morrill was born in South Hampton, New Hampshire, just across the state line. He is listed on the payroll of Major Samuel Bodwell's militia company in nearby Methuen, Massachusetts, "exhibited in consequence of the alarm on the 19th of April" (the April 19, 1775 Battles of Lexington and Concord). Genealogical records indicate that Morrill served at least three tours during the Revolutionary War: in February 1776 for two months of service mostly spent at Charlestown, Massachusetts; in July 1776 for five months of service at Fort Ticonderoga; and in August 1777, during which time he fought at the Battle of Stillwater. Joseph Morrill is listed as receiving a United States Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant, in acknowledgment of his military service.

Major Samuel Atkinson served as a New Hampshire militia lieutenant at the Battle of Bunker Hill and was later affiliated with Gilley's Regiment, a militia unit active in Cabot, Vermont around 1790. We cannot be certain, but we speculate that "General Peabody" referred to Nathaniel Peabody (1741-1823). A physician, militiaman, state legislator, and Continental Congress delegate, Peabody also served as Adjutant General of the New Hampshire Militia from 1777-1779. A good candidate for the mysterious "Capt Hovey" could be Captain Ivory Hovey (1750-1832) from neighboring Boxford, Massachusetts. Hovey was a militia captain who served at the Battles of Bunker Hill, Trenton, and others.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!