Jonathan Williams Jr. 1772 Family Letter with Large Balance

A large, mixed archive of 10+ relating to Jonathan Williams Jr. (1750-1815) and his family, as well as Charles Sumner, Lemuel Shaw, and James W. Grimes. The group includes a letter written to Williams from his uncle, several menus, an invitation, and notices of his election to the House of Representatives. Also included is an autograph letter signed by Sumner, a Shaw clipped signature, and an autograph letter signed by Grimes. The group has varying degrees of toning, soiling, foxing, staining, etc. The letter to Jonathan Williams Jr. has flattened mail folds and is boldly signed. Please refer to the photographs for further condition information.

One of the highlights of the archive is an autograph letter signed from "Hon Jno Williams" to Jonathan Williams Jr. London, dated November 4, 1772. The letter concerns the death of Jonathan's brother, Josiah, as well as a supplying the navy at Boston. Reading in part: "…Your last which gave the most melancholy news of my dear Josiah death, was to me ended sorrowful and you justly say I loved him. I did truly love him dearly, and I believe his worth was hardly known to any of the family, & consequently their Loss in him. I must drop this melancholy subject I can not bear it. He is truly lamented here by all that knew him. I have given a letter to your mother in favor of Alexr. Brymer again for victualling the navy at Boston. Doubtless he may be of very great service to you…"

Jonathan Williams Jr. (1750-1815) was grandnephew of Benjamin Franklin. His father was Jonathan Williams, Sr. (1719–1796), a Boston merchant who married Grace Harris, making him Benjamin Franklin's nephew-by-marriage. Franklin took an interest in the lives of Williams Sr.'s two sons Josiah and Jonathan Jr., and arranged for them to travel to England with him in the latter part of 1770. The blind Josiah was determined to study music, and Franklin arranged for him to work under John Stanley, an accomplished blind composer. Jonathan, who was more adept at business, was placed in charge of putting Franklin's financial records in order. Sadly, Josiah would die shortly after his return to Boston in 1772.

John Williams, sometimes referred to as “the inspector,” to distinguish him from other members of the Williams family, was Jonathan Williams Jr.'s uncle and the brother of Jonathan Williams Sr., and was described by John Adams as “sly, secret, and cunning.” He served as receiver general of Martinique during the British occupation of that island and later was appointed inspector general of customs under the American Board of Customs Commissioners, established in 1767. While living in Boston, Williams was threatened by the Sons of Liberty during the disturbances created by the seizure of John Hancock’s ship Liberty in 1768. He returned to England in 1771 and was suspected of supplying information to both sides during the Revolutionary War.

Alexander Brymer (1745-1822) was a Scottish agent, merchant, politician, and militia officer. He emigrated to North America as a young man and became a merchant in Boston. From 1772, he served as an agent, first in Boston, then in Halifax, for the London merchants Robert Grant and William Brymer, who held the navy victualling contract for North America. 

Also included in the archive are the following:
Two 1852 dinner menus and an invitation extended to Henry J. Williams (Jonathan Williams Jr.'s son) from the Masters & Wardens of the Merchant Tailors Co.

Three election notifications for Henry J. Williams to the House of Representatives. Philadelphia, dated October 1822, 1823, and 1835.

Autograph Letter Signed "Charles Sumner." N.p., n.d. Concerning the publication of his article. Accompanied by an engraved portrait.

Clipped Signature of "Lemuel Shaw." N.p., n.d. Reading "I much oblige, your obedient servant, Lemuel Shaw."

Autograph Letter Signed "James W. Grimes." Burlington, dated August 22, 1860. Addressed to James P. Snell Esq., confirming the dates of his term of office as Governor of Iowa.

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.

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