Autographs
“Contemptible” Joshua Loring, Jr. Boston British Loyalist
JOSHUA LORING, JUNIOR. Boston Tory “British Loyalist” and was described as a “contemptible” character, who would be placed in charge of American Revolutionary Patriot Prisoner-Of-War who starved them for his own profit.
February 3, 1772-Dated Pre Revolutionary War Era, Autograph Letter Signed.”Jos(uah) Loring Jun.”, 1 Page with Integral Address Leaf, measuring 8” x 6.5”, Choice Very Fine.This original letter, measuring 8” x 6.5”, is written to John Swift, Esq. Loring states, in part:

“Dear Sir… After we parted yesterday I saw Mr. Smith, and as I thought it best to have in my power to say I did not leave the Port without giving charge of the office to a proper person. I conversed with him upon the subject, I gave him a line or two which I think will answer the end, and at the same time told him he was not to do the least thing but by your direction, and your approbation of him in this will as every other of him proceedings was the greatest reward he could give me for any services I may have done him, I hope he will be moderate if not, take it away from him & make use of any name you please…”

A very rare Revolutionary War autograph of one of the most despicable, ruthless and hated Tory loyalists in both Boston and New York. The first we have offered.
Joshua Loring, Jr., was a Boston Tory “British Loyalist” and was described as a “contemptible” character. In the summer of 1775 the younger man jockeyed for appointment as auction manager and royal sheriff of Suffolk County. The latter appointment put him in charge of the Boston jail, and of the wounded American Patriot Rebel Prisoners from the Battle of Bunker Hill. Many of these prisoners, under his care died. By the end of the siege, Joshua, Jr., had a very poor reputation among Massachusetts Patriots. He accompanied the Crown forces to New York in late 1776 and apparently secured the Commissary post by offering Howe the use of his wife. Loring then served as Deputy Commissary of American Prisoners-Of-War in New York from 1777 until 1783. Americans accused him of starving the Prisoners of War as a way to enrich himself. Loring admitted he misappropriated two-thirds of the allowance for prison food, resulting in the starvation of hundreds of the American prisoners. In 1783 Loring moved to England, where six years later he died.