Autographs
Two Weeks Before the Battle of Lexington & Concord A Report That a British “the Man-of-War is Expected”
RICHARD SMITH, Boston Loyalist Merchant who was expressly named an “Enemy” in the Massachusetts' 1778 Banishment Act and as such, forbidden to return there “upon pain of Death.”
April 3, 1775, Autograph Letter Signed, at Boston, 7.5” x 9”, 1 page, Choice Very Fine. Here, Richard Smith writes to Robert Traill and it reads in full:

“Sir - Boston April 3, 1775 - I received your kind present of Plants with your Note of March 21st, for both of which I sincerely thank you. This instance of your attention to one whom you have had so short acquaintance, while it pleases, to me evinces the liberality of your Mind and a generous desire of being serviceable to all you converse with. I have taken due care of them and shall be happy in sharing with you or your Friends the Produce of them with what else my Table Affords whenever you or they may favor me with a Visit. By this Post you will receive serious news for many among us, we have nothing more here than you will see in the Papers, the Man of War and Packet are daily expected. Please to present my Compliments to your Lady and Daughters and believe me Sir - Your Obliged Humble - Rich(ard) Smith”

The letter has been boldly written in brown ink on period laid paper. A few expected creases run through the document, and the manuscript is bright, bold and easy to read, with excellent penmanship. A view into the life of a Tory waiting for more British Troops to arrive any moment into Boston Harbor in the days immediately preceding “The Shot Heard Round The World”.
Loyalism became a distinct phenomenon in late 1774 and 1775. By signing addresses, bearing arms, doing business with the British Army, seeking military protection, or going into exile, about 20 per cent of the colonists showed their support of the Crown. Richard Smith, apparently, was by 1778 an important enough enemy to the cause of Liberty and America to be “banned in Boston”.