Autographs
1781 Revolutionary War Letter from Jeremiah Powell to John Cushing
JEREMIAH POWELL (1714-1789). American Revolutionary War Era President of the Massachusetts Bay Council.
March 21, 1781-Dated Revolutionary War, Autograph Letter Signed, “Jer. Powell,” 2 pages, measuring 7” x 9.5” with its Integral Address Leaf, at Boston, Very Fine. An important historic content Revolutionary War date Letter written to John Cushing, then a captain of a company of Colonel Samuel Johnson's regiment of militia (which marched at the Lexington Alarm on April 19, 1775). This Letter reads, in part:

"... I don't think they [the British] will get possession of Falmouth this summer unless the inhabitants... invite them to come, which I cannot allow myself to think. You have any of that sort of men with you? The government is doing and will do all they can to protect the Eastern ports. I shall be able, I hope, in 3 to 4 weeks to give you an account of how things are likely to succeed at the south, if it should please God to prosper us and our Allies in the present expedition at the Southward. Much depends on our success in filling up our New Army (in) that part of the continent. Seems at present to be their main objective. We are soon to expect a large Fleet and Army, both of French and British in these seas...”

Some light dampstains not affecting legibility, overall very original and well written in rich brown. There is additional content of good interest filling one and a hlf pages.
JEREMIAH POWELL (1714 - 1789) President of the Massachusetts Bay Council of which he was a long-time member, holding that position at various times until October 13, 1780 (during the Revolution, Massachusetts had no governors).

JOHN CUSHING: Cushing's Regiment of Militia (also known as the 6th Worcester County Militia Regiment) was called up at Westborough, Massachusetts on August 16, 1777 as reinforcements for the Continental Army during the Saratoga Campaign. The regiment marched quickly to join the gathering forces of General Horatio Gates as he faced British General John Burgoyne in northern New York. The regiment served in General Warner's brigade. With the surrender of Burgoyne's Army on October 17, the regiment was disbanded on November 29, 1777.