Autographs
1778 Revolutionary War Letter Signed by Meschech Weare of New Hampshire in Preparation for the Battle of Rhode Island
MESHECH WEARE, "Governor" of New Hampshire and Signer of Colonial Currency.
August 3, 1778, Autograph Letter Signed, "M[eschech] Weare" in dark ink on watermarked, laid paper, Exeter, [NH], Very Fine. Measuring 12" x 8.5", this original document was written on the eve of the Battle of Rhode Island, and is addressed to the Hon. John Langdon:
"Sr; Inclosed is a copy of Genl: Sullivan's letter to me which you will see I am desird to communicate to you, Since which I have received another Desiring that such troops as are rais'd may be forwarded with the utmost expedition - I cannot doubt Sir but you will exert your self in forwarding the raising as many voluntiers as can be procurd to go immediately from your company or others to joyn Genl. Sullivan at this important crisis - It will be recommended to the Select men in the Several Towns to advance 10 [pounds] to each Voluntier and to the Genl. Assembly when they meet to make a proper allowance for their time &c:
I am Sr. with much Respect yr Obt. Hum. Servt.
MWeare"
The document is docketed on the back, has folds, some toning, but very dark, crisp handwriting. The Battle of Rhode Island, also known as the Battle of Quaker Hill, took place on August 29, 1778, when units under the command of John Sullivan attempted to recapture the island of Rhode Island (now known as Aquidneck Island to distinguish it from the state of Rhode Island in which it is located), from British forces. The battle ended inconclusively, but the Continental Army had to give up its goal of capturing the island and securing Narragansett Bay for American and French ship traffic.
Meshech Weare (1713-1786) was the first "Governor" of New Hampshire under its first constitution. On January 5, 1776, New Hampshire became the first American state to adopt a formal constitution. Meshech Weare was a leader in the drafting of this document, which served as the basic instrument of government until the adoption of a second and more permanent constitution in 1784. After a brief interval, Weare was elected chairman of the Committee of Safety and served in this capacity throughout the Revolution. Because the state had no chief executive, Weare, as Chairman of the Committee of Safety, could be considered the first Governor of New Hampshire. During 1786-1791, under the second constitution, the chief executive of New Hampshire was known as the President of New Hampshire, but the title was then changed to Governor. Previously, Weare had served in the Colonial House of Representatives of New Hampshire during the mid 1700s, sometimes as its Speaker. He was one of the signers of the July 1762 issue of New Hampshire currency.
1778 Revolutionary War Letter Signed by Meschech Weare of New Hampshire in Preparation for the Battle of Rhode Island
MESHECH WEARE, "Governor" of New Hampshire and Signer of Colonial Currency.
August 3, 1778, Autograph Letter Signed, "M[eschech] Weare" in dark ink on watermarked, laid paper, Exeter, [NH], Very Fine. Measuring 12" x 8.5", this original document was written on the eve of the Battle of Rhode Island, and is addressed to the Hon. John Langdon:
"Sr; Inclosed is a copy of Genl: Sullivan's letter to me which you will see I am desird to communicate to you, Since which I have received another Desiring that such troops as are rais'd may be forwarded with the utmost expedition - I cannot doubt Sir but you will exert your self in forwarding the raising as many voluntiers as can be procurd to go immediately from your company or others to joyn Genl. Sullivan at this important crisis - It will be recommended to the Select men in the Several Towns to advance 10 [pounds] to each Voluntier and to the Genl. Assembly when they meet to make a proper allowance for their time &c:
I am Sr. with much Respect yr Obt. Hum. Servt.
MWeare"
The document is docketed on the back, has folds, some toning, but very dark, crisp handwriting. The Battle of Rhode Island, also known as the Battle of Quaker Hill, took place on August 29, 1778, when units under the command of John Sullivan attempted to recapture the island of Rhode Island (now known as Aquidneck Island to distinguish it from the state of Rhode Island in which it is located), from British forces. The battle ended inconclusively, but the Continental Army had to give up its goal of capturing the island and securing Narragansett Bay for American and French ship traffic.
Meshech Weare (1713-1786) was the first "Governor" of New Hampshire under its first constitution. On January 5, 1776, New Hampshire became the first American state to adopt a formal constitution. Meshech Weare was a leader in the drafting of this document, which served as the basic instrument of government until the adoption of a second and more permanent constitution in 1784. After a brief interval, Weare was elected chairman of the Committee of Safety and served in this capacity throughout the Revolution. Because the state had no chief executive, Weare, as Chairman of the Committee of Safety, could be considered the first Governor of New Hampshire. During 1786-1791, under the second constitution, the chief executive of New Hampshire was known as the President of New Hampshire, but the title was then changed to Governor. Previously, Weare had served in the Colonial House of Representatives of New Hampshire during the mid 1700s, sometimes as its Speaker. He was one of the signers of the July 1762 issue of New Hampshire currency.
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Auction details
Coins-Currency-Autographs-Americana
9:00 AM PT - May 18th, 2008
offered by
Early American
P.O. Box 3507
Rancho Santa Fe CA 92067
Rancho Santa Fe CA 92067
