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DICKINSON, Jonathan. Autograph letter signed to Po

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Cape François: September 1709. 2 pp., single sheet (306 x 190 mm). Docketed by Dickinson on final page. a fascinating letter suggesting dickinson was made captive by the french in haiti. In this retained draft of a letter apparently written to a French merchant in Haiti, Dickinson writes: "Worthy and Esteemed Friend, pardon my Freedom herein, for I am always and at all times bound to Confess thus, for those Favors bestowed on Me and mine. I pray God reward that great and good Christian Temper having Compassion on our Distressed Condition Where I and mine were wholly Strangers. We have received bountifully from they hand. I hope thou will pardon my pressing forward thee Carrying my family unto the Cape where I have a prospect of going with the first Vessels for Martinecoe and not knowing when any Other Opportunity may present in many months. Thy favor Obtained of the Governor I am bound to render dire Acknowledgment for they Service thou Did me there in which with the Offers of the Conveniency of the Round house in the Sloop Encourage us to Adventure on this Voyage the present Circumstances of my family and the Obligations of paying for those Negroes Monsieur Arramy Credits me with to Make good that Debt at Martinecoe ... All these things as I consider the Service done me in Obtaining my Liberty, the Courteous Treatment in thy family..." The letter continues with the hope of the continuance of their friendship and of the need for a translator so that they may understand each other. We find no reference to Dickinson being held captive by the French in Haiti, but his reference to Danizell "obtaining his Liberty" and relieving him of his "Distressed Condition" certainly suggest it. Letters signed by Dickinson, the author of the shipwreck and Indian captivity narrative God's Protecting Providence, are quite rare.

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