(AMERICAN REVOLUTION 1776) Cushing Thomas A former member o

Sale 2432 - Lot 23

Price Realized: $ 750

?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price

Estimate: $ 500 - $ 750

(AMERICAN REVOLUTION--1776.) Cushing, Thomas. A former member of Continental Congress hopes to profit from the British evacuation. Autograph Letter Signed to Matthew Irwin. One page, 9 1/2 x 7 1/2 inches, plus integral address leaf with postal markings and docketing; only minor wear to letter leaf, address leaf with large seal tear, ink burn, and adhesive remnants. (MRS) Cambridge, MA, 25 March 1776

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Thomas Cushing (1725-1788) was a merchant who had represented Massachusetts in the first Continental Congress, but his tepid support for independence cost him re-election. Here, 8 days after the British evacuated from Boston, he discusses efforts to sell supplies to the American army in the devastated city: "I suppose by this time you have heard that our army is in possession of Boston and that the ministerial army have left it. They have left but very few goods in Boston. I have been advised to carry your goods there . . . as the army will be stationed in Boston. The army's being in confusion has stopped the sale of goods considerably but they will get soon settled, then I hope to sell the goods fast." The letter was originally addressed to merchant Matthew Irwin in Philadelphia, and then redirected to New York. Provenance: Parke-Bernet's Douglas MacFarlan sale, 3 October 1961, lot 17, to the consignor.