(WAR OF 1812) 5 letters to Capt William Graves a merchant st

Sale 2486 - Lot 403

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Estimate: $ 300 - $ 400

(WAR OF 1812.) 5 letters to Capt. William Graves, a merchant stranded in Russia for the duration of the war. 5 manuscript letters, each with integral address panels and no postal markings; folds, minor wear. Vp, 1813-15

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Two of the letters are from Francis Todd of Newburyport, MA, who was apparently the owner of the vessel Graves captained. On 10 April 1813 he wrote: "No law has been in existence respecting taking licences & should our war hawks attempt a law of that discription, I wish it not to prevent your attempting of getting home with the Abigail. . . . You may be able to change your flag to some nation that would be respected by the English (in that case you will retain your present papers if possible)." On 30 November, Todd followed up: "We are at a loss to say when this war with England is to end, but cannot but hope that the next season will finish it."
Also included are 3 letters from European merchants. Notably, a T. Williams in London offered to help Graves broker the sale of the Abigail to a Russian merchant on 13 April 1813: "If you are empowered to sell, & can effect a sale of your vessel, so much the better. As the war continues, your owners must wish & approve of it. A true & fair transfer to a Russian would be held good."