Nov 08, 2018 - Sale 2492

Sale 2492 - Lot 61

Price Realized: $ 488
?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price
Estimate: $ 700 - $ 1,000
AS A YOUNG MAN DURING EUROPEAN TOUR THOMAS MIFFLIN. Autograph Letter Signed, "Newphew Thomas Mifflin," to his uncle Jacob Lewis, explaining that he left London for Paris where he is boarded and instructed in French and riding, mentions that he has made a friend of the son of Lord Murray, awaiting advice concerning trade from David Barlcay, sending regards to friends and family, and, in an 8-line postscript additionally Signed, "TM," apologizing for not writing Mifflin's grandmother and asking to convey respects to Mifflin's mother. 2 1/2 pages, small 4to, written on a folded sheet; address panel on verso of third page, wax seal removed from edge and pasted in blank space on third page, center vertical fold reinforced, folds. Paris, 26 May 1764

Additional Details

"We had been in London about 4 Weeks when J.G. & I sett [sic] off for Paris. After spending 3 Weeks here I formed a Resolution of entering an academy to learn the French Language & Riding. . . . I have a French Master to teach me the Language, & ride 4 Mornings in the Week with Gentlemen of the best Families in France who come here to be instructed in Riding. . . . We dine & Sup at a publick Table, have each our Chamber, & Seldom see one another except at Meals & Hours of riding. This is a Son of Lord Murray upon the Same Floor who I am very well acquainted with, a young Gentleman of good Sense & good Morals. His Governour makes me read to him in French & always attends me when I ride, & in Fact seems as fond of advising & instructing me as he is of his Pupil. I shall be advised by D. Barclay as soon as anything can be done in the Way of Trade. . . . ."

From the Collection of William Wheeler III.