ELLERY WILLIAM Autograph Letter Signed Wm Ellery as delegate

Sale 2276 - Lot 13

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SIGNER FROM RHODE ISLAND ELLERY, WILLIAM. Autograph Letter Signed, "Wm Ellery," as delegate to the Continental Congress, to John Brown, requesting insight into the future of the Navy and the Admiralty Board, commenting on John Paul Jones's reputation, and reflecting on his service to the young nation. 3 pages, 4to; edge wear slightly affecting last letter of signature, seal tear with minor text loss, 4 coin-sized heavy stains in text area. Providence [RI], 15 October 1781

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"the burthen lay upon a few . . . you and i had our share of it." Ellery writes to wealthy Rhode Island merchant John Brown (1736-1803), then serving as secretary of the Admiralty Board. With the British on the verge of surrender at Yorktown and military operations winding down, Ellery had many questions about the likely fate of the American navy, starting with the basics: "Whether the board of Admiralty is dissolved or likely to be dissolved; and what system Congress mean to pursue with regard to the Navy?"
He was also curious about the massive 74-gun warship America then being constructed under John Paul Jones's supervision: "It will not be an easy matter to fit out the 74. However easy it may be to launch, rigg, and furnish her with cannon &c, it will be extremely difficult to man her. Men had rather enter on board cruising frigates or privateers than so large a ship, and I believe Capt. Jones is not highly esteemed in the New England states by sailors."
Ellery concludes by reflecting on the hard work both he and Brown had done to secure independence: "Who will be at the head of the Admiralty? I should have been happy at that board, if there had been any money there, and there had been more spirit in the executive part of business. You know the burthen lay upon a few, and that you and I had our share of it." Provenance: This Month at Goodspeed's, 1941, page 133.