GAGE THOMAS Letter Signed Thos Gage as Governor of Massachus

Sale 2276 - Lot 14

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GAGE, THOMAS. Letter Signed, "Tho's Gage," as Governor of Massachusetts, to Jeremiah Powell, in full: "I desire you to meet me in Salem on Tuesday the 16th instant at 11 o'clock PM on his Majesty's service." 1 page, 4to, with integral address leaf; minor foxing. Danvers [MA], 6 August 1774

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Gage was commander in chief of the British military in America, as well as being the final colonial governor of Massachusetts. He is perhaps most remembered for issuing a proclamation shortly before the Battle of Bunker Hill, offering amnesty to any rebels who surrendered, with the exception of Samuel Adams and John Hancock. Powell, the addressee here, was a leader in the outlawed provincial congress. We can only guess at what the royal governor wanted to discuss with a rebel so late at night, but Gage had a track record of attempting to co-opt the enemies of England.