January 23, 1781

Lovell, James, 1737-1814

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Samuel Holten

Discusses the dire economic state of the colonies, inflation, and the depreciation rate of currency. States that according to John Adams, the British will continue the war. Mentions that Maryland has limited the time beyond which the old money will not be accepted. Reports that the other states might not put the resolution of March 18 into place but that Congress is determined it will succeed. Indicates that the debt situation is dire, stating "We, mighty men, totally dependent upon 13 Legislatures, different in views for support in our smallest endeavors to carry on the war."

GLC01450.020.10

January 25, 1781

Powell, Jeremiah, 1714-1789

Autograph document signed

Title: [Resolution of the Court allowing delegates to draw money]

Signed and approved by John Hancock as a true copy by John Avery. Appropriating 3000 pounds out of the new emission of money for the Treasurer of Massachusetts for use by the delegates of the state at Congress. Imposes a limit of 600 pounds for any individual delegate. The resolution went to the House of Representatives 26 January 1781 and was signed by Caleb Davis, Speaker. Powell was Council President.

GLC01450.020.11

March 23, 1781

Lovell, James, 1737-1814

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Samuel Holten

States he had hoped he could give an account of British General Charles Cornwallis, but they must wait before judging whether or not he will fail in his retreat. Remarks that Benedict Arnold is still safe. He will write again next Thursday and forward any intelligence that arrives before then.

GLC01450.020.12

March 27, 1781

Lovell, James, 1737-1814

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Samuel Holten

Recipient is inferred from content and from other items in the 1450.020 collection. The handwriting on the docket matches the others addressed to Holton. States he has received letters from Holten and James Carmichael, but not from John Jay. Remarks that he is glad the spirit of the state (Massachusetts) is so high. Reports that Nathaniel Greene has lost a battle. Discusses the action of the French fleet off the Cape of Virginia. Says Holten will have his wish as per Bermuda and mentions the repeal of a former resolve involving imports and exports from the island. Indicates that the dire…

GLC01450.020.13

May 9, 1781

Lovell, James, 1737-1814

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Samuel Holten

Letter signed with initials. Discusses a letter sent to Elbridge Gerry concerning money. States that Congress cannot move forward with the creation of a new system during this wartime without money from the states. Writes "Congress without their money presses, depending on the punctual supplies of the states are, at this critical period of the Campaign, as a set of Clockmakers from whom an Orrery or Microcosm is expected tho their Hands are evidently struck with the dead palsy."

GLC01450.020.15

May 29, 1781

Lovell, James, 1737-1814

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Samuel Holten

Letter signed with initials. Recipient inferred from context and by comparing the docket to others in the 1450.020 collection. Wants to relay intelligence from Europe but he is concerned about doing so because of an obligation to secrecy. Remarks that the burden will fall on the inattentive and negligent states that are not in the middle of the war effort instead of on the discouraged states actively involved: "The Execrations of portenty will fall more justly perhaps on the Inattention and Negligence of the States distant from the immediate Carnage of the War than upon the Despondency and…

GLC01450.020.16

March 19, 1782

Hutchinson, Israel, 1728-1811

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Samuel Holten

Hutchinson, a soldier in the Continental Army, requests a receipt for the Quakers in the town of Lynn for the payment of soldiers. Lists two soldiers and the amount of pay. States he is in great need of it and asks him to bring it when he returns from Boston.

GLC01450.020.18

October 24, 1782

Avery, John, 1739-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Samuel Holten

Avery informs Holten that Holten was elected as a delegate to represent Massachusetts in Congress and that his term will begin the first Monday of next November.

GLC01450.020.19

June 25, 1778

Montgomery, John, fl. 1778-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mr. Newton, Gordon, and Johnston

Mentions that they have accepted their drafts and will pay them in due course. States that they dined with Mr. Brown and his sisters who sailed for England on the 16th on the Duke of York Packet. Informs on the news brought from England by the packet boat. States that British Admiral John Byron and Sir Peter Parker have sailed in quest of French Admiral d'Estaing who passed the straights of Gilbrator on the 7th. Reports on the status of their fleet. Explains that a packet from Philadelphia brought news that the British have rejected the conciliatory plan of the commission (possibly Congress…

GLC01450.022.01

July 7, 1778

Montgomery, John, fl. 1778-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mr. Newton, Gordon, and Johnston

First page contains a copy of his last letter dated June 25, 1778 (see GLC01450.022.01 for letter). States he has included a copy of the last letter. Advises on the status of accounts and drafts (possibly involving wine trade with Portugal). Explains that a convoy from England has informed them that British Admiral Augustus Keppel's fleet had taken into possession two French frigates and an armed schooner of the Arethusa near the island of Ushant. The fleet also had an engagement with another French frigate and refers him to the Gazzette News for details. This engagement near Ushant was…

GLC01450.022.02

January 15, 1779

Montgomery, John, fl. 1778-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mr. Newton, Gordon, and Johnston

Letter co-signed by R. Sealy and Daniel Parminter. First page contains a copy of his last letter. The copied letter is dated November 24, 1778 and deals with a shipment of wine, brandy, barley, cork, and sundries to India. Informs them that they have taken on partners and will now be known as Montgomery, Sealey, and Co. Reports that he can only give disappointing political news. British Admiral John Byron's fleet has suffered damage and the Somerset has been lost near Cape Cod. The French Admiral d'Estaing has escaped and has probably gone to the West Indies. He requests them to send one pipe…

GLC01450.022.03

March 7, 1779

Montgomery, John, fl. 1778-1795

Autograph letter

Title: to Mr. Newton, Gordon, and Johnston

Letter signed as Montgomery, Sealy, and Co. Discusses their business accounts dealing with wine and brandy shipments to and from Portugal in the first part of the letter. States that they will only send letters by packet boat as other ships are not safe. He describes what has occurred in the Revolutionary War recently, and informs that the British under Admiral Samuel Barrington and General James Grant have captured the island of St. Lucia (December 12-28, 1778), which French Admiral Valerie d'Estaing failed to counteract. The French troops suffered heavy losses. He states that there is great…

GLC01450.022.04

July 24, 1779

Montgomery, John, fl. 1778-1795

Autograph letter

Title: to Newton, Gordon, and Johnston

Letter signed as Montgomery, Sealy, and Co. Reports that Spain has finally joined forces with France against England. The Spanish fleet sailed from Cadiz on June 24, 1779 and will join the French fleet. States that they are threatening an invasion in Ireland or England but remarks that British spirits are high. ". . . John Bull's Spirit seems to be roused, and they begin to be unanimous at home, and don't seem to dread them, which looks well." Mentions that the Spanish have already begun to lay siege to Gibraltar but he thinks their attempt will be fruitless as it was at Algiers because the…

GLC01450.022.05

September 18, 1779

Montgomery, Sealy, & Co., fl. 1779

Autograph letter

Title: to Newton, Gordon, and Johnston

Details accounts for the shipping of sundry goods, wine, and brandy. Then discusses placing insurance on the shipments and states that he has given the insurance agents the necessary information about the ships, the captains' names, where the shipment is going, etc. Mentions that British Admiral Charles Hardy has sailed with 53 ships to attack the enemy. Lists men returned safely from East India to Limerick. Reports that they took two French privateers on their way to Limerick. Newton, Gordon, and Johnston were merchants from Madeira.

GLC01450.022.06

October 13, 1779

Montgomery, John, fl. 1778-1795

Autograph letter

Title: to Mr. Newton, Gordon, and Johnston

Letter signed as Montgomery, Sealy, and Co. Details accounts of shipments of wine and sundries. Discusses insurance and safety of the convoys and states that there are 4 or 5 Spanish ships off the coast. Reports that the British fleet is guarding the Channel and a small squadron has gone to Ireland. Remarks that there is talk of peace due to the mediation of the Empress of Russia (Catherine) and the States of Holland who he believes would otherwise be in favor of the British. Newton, Gordon, and Johnston were merchants from Madeira.

GLC01450.022.07

December 7, 1781

Butlers and Matthew (merchants)

Autograph letter

Title: to Newton, Gordon, and Johnston

Comments that the war has been obstructing trade and depriving them of writing as often as desired. States they have sent the enclosed via Ostend to ensure it arrives. Comments upon the plentiful harvest of olive trees in the area of Cadiz, Spain but fears that the lack of rain will hurt the crops. Mentions that the convoy from Vera Cruz and Havana has come in with gold and silver, indigo, sugar, and tobacco, but only a bit of cacao, which is likely to be in great demand during the war. Wishes that they will soon see an end to it. Newton, Gordon, and Johnston were merchants from Madeira.

GLC01450.022.08

February 27, 1781

Irvine, Charles, 1756-1819

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Alexander Irvine

Letter written to his brother in Aberdeen, Scotland. States that he wrote awhile ago but has not heard from him since. Remarks that he purchased his commission in the 57th regiment in the British army and expects to get it soon. He wishes he did it awhile ago because he is very short on money and has already borrowed to appropriately outfit himself. Asks his brother if he can borrow 100 pounds right away since he will not be in the country for long. Gives his love to Irvine's wife. Charles Irvine was an ensign in the British army during the Revolutionary War.

GLC01450.023.01

March 15, 1781

Irvine, Charles, 1756-1819

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Alexander Irvine

Letter written to his brother in Aberdeen, Scotland. States that he got his brother's letter from their sister Margaret in which she apologized for opening his letter to Alexander. Charles states that there was no need for her to apologize because he does not need to keep secrets from her but that there are others he would rather not know his business. Thanks him for his kind letter and for his readiness to serve him (possibly referring to Charles' request for money in an earlier letter, GLC01450.023.01). Remarks that he might not be able to leave for New York for awhile yet as there are no…

GLC01450.023.02

March 26, 1781

Irvine, Charles, 1756-1819

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Alexander Irvine

Letter written to his brother in Aberdeen, Scotland. States that since his last letter, he has decided not to take the first ship to New York and to wait for the convoy as it is safer. Reports that he wrote to Mr. Moir in order to get credit with the agents of the British regiment which he is trying to enter but that the agents will not give credit without having the money in their hands. He hopes Mr. Moir will be able to assist him and asks his brother to speak to him to help get things settled so he can get this promotion. Explains that his state of affairs is unfavorable and that he cannot…

GLC01450.023.03

April 28, 1781

Irvine, Charles, 1756-1819

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Alexander Irvine

Charles Irvine writes to his brother in Aberdeen, Scotland that he is leaving for Falmouth in a day or so to go on a packet boat, having lost hope of getting a convoy to New York. States he cannot wait any longer because since he has left Scotland, his expenses have been very high. He remarks that Mr. Moir has been very accommodating in advancing money and he hopes to pay him back soon, and asks Alexander to thank Mr. Moir for him. Mentions that he will have a draft made payable to Alexander for 50 pounds payable next December but knows that if at that time, he still does not have the money,…

GLC01450.023.04

July 6, 1781

Irvine, Charles, 1756-1819

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Alexander Irvine

Charles Irvine writes to his brother in Aberdeen, Scotland that he has arrived safely to New York after a passage of seven weeks from England. States that the regiment he is entering is at Kingsbridge, 14 miles from New York. He reports that he met with the commander, Lieutenant Colonel McLeroth, and was introduced to the officers, and joins today. Explains that he will write again soon but wanted to make sure this letter got onto the packet to England. He hopes to get a lieutenant appointment as he is the only ensign in the regiment to purchase a commission. He gives his love to family and…

GLC01450.023.05

circa October 1781

Irvine, Charles, 1756-1819

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Alexander Irvine

Charles Irvine writes to his brother in Aberdeen, Scotland that mail has been very irregular. The last letter he received from Alexander was dated September 20. Comments that to the satisfaction of troops in New York, he has heard that Great Britain will continue the war. Reports that they are expecting a needed reinforcement of troops and ships. They do not know where the Continental army will strike next. Informs that they will be on Staten Island for the coming months. Discusses his need for finances and says he has been living very frugally since joining the regiment. Asks him to have his…

GLC01450.023.07

November 29, 1781

Irvine, Charles, 1756-1819

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Alexander Irvine

Charles Irvine writes to his brother in Aberdeen, Scotland that he was so hurried in his last letter he forgot to mention his promotion in rank which he is happy about. States that he has written to Mr. Moir to get his affairs in order. Discusses his financial state for a bit and his need for credit. States Colonel McLeroth has offered to write on his behalf to help him get credit. Comments that Alexander must have heard of General Cornwallis's fall and says they do not know what the consequences will be. Expects reinforcements if Britain intends to keep the colonies. Gives his love to family…

GLC01450.023.08

December 10, 1781

Irvine, Charles, 1756-1819

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Alexander Irvine

Charles Irvine writes to his brother in Aberdeen, Scotland that he sent a letter with a friend and British soldier George Cumine who went home with General Cornwallis and his unfortunate army. Remarks upon the death of their Uncle Forbes. Discusses letters received and sent to family and friends and the state of the mail. Mentions his promotion in rank again and that he is glad to hear it will not be delayed by lack of money. States he asked Mr. Moir to send him some money. Indicates that Cumine will explain his situation better when he returns home. General Cornwallis surrendered at Yorktown…

GLC01450.023.09

March 20, 1782

Irvine, Charles, 1756-1819

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Alexander Irvine

Letter written to his brother in Aberdeen, Scotland. States that he got a letter from Mr. Moir about his financial affairs. His regiment is under orders for embarkation so he had to request 40 pounds from Moir to prepare. Discusses his pending promotion in rank and the finances involved with it. Informs him that they do not know where the regiment will be sent but some think the West Indies. Gives his love to family and friends. Charles Irvine was a soldier in the British army during the Revolutionary War.

GLC01450.023.10