HEMSLEY, William (1737-1812). Autograph letter signed ("Wm. Hemsley"), to a Jonathan Thompson. N.p., 17 March 1781.
Sale 945 - Fine Printed Books & Manuscripts, Including Americana
Lots 1-307
Nov 9, 2021
4:00AM CT
Lots 308-687
Nov 10, 2021
4:00AM CT
Live / Chicago
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Estimate
$500 -
700
Price Realized
$313
Sold prices are inclusive of Buyer’s Premium
Lot Description
HEMSLEY, William (1737-1812). Autograph letter signed ("Wm. Hemsley"), to a Jonathan Thompson. N.p., 17 March 1781.
1 page, 8vo, creased, some minor soiling or wear, small hole from opening. Provenance: Ford Mitchell (sold PBA Galleries, 20 October 2005, lot 87). Hemsley writes concerning munition deliveries. In part: "Sir, You [are to] please order Capt. Falkoner to collect the arms with all the accoutrements that were delivered him & send them down to Queens Town [Maryland] under the care of some trusty person, to Mr. Robt. Wright... & distribute them into such active hands as you can rely on. Make use of the lead as far as wanted, & have 4 or 50 [sic] rounds of Cartridges for each musket made up... Give strict orders that they do not fire away the powder & ball. I will pay the expenses of bringing the arms down..."
Hemsley, an American planter and politician from Maryland, served in the Continental Congress in 1782 and 1783. He served in the Maryland state senate from 1779-1781, and again from 1786-1789. Hemsley was a member of the Maryland Convention that ratified the United States Constitution on 28 April 1788.
Property from the Collection of Dr. Brant Mittler
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