Raynor HCA 2013-04
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/4/2013
BELCHER, Jonathan (1682-1757) was a merchant, businessman, and politician from the Province of Massachusetts Bay. He served for more than ten years as colonial governor of the British provinces of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and another ten as governor of New Jersey. Fine content Autograph Letter Signed “J. Belcher” 3pp. legal folio, Boston, December 12, 1730, being a retained copy of his letter to a colleague in England concerning his appointment as Governor of Massachusetts and New Hampshire in the summer of 1730. After a year spent as agent for Massachusetts he returned upon his appointment by the King: "...in his Majestys Ship Blanford & after touching at the Island of Madeira, arriv'd here in August last where I publish'd His Majest'y Commissions of the governments committed to my Care, and the people recev'd me with all the respect & honour due to the King's Commission, and Nothing in my power shall be Wanting to Advance His Majesty's honour and Service and the prosperity of his Subjects in these Provinces - Where If I might be Capable of rendring [sic] Mr. Fairfax any Acceptable Service, Your Commands Will be a pleasing Obligation: I have not been unmindful of your request in Favour of your Kinsman Mr. Fairfax the Collector at Salem, to whom I offer'd the Naval officer's place for the part of Salem. On my first Arrival, the same I have done since by Word of Mouth, and by Letter Once and Again. But the Gentleman whom my predecessor left in possession of it, being in low Circumstances Mr. Fairfax in tenderness to Him declines it - However I have told him he shall have a Commission for it Whenever he pleases...Mr. Stephens Surveyor of the Customs dy'd here a few dayes Agoe - You know It's a place Worth 6 to 700 £ a Year Sterling...I believe your recommendation of him to Sr. Robert Walpole might give Him a good prospect of Success in Obtaining that place...Your Kinsman Is a Gentleman of great Modesty and Worth...His Ingenious behavior here has gain'd Him the Love and Esteem of the people in General...." Very good condition.
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