Lot 762
William Carmichael ALS to Elbridge Gerry (?-1795) American diplomat and member of the Continental Congress; member of John Jay's mission to Spain. Autograph letter signed ("W Carmichael"), 12pp, 9 x 7½ in., Madrid, Spain, 1 March 1781. To Signer of the Declaration of Independence Elbridge Gerry, who penned a 12-line autograph endorsement on the address overlead, acknowledging receipt. Carmichael writes that De Grasse's fleet has been ordered north to the Colonies, gives extended views of the politics of the court, of Europe, and its disposition toward America. He evokes John Jay, John Adams, Silas Deane, Arthur Lee, and others.
In small part: "…I hear from the best authority that Mr. Grasse is to command the fleet…& that it will probably sail early this month. The English fleet is at sea [he gives details of the fleet]… If our Frigates could carry 18 pounders instead of 12 we should have a great advantage & if our privateers could have 9 & 12 pounders…we should have equal advantage….Congress ought to send ample powers to Mr. Adams to act in Holland & ought to authorize him to regulate the terms of advantages arising from recaptures of Dutch vessels on the same principles as those adopted by our Ally--in every thing we ought to make the strongest desire to confirm to the present system of Europe & as pointedly as possible mark our opposition to the Practical measures of our Former Mother Country….Russia & the Northern Courts if not actually engaged in the war agst. Britain will be in some measure hostile to their measures….would it not be proper to have at the Court of Russia at least an agt. to cultivate her friendship. I have been asked repeatedly by their Ambassador here if we had no agt. in the Northern Parts of Europe…." Much more excellent content. Fine.
Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,500.
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