Lot 821
Nelson, Thomas (1738-89) A member of the Continental Congress where he offered the Virginia resolution calling for independence and was a Signer of the Declaration of Independence. He was appointed commander-in-chief of the Virginia forces and raised a company which he led to Philadelphia. In 1781 he was elected Governor of Virginia and joined Washington at the siege of Yorktown. Autograph letter signed ("Thos Nelson Jr"), 1¼pp, 8 x 6 in., Williamsburg, Virginia, 31 Dec. 1784. To an unidentified correspondent whom Nelson refers to as "your Excellency," introducing "my intimate friend Capt. Singleton…Hearing that collectors are appointed to different districts, he intends to offer his services for the upper District of James River; and as I know, you wish…to reward singular-merit, I the more cheerfully comply with Capt. Singletons desire. His behavior as an officer during the War gain'd him the esteem of the Army, and his conduct as a citizen, since that period has deservedly made every man, who knows him his friend…." Since Nelson is seeking a political favor regarding a minor civil servant's position in Virginia, he is probably writing to Governor Patrick Henry. Very good; the letter is somewhat faded and the signature more so but legible. Letter is inlaid into a small border.
Estimated Value $5,000 - 6,000.
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