Lot 126
Parker, Timothy - Commander of the Oliver Cromwell (1735-1797) U. S. naval officer; commander of the famous ship, Oliver Cromwell. Autograph Letter Signed, one page, 10 x 8 in., New London, May 25, 1776. On the eve of the launching of the Oliver Cromwell, on which he would serve at 1st Lt. at this time, Parker writes to his beloved wife, Deborah, in Norwich, and shares his feelings with her. In part: "…I feel such a vacant mind such an Inquietude and Restlessness of Spirit which I know not how [to] Compose or account for…But when I recollect what Mr. [Alexander] Pope says--that what Ever is is right with Reguard to Divine providence--and when I further Consider the power the wisdom and goodness of God--I cannot but Believe that all he doth will be well done…with Regard to whole Nations of men or whole familys of a nation or Individuals of a family…." Archival repairs on verso; seal tear affects three letters; split from top edge affects two words. Boldly penned and signed.
Earlier in 1776, while serving as 1st Lt. on the "Spy," Parker had been put in charge of the prize ship "Hope," which was retaken by the British and Parker was sent to a prison ship in New York City. Upon his request, Gov. Trumbull arranged an exchange in December 1776. In December 1777, Parker took over command of the Oliver Cromwell and took numerous prizes until the Cromwell was taken by the British in August 1779; Parker was once more captured and exchanged. At that time, he began privateering as commander of the Scourge and later of the Prudence and the Hancock. No wonder Parker had trepidations when he wrote this letter to his wife!
Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,250.
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