COMPLAINING TO HIS FRIEND EDWARD SPALDING, OF BRISTOL, RHODE ISLAND ABOUT THE BEHAVIOR OF "A CERTAIN GOVERNOR," IN AN AUTOGRAPH LETTER, SIGNED AND DATED BOSTON, OCTOBER 1, 1825.
[Boston, MA: 1825]. A 3 pp. letter, approx. 300 words, addressed on the fourth integral leaf to Edward Spalding, Esq., Bristol, R.I., with a round stamp postal mark. Old fold lines, loss of a few letters on the third page from removal of a wax seal. The author, Jno. A. Grace writes to "Dear Spalding" that he hopes to see him soon though he is not sure when. He goes on to quote scripture, "Put not your trust in princes" with a slight amendation "nor in Governours neither" claiming they are not to be depended upon. Without naming him, Grace says a certain Governor had been visiting Boston and had agreed to come to dinner at the home of an old acquaintance. Careful plans were made by the acquaintance who felt himself honored by the chance to entertain a Governor, and "to do him honor, invited half a dozen clever fellows to meet him. All was arranged, Mutton on the spit, corks drawn, and Table spread when lo! it was discovered this his excellency had that morning made his retreat without beat of drum!!!!!!" The company were forced to console themselves with a feast and good Madeira wine. A humorous letter, likely referring to the Governor of Rhode Island, James Fenner. Item #65576
Grace's correspondent Edward Spalding was a Rhode Island merchant and shipping agent was involved in the slave trade in Cuba in the 1820s, among other ventures. University of Miami has another letter from Grace to Spalding, and a handful of institutions, including the Rhode Island Historical Society, Emory University, and LSU have collections of Spalding's papers.
Price: $175.00