THOMAS, JOHN | Autograph letter signed ("Jno. Thomas"), penned shortly after the Battles of Lexington and Concord, [N.P., but likely near Boston], May 1775

Property from the Eric C. Caren Collection

THOMAS, JOHN

Autograph letter signed ("Jno. Thomas"), penned shortly after the Battles of Lexington and Concord, [N.P., but likely near Boston], May 1775

1 page (4 5/8 x 6 in.; 117 x 154 mm), to the Committee of Safety in Massachusetts, docketed on verso; very lightly browned and soiled, inlaid. In half-blue morocco slipcase. The consignor has independently obtained a letter of authenticity from PSA that will accompany the lot.

A Revolutionary War letter, written by one of its prominent figures, just days after its first shots were fired

"Gentlemen, I have just rece'd a letter from the Committe [sic] of Inspection from the town of Providence desireing [sic] me to inform them if the Committe [sic] of Safety have transmitted to there [sic] friend in London an account of the Battle at Lexington & inferred that the colony have assembled a Committee of Safety who has the direction of the troops therefore letter from this place on to that colony on that subject should be directed to to said Committe [sic] of Safety."

Thomas trained as a surgeon with Doctor Tufts in Medford, Massachusetts, before beginning his own practice in Kingston. His appointments as a ship's surgeon to a regiment bound for Annapolis Royal marked the beginning of his illustrious military career. Thomas eventually became a major general in the Continental Army, and was a leader during the Siege of Boston.

Letters by Thomas are rare on the market, with only one other having been offered at auction.

PROVENANCE:

James Strohm Copley (bookplate)