Huntington, Samuel | Huntington endorses the appointment of General Samuel Holden Parsons

Property of a New York Collector

Huntington, Samuel 

Autograph letter draft signed ("S H") as Governor of Connecticut, to Charles Thomson, Secretary of Congress, seeking a position for Samuel Holden Parsons

One page (336 x 204 mm; watermarked seated Liberty), Norwich, 28 June 1782, with several autograph deletions and emendations, docketed on version (Copy of a letter To Charles Thomson Saml Huntington"); a little browned and frayed at margins, one small spot of ink erosion. Accompanied by an autograph document by Huntington(signature cut from the document, but signed in text), New London, 16 February 1789. 2½ pages (327 x 204 mm) on a bifolium, being a legal document regarding land exchange relating to a new public highway, docketed on verso of second leaf; backed with archival tissue, separated at central fold, some losses due to ink erosion.

Huntington writes a strong letter of recommendation: "I am informed that all the states except Rhode Island have Complied with the recommendation of Congress for laying a duty of five perCent on all Imports, which renders it more than probable, the period is not far distant when the Resolution of Congress will be put in practice for the collection of those duties." He informs Thomson that "Majr Genl Samuel Holden Parsons is desirous to obtain the post of Collector in the State. His abilities none of his acquaintances can doubt. He has formerly has Experience in Mercantile business, has been in the Army in Service of his Country from the commencement of the War until the present year when, as he informs me, his Ill State of health obliged him to retire." 

Huntington concludes by observing that Parsons's "public Service for so many years in the prime of life demands the favourable notice of his Country" and that "Should Congress think proper to give him the desired appointment" he will likely give satisfaction to both Connecticut and to the United States. 

PROVENANCE:

Christie's New York, 19 June 2007, lot 259 ("Property from a Private Collection")