Lot 154

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Description:

U.S. Minister to Portugal David Humphrey ALS, Plus Bonus War of 1812 Doc!

An interesting lot documenting the early American Republic, both in the establishing of the nation's first international diplomatic relations, and in its defense of its sovereignty during the War of 1812. The lot includes an autograph letter signed by U.S. Minister to Portugal David Humphreys, plus a Connecticut militia registry from the War of 1812.

Featuring:

1. A 1p autograph letter signed by David Humphreys (1752-1818), then serving his capacity as U.S. Minister to Portugal, as "D. Humphreys" at lower right. Written in Lisbon, Portugal on April 12, 1793. Docketed verso. Expected folds, light toning, and isolated foxing, else near fine. 7.5" x 9."

In a letter written to U.S. Minister to Great Britain Thomas Pinckney (1750-1828), Humphreys mentions another colleague, a "Mr. Short." This almost certainly referred to William Short (1759-1849), who would serve as U.S. Minister to Spain between 1794-1795.

Humphreys wrote in part: "Mr Short has forwarded the enclosed to me from Madrid, with a desire that I would send it by way of England to your care…"

Humphreys became the 1st U.S. Minister to Portugal in May 1791; this was an especially prestigious position because Portugal had been the first neutral country to recognize American independence. In his role as U.S. Minister there, Humphreys worked to secure the liberation of American sailors imprisoned by Tripoli. Previously, Humphreys had served as George Washington's aide-de-camp during the Revolutionary War and enjoyed the first president's special confidence.

2. A manuscript document penned in West Hartford, Connecticut on September 10, 1815 listing the militiamen in David Selden's Company in the Connecticut 1st Regiment. Docketed verso. A horizontal fold at center is nearly completely split. Expected wear includes scattered stains and minor chipped edges at top, else near fine. 7.625" x 12."

Headlined at top, "This may Certify that the following persons Members of the Company Under my Command have been Equipt Clothed in uniform & performed Military Duty the year last past according to Law." Selden's company included 39 soldiers, of which four were minors.

The "Public Records of the State of Connecticut, May 1812-October 1813," Volume XVI, published by the Office of the State Historian in 1997, lists commander David Selden as a "Lieutenant of the 5th Company in the 1st Regiment of Militia in this State, to take rank from 20th October 1812" (p. 126).

American and British combatants fought the War of 1812--sometimes referred to as the Second War of Independence--between June 1812 and February 1815.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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