Spring Auction 2018
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/26/2018
Mount Johnson January 30, 1749/50 Sir William Johnson Autograph Letter Signed "Wm Johnson." One page, both sides to Anthony Vanscoike At Quebec Canada/Prison Mount Johnson January 30, 1749/50. Interesting and historically important letter where Johnson wants to let the his Excellency know about all of his expenses he has had in making sure that the prisoners where clothed and fed.the letter also talks about Governor Clinton, in wanting to let him know about the expenses for the exchange of prisoners, so the assembly in New York Assembly would help reimburse his expenses. Johnson writes in full:"Dear Sir: I had the pleasure of two letters from you, since your captivity, by both of which, & by what I heard from others that came thence. I am proud to find your spirits are not cast down by all your hardships, which is the plainest demonstration in the world, of your loyalty and I hope one time, or other it may meet with a just return. I assure you there's none could have your sufferings more at heart than I, which occasioned me, together with the duty I owe my sovereign, to take all the pains was in my power to bring about an exchange of prisoners, which I was in hopes would have been perfected long ago. I having taken all the French prisoners with out exception, last spring out of the hands of the Indians, which I thought would make everything easy on both sides. I have done it out of my own pocket __ ? cloathed them ever since, and keep them at my own house as if they were my own family, which no body else could ever have done, nor would attempt it. I am sorry to hear that somebody told the Govenour there that it was my fault the prisoners were not exchanged because I would not let them go untill I was repaid all the money I payed & layed out for them. You may assure his Excellency if ever you have an opertunity, that what he heard on that account is false, for no body has it more at heart than I, to bring about a good understanding, between them & us. Otherwise (he, or any thinking man may judge) __ ? should never have taken so much pains for that affair. I am far from censureing mankind, but I can't help saying, that after all we have done, the French are realy in the fault. The bearer of this Capt. Benjamin Stoddert is sent by Gov. Clinton in order to take another try all for the general exchange of all the prisoners, whom I expect will succeed, as there is no obstacle now left, after what the Gov. General promised Mr. R. Sanders. My kind regards attend you, and all friends there in general, not forgetting the Indians whose family's are all weil, I expect them soon. I am Dr.? Vansioike your sincere friend & hearty well wisher.Wm Johnson, My compliment to Mr.Thowds Who I hope is well and has received What I sent him by Monst. D? " Sir William Johnson had served as Major General in the British forces during the French and Indian War. His estate in the Mohawk River Valley covered over 400,000 acres. Johnson Hall, built in 1763 and located northwest of the present city of Johnstown, New York, was Johnson's home until his death in 1774. Molly Brant, sister of Mohawk leader Joseph Brant, was Johnson's common law wife and would aid the Loyalist cause during the upcoming Revolutionary War; they had eight children. There are some condition issues, folds toning, and has 3 vertical folds which had separate and are mended with a tape, which can be restored by a conservator, but still in good condition for the age with bold writing and signature
William Johnson ALS Historically Important
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