REVOLUTIONARY WAR - AMERICANA

LOT #183

Charles Thomson to Joseph Reed of the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania 
 Forwarding Private Commissions During the
American Revolution 

CHARLES THOMSON (1729-1824). Long-time secretary to the Continental Congress. ALS. 1 page. 6" x 7 ¼". Secretary’s Office, Aug. 28, 1779. To "Excy. President of the Supreme Council of Pennsylvania" the office filled by JOSEPH REED (1741 – 1785) from 1778 – 1781.

A fine letter of superb topical quality relative to privateering during the American Revolution. Thomas forwards the necessary documents for commissioning privateers which were so necessary to the American naval cause during the revolution.

 "I take the liberty of sending you twenty blank commissions with blank bonds & instructions for private armed vessels. You will please to give orders that the bonds when executed be returned into the Office of the Secretary of Congress. When more are wanted, at the first notice, they shall be sent by, Sir, Your obedient, Chas. Thomson."

The docket on the address leaf states in part "inclosing 20 Comms. For private Ships of War."
At the outset of the American Revolution, the American Navy was essentially non-existent and greatly overwhelmed by that of Great Britain’s. The use of private armed vessels became necessary to the success of American naval strategy. "With the passage of an act on March 23, 1776, the Continental Congress formalized the commissioning process, and uniform rules of conduct were established. Owners of privateers had to post monetary bonds to ensure their proper conduct under the regulations. Although the documentation is incomplete, about 1,700 Letters of Marque, issued on a per-voyage basis, were granted during the American Revolution. Nearly 800 vessels were commissioned as privateers and are credited with capturing or destroying about 600 British ships." (nps.gov). A fine revolutionary war letter related to privateering. Fine.                                                     $2,000 – up