Description:

British Privateer "Terrible" Archive of 14 Documents, Revolutionary War

A collection of fourteen total documents concerning eight crew members of the "Terrible". Dating from 1768 to 1789, the documents relate to the death of crew members and their families' attempts to gain access to the funds from their wills and bounty. Crew members cited include John Clough, John Angel, Joseph Sharpham, Robert Murray, John Dale, Thomas Landseer, Thomas Dawson, and Isaac Clarke. The earliest document, dated 1768, was possibly used to establish a legal precedent for compensation, with an attached document from the office of Richard Rigby during his tenure as Paymaster of His Majesty's Forces.

The Privateer "Terrible" was one of an extensive line of ships that were dubbed this name. In this case, the vessel was a British Private Ship of War that saw service during the American Revolutionary period. Documentation reveals that it was used in battle in 1779. The "Terrible" captured two foreign vessels, the "Victoire" and "Age D'Or", helped to recapture the Leister Packet "Rocket", and captured three American vessels, the "Cadwallader" and "Marlborough" of Massachusetts and the "Minerva" of Rhode Island. The ship was captained by Samuel Ayers, whose signature appears as witness on one of the documents. Highlights include:

1. Last Will and Testament of Isaac Clarke. 1p vellum, measuring 15" x 15" (with a seal measuring 4" x 4"), Middlesex, dated July 17, 1777. Reads in part: "considering the perils and dangers of the seas and other uncertainties of this transitory life (do for avoiding controversies after my decease) make publish and declare this my last will and testament…First I recommend my soul to God that gave it and my body I commit to the Earth or Sea as it shall please God to order…"

2. Sworn Statement of Isaac Clarke's Death. 1p, measuring 4" x 4", Middlesex, dated January 10, 1781. Signed by Robert, Bishop of London, attesting to Clarke's death and including two 5 shilling seals on blue paper. Clarke's property was granted to William Whitaker who was named in the will.

3. Last Will and Testament of Thomas Dawson. 1p partially printed of a bifolium, measuring 12.25" x 7.5", [England], dated February 18, 1779. Bequeathing his property to his father, Thomas Dawson. Signed by Captain of the "Terrible", Samuel Ayers.

4. Surrogate Appointment on Behalf of John Clough. 1p, measuring 8.125" x 13.125", Glodwick, Lancaster, dated March 19, 1781. Reading in part: "Whereas Samuel Clough late belonging to the Private Ship of War the Terrible, belonging to the Port of London departed this Life…a Batchelor Intestate leaving behind him John Clough his natural and lawful father…appoint George Clough my son to be my true and lawful attorney…" With an embossed one shilling stamp.

5. Letter of Indemnification from Perchard Carey. 1p, measuring 7.5" x 6.5", no place, dated August 25, 1781. Stating: "Whereas W. Benjamin Adams hath this day paid to us the sum of Six pounds fifteen shilings & 2 pence, being the Prize money due to John Angel and Joseph Sharpham, late mariners on board the Terrible Privateer without our producing the Letter of Administration to them or either of them we do therefore hereby undertake to indemnify the said Benjamin Adams and all others the owners of the said Privateer against any future demand of the said sum of money so paid to us by any other Person or Persons whomsoever…"

6. Power of Attorney for Peter Sharpham. 1p partially printed, measuring 12.5" x 5.5, Devon, England, dated August 11, 1781. A discharge of Power of Attorney for Peter Sharpham, father of crewman Joseph Sharpham, deceased, to his associates in London. With beautiful motifs of George III, the royal crest with the lion and the unicorn, and triple anchors.

Documents have varying degrees of soiling and toning. Most with flattened folds, though some have stiffened over time. Minor edge chipping to a few. Overall very good, remarkable collection. The "Terrible" 250 feet long and employed a crew of 130 men. She carried twenty guns mounted, with nine-pound shot, twenty brass patereroes, four mortars, and numerous wall pieces. These historical documents are a fascinating and specific insight into the lives of those who chose to spend their life at sea, regardless of the trials and dangers.

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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