Description:

Connecticut Committee Seize Property of a Loyalist, 2 LETTERS 1776

These two letters from the Norwich Committee of Correspondence in September 1776 address issues of salt provisions and the loyalty of a recent resident suspected of Loyalist sentiments.

In April 1776, two vessels owned by Thomas Mumford landed cargoes of gunpowder, salt, and sulfur at Norwich, all of which the American colonists desperately needed in their war with Great Britain. The Secret Committee of the Continental Congress contracted with Mumford in 1776 for supplying gunpowder and salt, among other commodities.

The committee suspected John Saltmarsh of being a Loyalist, and Saltmarsh had fled to Long Island and New York. He was captured the following month by the Americans and spent three months in prison before being released and joining the British Navy.

The second letter may be addressed to Jabez Huntington (1719-1786), whom the Connecticut Assembly in December 1776 appointed as one of two major generals in charge of the militia.

[REVOLUTIONARY WAR.] Dudley Woodbridge, Autograph Letters Signed with Initials "D.W.," September 25, 1776, Norwich, Connecticut. 2 p., 7.75" x 8.125". Expected folds; general toning; some light staining.

Complete Transcript
Norwich 25th Sepr 1776
[Sir?]
In consequence of your Ans to our request of the 20th Inst the Comte this day met, haveing noticed your Letter especially the Clause where you express your desire in relieveing the distresses of the suffering Inhabitants but the Comte think it not so properly their business to deal out the Salt as a person under your directions would be: especially as you was Instructed by Congress to supply the people with Salt in case they needed, as far as you had it in your Power; we therefore desire you to appoint as speedily as possible some person to dispose of the Salt that the distresses of the people may be alleviated.
In behalf of the Comte / I am &c
D W
Copy
Thos Mumford Esqr

Norwich 25th Sepr 1776
Genl.
Complaint has come to the Comte of this Town agt John Salt Marsh who has resided in this town for some months past, that he has gone over to Long Island as is Supposed to the Ministerial Army we understand he has at N London a quantity of Skins &c to a Considerable amount left in the care of a Leather Dresser in N London which Articles we desire you would take under your Care & direction so that sd SaltMarsh should not have them until further discoverys are made & Orders given from the Comte therefor – he is expected back again which when he comes we should be glad to be acquainted with, and shall then be able to advise you further respecting is Effects their
In behalf Comte / I am &c
DW
To the Comg Inft N London

Dudley Woodbridge (1747-1823) was born in Stonington, Connecticut, and graduated from Yale College in 1766. He established a law practice in Norwich, and by 1778 had become a merchant with his brother Samuel, dealing primarily in rum and foodstuffs. In 1774, he married Lucy Backus (1759-1817), with whom he had at least five children. He served as Norwich's first postmaster from 1782 to 1789, when he moved to Marietta, Ohio, where he again practiced law. His son William Woodbridge served as a governor of Michigan and U.S. Senator from Michigan in the 1840s.

Thomas Mumford (1728-1799) was born in New London County, Connecticut. In 1752, he married Catherine Havens, and they had eight children. He was a merchant in Groton, Connecticut. In April 1775, he was among the Connecticut leaders who used their own credit to fund the project of capturing Fort Ticonderoga. In November 1775, he contracted with the Secret Committee of the Continental Congress to import a large quantity of gunpowder for the Continental Army and Navy. He owned ten ships and an interest in two others, which were engaged in privateering throughout the war. In the fall of 1781, the British Army and Navy specifically targeted Mumford's house for burning to punish him for privateering.

John Saltmarsh was born in England and went to America in 1768. In 1775, he settled in Norwich, Connecticut, where he worked as a leather breeches maker, glover, and dyer. After fleeing Connecticut in 1776, he was employed by British General William Tryon and Captain Vanderput to obtain intelligence. He was arrested in October 1776 by the Americans and spent three months in prison. He was released in 1777 by taking an oath that he had no writings that would give intelligence to the British army. He joined the British fleet and was twice wounded during two years of service. He went to Ireland in March 1779 and on to England in May 1779.

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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