Description:

John Wendell
Portsmouth, NH, October 26, 1777 and February 18, 1778
John Wendell Double ALS on John Paul Jones, Washington, Independence, and More! Great Historical Content
ALS

A unique pair of letters in one folio, written and signed by Patriot John Wendell and concerning the promotion of John Paul Jones and ongoing war efforts. 4pp of a bifolium, measuring 7.75" x 13", Portsmouth, dated October 26, 1777 and February 18, 1778. Both letters are signed "JWendell" and are addressed to Congressman Elbridge Gerry. The first letter requests that John Paul Jones be promoted, and also discusses the need to borrow money from France and Spain and his unhappiness with the behavior of British Lt. General John Burgoyne. The second letter again discusses British leaders and proposes government policies on war, judicial matters, and more. Wendell also writes about the mistreatment of poor soldiers by wealthy generals. This is an extraordinary document from Wendell during one of the most crucial periods of the American Revolution. With flattened mail folds and very faint foxing. Some tape residue at the edge on the fourth page. Boldly signed twice by Wendell. Overall very fine.

Highlights from the letters:
"…congratulate you on the Glorious Prospect, that has illuminated our Northern Hemisphere; I can't hope to add to your Feelings on this occasion, because I know they are too exquisite to need it. I know your generous soul is filled with gratitude to the grand conductor of Sublunary Affairs, and I trust that in & thro Him, we shall come off more than Conquerors."

"…I inclosed you in my last some outlines of a Regulation necessary to be made in the American Navy; which I thought to be very ingenious and pertinent. They were the first thoughts of Capt John Paul Jones…who appears to me to be a very sensible, intelligent Gentleman, and have the Honor of the service much at Heart…I little wonder he has not been maintained in his Rank; on the 7th of December 1775 he was the eldest Lieutenant in the Navy, on Promotion, and there are now thirteen captains, that take Rank of him, who were none of them in the service at that time, and have neither merit or superior abilities to merit their priority…I would remark, it is a pity so genteel & able officer should meet with such discouragements, as a slight of this kind preys upon their ambition…"

"…I will suggest one or two things to you for your consideration, whether you do not think it best to negotiate a Loan of five millions of specie from France or Spain, to support the credit of ye Continental Currency…I think the Convention with Genl Burgoyne is very loose & open to infraction; nay I hope Congress will never ratify it without Hostages. You may remember in the Scotch Rebellion in 1745, the English Nation broke their Ingagement with the Rebels of that Day, and asserted that no Faith is or ought to be given to treaties w[it]h Rebels…"

"…I am glad to find Congress have stopped Burgoyne, tho' upon different Principles than those I thought of. I firmly believe they intended for New York, from every view of their conduct, and their Behaviour at Cambridge evidences malice & revenge…To be sure the British Arms were never so much tarnished, and may God grant that Howe & him adherents may in Season, meet with the same Fate. Now for the Confederation Act, I have strongly recommended it to our Country People, but I wish to see two or three alterations made. 1st: That 11 Members or States be the number to determine Peace or War, instead of Nine as the last number 4 Southern can affectually determine for the 4 Northern states, in such weighty matters. 2d: That no Impresses be ever allowed in the states on any occasion…the proportions for setting the Quotas of men should be according to their Riches, not number as the Southern Governments are vastly more valuable than the Northern, though the latter are more numerous in Whites…"

"…our Army are suffering under every want, 400 officers resigned , no pay no cloaths stockings or shoes, the Genl disgusted with the States, Congress about to treat with Howe & give up Independency for the sake of 1763 priviledge and such villainous views calculated only to discourage the recruiting the Army. I wish Genl Washington would order every officer & man in Continental Pay to repair to his Army, and leave recruiting to the Civil Authority…it is scandalous to see so many officers… only spending their time in Drunkenness & Debauchery…it is the poor must fight, and the Rich pay, but the poor will never fight for us if we do not pay them well…"

John Wendell (1731-1808) was the fourth son of John Wendell and Elizabeth Quincy, and a wealthy, well-connected merchant. He studied at Harvard and became a successful lawyer and real estate buyer in New Hampshire. Wendell was an early supporter of Independence from Great Britain and was friends with key figures of the Revolution like Henry Knox, John Hancock, and Samuel Adams. Although he preferred working behind the scenes, using his position, influence and money to support the war, Wendell was highly esteemed by leaders of the time.

John Paul Jones references are relatively scarce. A brilliant naval officer, he was constantly at odds with the Naval Board over his rightful promotion. In Sept 1779, his modified merchant ship the "Bon Homme Richard" defeated the superior British warship "Serapis" in one of the single greatest naval engagements in history. Eight years later, in 1787, Jones was presented with the Congressional Gold Medal for "valor and brilliant services" during the Battle of Flamborough Head, becoming the first and only Continental Navy officer to receive this distinction for his service during the American Revolution.

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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  • Dimensions: 7.75" x 13"
  • Medium: ALS

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