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Sale 82
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Lot 795
Rutledge, John (1739-1800) Brother of Signer Edward, John represented South Carolina at the Stamp Act Congress (1765), and twice in the Continental Congress; South Carolina's first President (1776-78); Governor (1779-82); representative at the Constitutional Convention for South Carolina; Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court (1790-91), and second Chief Justice of the Court (June-December 1795).
Rare autograph letter signed ("J: Rutledge") as President of South Carolina, 4pp, 9 x 7½", Charlestown (SC), Nov. 29, 1777. To The Honble Henry Laurens, Esq., giving details of a legal matter, news of the Revolution, dealings with American Indians, and congratulating Laurens on becoming President of the Continental Congress.
In part: "…I cannot as yet know why the appeal was not admitted, or, what are the contents of Mr. Moultries Letter…. I thank you for the copy of Mr. Dudlie's letter & really know not which to be most amazed at, his Villainy, or his Independence.- I think however, it was a pitiful Shift of General Howe's---How little does he yet know of America! Without Doubt, your Friends Letters accompanying this [not present] give you the Intelligence of an Embargo at Cape Tancers and Martinique, the American Vessels being ordered from the Cape, & any other News we have- I will therefore, only add, that Indian Affairs both as to Creeks & Cherokees, wear a favorable Aspect, & if we can keep'em supplied with Goods, I think they will continue peaceable- I am anxious to hear the Determination of Congress relating to the Southern Indian Trade---The Little Carpenter & Great Warrior are on their Way down, from Sondea, being very desirous to come to this Town. A Sloop is just arriving here, bound from Grenada to New York with 70 Puncheons of Rum & 6 Hogsheads of Sugar, for the King's Troops here. The Mate & Crew rose on the Captn, & brought her in here, so that, The Resolve of Congress, declaring Vessels & Cargoes, in such Circumstances, Prize, came opportunity. Give me Leave to congratulate you on being elected President of Congress---I know the Office will involve you in a Multiplicity of Business & and great Fatigue, but, you are a Man of Business, & will disregard Fatigue, when the Enduring it assists our Cause---The Choice affords me much Pleasure, because without Compliment, I am certain Congress have not a Member so fit for the Chair, & they have, in this Instance, not only shewn themselves sensible of Merit, but paid it due Honour. I should indeed lament your not being on the Floor, when Questions of Importance are in Debate, did I not presume, that such will always be first considered, in a Committee of the whole House. I am with great Esteem & Respect Sir, Yr. obed. Hble Servt J.Rutledge." Docketed in Laurens' hand: "Presdt Rutledge / 29 Novbr 1777/ Rec'd 21 Decem."
Henry Laurens (1724-1792) was also from South Carolina. He served as President of the Continental Congress from November 1, 1777 to December 9, 1778, succeeding John Hancock. In the fall of 1780, as he returned from successfully negotiating support for the war with the Dutch, Laurens was captured by the British and thrown into the Tower of London. He was held until December 31, 1781, when he was exchanged for Major General Lord Cornwallis, who had recently lost the decisive Battle of Yorktown.
Estimated Value $10,000 - 15,000.
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