Lot 1070
Jones, John Paul (1747-1792), United States naval fighter in the American Revolutionary War.
Autograph document signed 7" x 8", August 18, 1778, Brest, France; personal letter of recommendation for Benjamin Hill in which Jones conveys Hill's accomplisments while under his command, in part:
"(Hill)…voluntarily served under my command on board the Ranger…the compliment of that ship's officers being full, this gentleman has not been rated on the ship's books. Yet in the whole of his conduct, his behavior has been much to my satisfaction. He landed with me at Whitehaven and commanded one of the boats on that expedition. He acquited himself well in the engagement with the Enemies Ship of War Drake — and himself with his apprentice were with me in the Providence on the Expedition at the Island of Madame in Gulph [Gut] of Canso and he contributed very much to my success by his knowledge of that Navigation. For all which services he has not yet been rewarded. Therefore I recommend him warmly to the attention of Congress and of the Marine Boards of Wages, and as an officer who has really merited a commission. Given under my hand and seal at Brest, the 18th day of August, 1778. (signed) J.P. Jones (seal)
N.B. Mr. Hill commanded the Ranger's guns in the Waist in the engagement.
Few archivally repaired edge tears and minor tone spots, Fine; professionally matted and framed to 12" x 14" with that frame being hinged onto an 18½" x 32¼" display frame below a portrait of Jones; the framed document can then be lifted to reveal an engraved plaque containing a full a transcription. A marvelous display.
Estimate $15,000 - 20,000
A FINE AND RARE DOCUMENT SIGNED BY JOHN PAUL JONES PRAISING HIS TRUSTED ASSISTANT BENJAMIN HILL.
Jones' failed attack on Whitehaven, England, mentioned in the letter, was described in great detail in Lloyd's Evening Post of April 27-29, 1778.
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| Realized $27,000 |
