Lot 214
Hopkinson, Francis (1737-1791), New Jersey signer of the Declaration of Independence, judge, politician, satirist. Principal designer of the American Flag. Revolutionary War-date Autograph Letter Signed, one and one-hlaf pages, 7½ x 9¼ Borden Town [N.J.], November 14, 1777. To "His Excelly Genl. Washington". Hopkinson intercedes in defense of his brother-in-law, the Rev. Jacob Duché who only a month previously, in an letter to George Washington, had called for "…rescinding the hasty and ill-advised Declaration of Independence…", in full:
"Sir The Intimacy of my Connection with M.r Duché renders all assurances unnecessary that the Letter addressed by him to your Excellency on the 8th of Oct.r last, gave me the greatest Concern. I flatter myself some undue Means have been used to induce him to write such a Letter —so imcompatable with the amiable Character he has ever maintained, & so fatal to his Reputation. I could not forbear communicating to him some of my Sentiments on the Occasion. These I might probably have been able to convey to him by secret means; but did not choose to risque the Imputation of a clandestine Correspondence. I have therefore taken the Liberty to send the enclosed Letter to your Excellency, unsealed for your Perusal: Resting it entirely on your better Judgment to cause it to be forwarded or not. I hope your Excellency will pardon my giving you this Trouble. The Occasion is a very interesting one to me. My Friendship for M.r Duché calls upon me to do all I can to warn him against the fatal Consequences of his ill advised Step — that he may, if possible, do something to avert them before it is too late. I am, Sir, with the warmest wishes of my Heart for your Wellfare [sic]. Your sincere Friend & very hble Serv.t Fra.s Hopkinson "
Fine condition with integral blank leaf (unattached) docketed "Bordenton, 14th Nov. 77 from Francis Hopkinson, Esq., And. 21st" and "Duché’s Letter". In a custom quarter-leather portfolio with historical background and an engraved portrait.
Estimate 1,500 - 2,000
AN IMPORTANT HISTORICAL LETTER REGARDING A WELL-DOCUMENTED EVENT FROM THE EARLIEST DAYS OF OUR NATION.
At the beginning of the American Revolution, Rev. Duché was an avid supporter of Independence. However, after being arrested and imprisoned by General Howe in Philadelphia, Duché had a dramatic change of heart and wrote his infamous letter to Washington. Washington forwarded Duché’s letter to Congress, accompanied by his own letter in which he stated that "…I should have returned it unopened, if I had had any idea of the contents…" and expressing the opinion, shared by Hopkinson in the above letter to Washington, that "…I cannot but suspect that this Measure did not originate with him…", alluding to Duché’s possibly being under some sort of duress. Duché’s letter eventually became public and he was branded a traitor and forced into exile in England.
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| Realized $5,250 |
