Lot 236
Bancroft, Edward (1744-1820), Author, physician, friend of Benjamin Franklin, American spy turned British spy. Revolutionary War-date Autograph Letter Signed, two pages, 7¼ x 9¼ no place, "Fryday morning" [docketed on verso "D.r B___ to M.r__ Wentworth - Friday morning. Feb ______ 1777"]. To "Paul Wentworth Esq.r", British secret agent. In full:
"Dear Sir, In answer to your obliging communication, I beg leave to acquaint you, that as my first and principal motive did not arise from views of self interests, and as I have the utmost deference for your wishes & opinions, I shall be satisfied with a further gratification of six hundred pounds, and a stated yearly allowance of two hundred Pounds, to be continued for Life, unless I should forfeit it by some misconduct. I however hope and trust that my future services will be properly regarded, and that, it they continue to be meritorious, & important, this yearly allowance, will hereafter be doubled: though I must at the same time add, that I should have been infinitely more happy, if my situation had permitted me, to have shewn a total indifference to all pecuniary considerations. These sentiments I beg you will convey to Lord Suffolk, with my best acknowledgments of the Politeness candour & honour, which have distinguished his Conduct towards me. I am, Dear Sir, Your most respectful & Devoted Humble Servant. Edw.d Bancroft"
Fine condition, lightly cleaned and refreshed with just a bit of soiling remaining.
Estimate 2,000 - 3,000
A FASCINATING LETTER WITH A SUPERB ASSOCIATION BETWEEN THE TWO SECRET AGENTS.
Bancroft, at the behest of Benjamin Franklin, had spied for American commissioners in France during the early years of the revolution, passing information about the British to American agents. In 1877 he was approached by Wentworth, a British loyalist living in America, who coordinated agents and informers in Europe. Bancroft accepted Wentworth’s proposal and became a double agent, receiving a salry from the British from 1777 until 1783. He reported Franklin’ movements, as well as the movements of American troops and ships. In 1778 he gave the British advance information of the Franco-American alliance. At one point the British pretended to have Bancroft arrested to protect his cover.
Bancroft’s duplicity was not revealed until 70 years after his death when some British records were published, though there is speculation that Franklin was aware of Bankcroft’s activities and used him to pass false information to the British.
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| Realized $7,000 |
