WILLIAM PETTY

WILLIAM PETTY
(1737-1805) British Prime Minister in 1782 during the final months of the American War of Independence. Great association A.L.S. as the Second Baron of Wycombe, 2pp. 4to., London, Apr. 25, 1793, to Signer ROBERT MORRIS (1734 - 1806). In part: '...Mr. Godfrey who proposes making a tour for the purpose of information and amusement only in the United States...accompanied by Mr. Archdekne who has the same motive. Both are naturally desirous of becoming acquainted with the President...I shall feel myself most indebted to you if you will put them in the best mode of being presented to him...' He signs 'Wycombe' at the conclusion. The attached integral address leaf is docketed on the verso in Morris's hand, with partial red wax seal. Folds, spot of loss to the integral address leaf, numerous splits, one repaired on the verso. Just good condition, content largely unaffected. Of course, Washington was elected the nation's first president in January of that year, and was inaugurated just five days after this letter was sent. While we could not find much on either Godfrey or Archdekne through our research, we did find that Lord Wycombe had also written to Thomas Jefferson with this same request, and that Alexander Hamilton attempted to introduce the pair to Thomas Pinckney in a letter dated April 26, 1793 - one day after this letter was written.