Special Collections, John D. Rockefeller Jr. Library, Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

Samuel Huntington letter to John Hancock, 1790 March 2

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Dublin Core

Title

Samuel Huntington letter to John Hancock, 1790 March 2

Date

Description

A letter from Samuel Huntington to Governor John Hancock informing him that Benjamin Mortimer, who stands accused of murder, is believed to be residing in Massachussetts with intent to screen himself from justice. Huntington requests that Governor Hancock give the necessary orders for Mortimer's arrest.

As a young man, Samuel Huntington was apprenticed to a cooper before training for the law. A member of the Continental Congress from Connecticut, he voted for independence and signed the Declaration of Independence. He was president of the Congress during the adoption of the Articles of Confederation. After the Revolution, he served as governor of Connecticut.

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[Page 1]

Norwich March 2d 1790

Sir,

By the official papers herewith enclosed
your Excellency will be informed, that a Benjamin Mortimer
an Inhabitant of this State, stands accused of the murder of a
Person by the presentment of a Grand Juror, upon the High
Seas within the County of New London and; the Evidences
live in this County.

Since the presentment was exhibited
and a Warrant issued, the said Mortimer hath absconded,
and as it is said and fully beleived is now concealed, or resi
ding in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, with intent
to screen himself from Justice : it is supposed he is in Boston.

Under the Circumstances it becomes
my duty to request your Excellency to give the necessary
Orders that the said Mortimer may be arrested if to be found
within

[Page 2]

within the Commonwealth over which you have the honour
to preside, and as soon as may be, remanded and delivered
to some proper Officer in this State.

The bearer Mr, Jesse Brown is known to
Your Excellency, He is a Gentleman of reputation, upon
whose information you may place full confidence, and is a
suitable person to recieve the accused Mortimer, ^ & deliver him
up to proper Authority within this State.

With the highest Respect and Consideration
I have the honour to be
Your Excellency's
obedient humble Servant

Saml. Huntington

His Exy Gov: Hancock

[Address leaf]

Letter from Saml Huntington
To his Excellency - Govr. Hancock
March 2d. 1790

Original Format

Ink on paper

Citation

Huntington, Samuel, 1731-1796, “Samuel Huntington letter to John Hancock, 1790 March 2,” Special Collections, John D. Rockefeller Jr. Library, Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, accessed March 28, 2024, https://cwfjdrlsc.omeka.net/items/show/324.
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