Autograph letter signed ("Saml. Johnson") to Joseph Clarke (1745-1808) at Providence. Norwich [Connecticut?], 8 December 1775. Author may be JOHNSON, William Samuel (1727-1819). Johnson apologizes for delayed correspondence, and relays a story about a chest that was stolen from a vessel along with "a good deal of Rum." Johnson then indicates that Clarke's "Negro Jack was the man which stole it." The recipient is likely Joseph Innes Clark, a partner in the prominent mercantile firm Clark & Nightingale.

[With:] A letter of 14 March 1777 from Jonathan Rice,  Selectman for Sudbury, to William Rice, "one of the Surveyors of Highways for the Town of Sudbury," describing the roads "to mend and keep in good repair." -- Three letters dating to the 1840s related to Revolutionary War soldiers' pension claims. -- Letter signed by members of Co. A, 40th US Infantry regiment stationed at Fort Johnson, Smithville,  North Carolina, requesting permission to give a "Grand select Soiree."

[Also with:] Two documents dating to 1790 and addressed to British politician Sir George Young Secretary at War and a 1701 list of charges and discharges for "Lord Dorset." 

Together, 9 items. Condition generally good with expected toning, folds, and wear given age.