Lot
356 
[French and Indian War] "Philadelphia Novr 22 - 1755", dateline on folded letter from James Alexander addressed to the Earl of Lauderdale in London, flap with London (1.12) Bishop mark, manuscript "Ship" and large "3" (shilling) ratings, interesting letter content; some fold toning and docketing, still Very Fine. Estimate $2,000 - 3,000.
A REMARKABLE TRANSATLANTIC USE WITH INTERESTING CONTENT CONCERNING THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR.
Letter was from James Alexander to the Earl of Lauderdale. The letter reports the shipment to the Earl of two boxes of North American seeds. He blames the small shipment on reverses in the French & Indian War that made travel in central Pennsylvania impossible:
"Since the fattal defeat of General Bradock the french and ther Indians have been killing and Scalping the back inhabitants whol familys and single persons in sich amount as that there was no traveling without great danger in those places where the most valuable plants ar got therefor it was impossible for me to procure that number of them that I designed. But to mak up that deficiency I have sent 2 boxes of plants Nov 11.12…I should hav sent a great many mor seeds but another season and as we hop to see an end to our trubbels your grace may depend on being better served…".
Realized: $5,500