An interesting 2pp autograph letter signed by Robert Charles Winthrop (1809-1894) as "Rob.t Chas. Winthrop" on the second page, containing the signature clip of his ancestor James Bowdoin II (1726-1790), namesake of the famous liberal arts college. The letter accompanying the signature clip was written in Boston, Massachusetts on November 30, 1840. On blue-ruled bifold stationery paper, with Bowdoin's 3.125" x 1" signature clip mounted in slits at the top of the first page. The third page is blank and the fourth page serves as an integral address leaf free franked by Robert Charles Winthrop as "RC Winthrop, MC." Bearing several philatelic markings. Expected wear including paper folds, mounting traces, and minor loss from the embossed red wax seal. The seal, which is mostly intact, depicts a fleeing rabbit and is emblazoned with the Winthrop family motto, "Spes vincit thronum," or "Hope Conquers Power." 8" x 9.75."

Robert Charles Winthrop's great grandfather on his mother's side was James Bowdoin II, who served as the 2nd Governor of Massachusetts between May 1785 and May 1787. Winthrop's correspondent, Judge Warren of New Bedford, Massachusetts, had requested a Bowdoin autograph from a Bowdoin descendant, and Robert Charles Winthrop had asked his father Thomas Lindall Winthrop (1760-1841) to assist. (Thomas was the widower of James Bowdoin II's granddaughter, and also the former Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts, from 1825-1833.)

Robert Charles Winthrop explained to Judge Warren where Bowdoin's autograph came from: "…This particular signature was cut from a written message or speech to the General Court, in '85 I think, expressing his readiness to be sworn into office, but stating that he cant [sic] not consent to take the oaths without previously taking notice of an infamous charge which had been brought against his character during the election - viz - 'that he was under British influence.' - He then proceeds briefly to protest against the allegation xc xc…."

James Bowdoin II (1726-1790) was one of the wealthiest and politically influential Patriots of Revolutionary War-era Boston. Bowdoin's experience sitting on the Massachusetts executive council encouraged him to run for Governor of Massachusetts in 1780, but he lost the election to John Hancock. After Hancock had resigned the governorship due to poor health in 1785, three contenders vied to replace him: Bowdoin; then Lieutenant Governor Thomas Cushing; and Revolutionary War hero Benjamin Lincoln. The 1785 gubernatorial election appears to have been particularly vicious, abounding with accusations of pro-British sympathy, moral degeneracy, and other transgressions levied against the candidates. Ultimately the Massachusetts General Court decided to appoint Bowdoin as the state's second-ever governor.

Bowdoin College, established in Brunswick in central Maine in 1794, was named after Governor Bowdoin, whose son James Bowdoin III was a significant university benefactor. James Bowdoin II was related to Robert Charles Winthrop through the maternal line, that is, by Elizabeth Bowdoin Temple (1769-1825) and Elizabeth Bowdoin (1750-1809) on to James Bowdoin II himself.

Robert Charles Winthrop served as a U.S. Congressman from Massachusetts between 1840-1842 and later served as the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, from 1847-1849.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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