Joseph Gerrish (1732-1812) He graduated from Harvard College in 1752 and The plate passed to the couple's youngest son, Joseph Gerrish (b. 1732). He graduated from Harvard College in 1752 and was listed at the head of his class, a testament not to his academic prowess but rather to his social rank. He married in 1764 Anna, daughter of the Reverend William Thompson of Scarborough; she died in 1772. In 1770 Joseph became a Massachusetts Councillor, and he died at Gerrish Island in Kittery in 1812. Offered here is a rare ALS written by Joseph Gerrish to his wife at Portsmouth, NH. Written from Cape Francison Jan. 21, 1786. One-page plus address leaf, no postal marks of course. "Dear And louving wife these few lines Comes with my kind louve to you and All Relations and friends and to inform you of my good health at Present thanks be to god for it and hope by the blessing of God these few lines will find you in a better State of health than when I left home. We arivd in here last knight after going to Saint Barts mis Saint Martins and Saint Cruz we hant sald (sailed) yet but the Capt will set tomorrow morning and shall sail for home in about 5 weaks. Tell Mrs. Dabphin that there was a man come on bord of us to day from oways that knowooz Mr. Dabphin and is well and I sent hur letter by him no more at present but I am in hope in a few days to send you more sertain when we shall sail for their is a great many yaneis hear and more or les saling every day. I shall rite every good opertunity. This is the first but I still remain your loving husband till death. Good nite for it is late and I must git up very early. Joseph Gerrish." Quotation not exact. Somewhat tattered condition, esp. the address leaf. Joseph Gerrish was once the owner of what is now know as THE SARAH ELIOT PLATE. A rare American silver plate made in 1690 by John Coney of Boston. This simple in appearance 9 oz., 9-1/8" diameter plate sold at Sothebys auction [Jan. 2, 2011]. It was offered with an estimate of $150,000 to 200,000. It sold for $ 324,750. Joseph Gerrish was the 2nd owner of the plate, given to him by Sarah Eliot Gerrish (1687-1770). Joseph would then give the plate to his daughter and was then passed down from daughter to daughter.

Worn condition as you can see.