Colonial America
1760s Archive of Three Letters from the Bengal Theater During the Seven Years’ War Addressed to a British Officer
1760 to 1763-Dated Archive of Three Letters, All Addressed to British Officer John Carnac (1716-1800) during his service in Bengal, Calcutta as Secretary and Aide de Camp, Choice Very Fine.
Rare and Important Archive of Three Letters, two of which concern the capture of Chichurat, a Dutch trading post nort of Calcutta, and another about Carvalho Law, a French officer who was captured defending the post by John Carnac in 1761 during the Seven Years’ War. This Archive includes the following Three Letters:

1. February 6, 1760-Dated Autograph Letter Signed “Carvalho Law,” 1 page, 7” x 9”, Very Fine. Written in French, being written to John Carnac, thanking him “for the paper and the quills that you have sent us, I cannot help to note the politeness that I have received from you, I am very sensitive to your kind wishes, I also make use of them for your prosperity and happy voyage, and please be presuaded of the high esteem with which I am Monsieur...” A fine letter, illustrating the common respect prevalent betwen gentlemen, even in times of war.

2. March 11, 1762-Dated Autograph Letter Signed, “[?] Law,” 1 page, 7” x 9”, Very Fine. Written presumably to John Carnac: “The constant attentions that you have towards me should flatter me infinitely, but at the same time they embarrass me for I have only thanks to give you in return. The tea and fans [cookies], are extremely good. I will have the honor to send you tomorrow some letters for M Law if I believe that he would be at the coast at arrival of the ship that is going to sail. I would take with pleasure the option to cross, feeling in very good health at the present time, and consequently fit to take the voyage. If you judge the same, I hope that you will have the kindness to indicate it to me, and to believe in my esteem and high respect.”

3. October 13, 1763-Dated Autograph Letter Signed, “J Spencer,” 2 pages, 7.5” x 11.25”, Very Fine. Written to John Carnac, Spencer writes, in part: “Althought I never had the pleasure of being personally known to you, I cannot deprive myself longer of that of corresponding with you, owing chiefly to a desire I have of clearing up a suspicion that may remain of my having been deficient in point of Civility in not acknowledsging the rect of a Le[tter?] I understand you wrote by the ay of Swat, but which never came to my hands or you might have been assured I shd with pleasure have taken the first opportunity of replying to it.”

All Three Letters bear mounting remnants at left margin (the first two are still bound together). Usual folds, minor marginal wear, else very fine. (3 Letters)