Gould, Charles. ALS, 3pp, 8 x 12.75 in. Horse Guards, Whitehall (London). July 29, 1785. Addressed to "Sirs" at Ludlow & Gould in New York.

Charles Gould writes in search of assistance with regards to the estates of British Major General John Bradstreet (1714-1774) and his daughter, Martha Bradstreet, both deceased. Major General Bradstreet, who died over ten years earlier in 1774, had left his affairs in the care of his American-born friend, Philip Schuyler (1733-1804), who would one day become a member of the Continental Congress, a General in the Continental Army and a US Senator from New York. Schuyler's mismanagement of the estate left the Bradstreet family in search of answers regarding their property in the former colonies, ultimately leading to a decade-long court battle to determine property ownership.

General Bradstreet was a Nova Scotia-born officer in the British army who served in King George's War, the French and Indian War, and Pontiac's Rebellion. During his time in the British Army he steadily moved up the ranks, acquiring increasing responsibility and growing his personal wealth along the way. During his service Bradstreet befriended a younger American-born British soldier name Philip Schuyler. Schuyler would remain a personal friend of Bradstreet as both their careers progressed, and Schuyler was appointed by Bradstreet as executor of his will. According to the letter from Charles Gould, "From the habits of intimate Friendship, which had for years subsisted between General Bradstreet and this gentleman, and from the many acts of kindness, which he experienced from the General in his Life time, as well as from the generous notice taken from him in the will, the Family had conceived hopes, that Mr. Schuyler would have exerted himself in their interest, and have expedited the settling and distribution of the General's Estate and Assets; but to their great disappointment not a shilling has yet found its way to their pocket, nor has any part of the General's property been transferred to his Representatives, altho, it was generally conceived, that General Bradstreet was possessed of a considerable Estate as well real as personal, and upwards of ten years has elapsed, since his death.

The letter provides additional information as to the living relatives of General Bradstreet who were actively engaged in determining the status of the late General's property and assets, and encourages the men of Ludlow & Gould to work with them to settle the matters.

Note that the letter references enclosed copies of the wills of Major General Bradstreet, Martha Bradstreet, and Mary Bradstreet, as well as a recommendation and an additional letter to Schuyler, but these documents are not included.

Some losses along the horizontal fold lines, affecting small amounts of text in some instances. Archival tape used along horizontal folds on reverse of page 3. Minor soiling on page 3 and reverse.