Bahamian Governor William Shirley Writes of Espionage
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Description
Shirley William
Manuscript Document Signed "W Shirley" as Governor of the Bahamas, 2 pages, 9" x 14.25", front and verso. New Providence, Bahama Islands, August 27, 1762. Also signed by the author of this document "Thomas Bunch" as Justice of the Peace (later a member of His Majesty's Council), attesting to Shirley's statement. Mid-horizontal folds. Light toning at upper and lower edges. Fine condition.
In part, "Then appeared before me … William Shirley Esq. Captain, General, & Governor in Chief of the said Islands and Vice Admiral of the same … having received Information in the Month of August 1761. That a Certain Spaniard named Don Gregorio Joseph Franco, who had been then evident in New Providence aforesaid about four months, and by his Behaviour rais'd a Suspicion among divers of the Inhabitants of New Providence, That he took all Opportunities of giving the French & Spaniards Information of the State of Defence of the said Bahama Islands, & other Parts of His Majesty's Service within them, to the great Danger & Prejudice thereof. And had one or two Days before, delivered in a Clandestine Manner, to George Crowninshield, late Master of the Ship Ranger, which had been about thirteen Months ago, Condemn'd in the Court of Vice Admiralty here as lawful Prize to Benjamin Clifford, Commander of the private Vessel of War, General Shirley, Job. Esston, Commander of the private Vessel of War, Diana, And, Nicholas Garner, Commander of the private Vessel of War Rover. On Account of Illicit Trade with the French of Hispaniola; some Letters or Packets having a Superscription in a foreign Language, & Intended to be delivered to the then Minister of Spain at Great Britain … "
The complete letter, in easily read script, can be read in the images above. Further information regarding Don Gregorio Joseph Franco are in The National Archives of the UK, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, England.
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.
Manuscript Document Signed "W Shirley" as Governor of the Bahamas, 2 pages, 9" x 14.25", front and verso. New Providence, Bahama Islands, August 27, 1762. Also signed by the author of this document "Thomas Bunch" as Justice of the Peace (later a member of His Majesty's Council), attesting to Shirley's statement. Mid-horizontal folds. Light toning at upper and lower edges. Fine condition.
In part, "Then appeared before me … William Shirley Esq. Captain, General, & Governor in Chief of the said Islands and Vice Admiral of the same … having received Information in the Month of August 1761. That a Certain Spaniard named Don Gregorio Joseph Franco, who had been then evident in New Providence aforesaid about four months, and by his Behaviour rais'd a Suspicion among divers of the Inhabitants of New Providence, That he took all Opportunities of giving the French & Spaniards Information of the State of Defence of the said Bahama Islands, & other Parts of His Majesty's Service within them, to the great Danger & Prejudice thereof. And had one or two Days before, delivered in a Clandestine Manner, to George Crowninshield, late Master of the Ship Ranger, which had been about thirteen Months ago, Condemn'd in the Court of Vice Admiralty here as lawful Prize to Benjamin Clifford, Commander of the private Vessel of War, General Shirley, Job. Esston, Commander of the private Vessel of War, Diana, And, Nicholas Garner, Commander of the private Vessel of War Rover. On Account of Illicit Trade with the French of Hispaniola; some Letters or Packets having a Superscription in a foreign Language, & Intended to be delivered to the then Minister of Spain at Great Britain … "
The complete letter, in easily read script, can be read in the images above. Further information regarding Don Gregorio Joseph Franco are in The National Archives of the UK, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, England.
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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Bahamian Governor William Shirley Writes of Espionage
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