February 2026 Auction Ends Thursday, February 26th, 5pm Pacific

Lot #2:

Samuel Huntington Signed Letter of Marque and Reprisal During the Revolutionary War, Authorizing a Private Ship to Attack and Seize Great British Ships and Cargo -- The Only Known Copy of This Version

Samuel Huntington signed Letter of Marque and Reprisal, authorizing a private American ship to attack and seize Great British ships and cargo during the Revolutionary War. Signed by Huntington as President of the Continental Congress, circa 1780, surviving Letters of Marque and Reprisal are quite rare and desirable manuscripts from the Revolutionary War. Their use was authorized by the Continental Congress on 3 April 1776 prior to the Declaration of Independence and proved highly effective during the War -- on both the American and British sides, although some felt they hampered the build-up of the American Navy.

In addition to its overall rarity, this particular version is extraordinarily scarce, perhaps the only one extant. Of the Letters issued during Huntington's tenure as President of the Continental Congress, only one version is recorded by the ESTC (English Short-Title Catalogue), held by the Library of Congress. But this copy bears a number of differences from the LOC example, and thus perhaps a singular copy of one of the most interesting and important documents issued during the Revolutionary War.

Letter reads in part, ''You may by force of Arms, attack, subdue, and take all Ships and other Vessels belonging to the Subjects of the King of Great-Britain, on the High Seas...carrying Soldiers, Arms, Gun-powder, Ammunition, Provisions, or any other contraband Goods, to any of the British Armies or Ships of war, employed against these Colonies...'' The letter further instructs Commanders, ''If you, or any of your Officers or Crew, shall, in cold Blood, kill or maim, or, by torture or otherwise, cruelly inhumanely, and contrary to common Usage and the Practice of civilized Nations in War, treat any Person or Persons surprized in the Ship or Vessel you shall take, the Offender shall be severely punished...'' Commanders were also prohibited from ransoming any persons or property seized.

Letter measures approximately 8.5'' x 13''. A few small holes on left margin and punch hole at upper right reinforced on verso. Minor, mostly uniform toning and folds. Very good condition.