Benjamin Bourne - autograph letter as Rhode Island's 1st Congressman

Description

Benjamin Bourne – Congressman from Rhode Island and Judge.  ALS, one page 4to, Providence, July 23, 1792. Bourne introduces Archibald Munro of Bristol Rhode Island to the merchant Welcome Arnold for a possible business deal.  He attests to Munro’s character and financial ability to stand behind a deal.  Bourne was Rhode Island’s first member of Congress and writes the letter in his first full year as Congressman.  He would go on to be appointed a federal judge by George Washington and later by John Adams as the first Judge in the newly created First Circuit Court.   Arnold was a prominent businessman who had been active in the Revolution, especially owning or financing privateers. The letter is in generally fine well-preserved condition with some scattered soiling and dockets on the reverse panel, also addressed in Bourne’s hand.
Sir,/ The bearer Mr. Archibald Munro/ of Bristol I have known for many/ years, he has uniformly sustained the/ character of an honest industrious &/ punctual man and possesses considerable/ property, the earnings of his industry/ & I have no doubt of his fulfilling/ any bargain he shall make with you./ I am with respect/your obed sert/ B. Bourne/ Providence/ July 23 1792./ Welcome Arnold Esq
This item is offered by Custodians of History, Inc.  I deal primarily in historic autographs.  All material comes with a five-day return policy and a written lifetime refund guarantee for authenticity, offered to the original buyer.  I am a member of the Professional Autograph Dealers Association and Manuscript Society.  Listings on eBay are run occasionally but enough to justify saving as a "favorite seller" on your eBay page.
Please see my other listings of historic autographs and some ephemera running on eBay.