[Piracy] Autograph Letter, Signed by a Representative of Cape May County to New Jersey Governor Jonathan Belcher, Regarding Enemy Privateers Along the Coast of North America and Cape May, 1747

Burlington, New Jersey, August 20, 1747. Single sheet, 12 1/2 x 7 1/2 in. (317 x 190 mm). Autograph letter, signed by Jacob Spicer, representative of Cape May County in the New Jersey House of Assembly, to New Jersey Governor Jonathan Belcher, regarding enemy privateers along the coast of North America and Cape May, and requesting the Governor to take action to help ameliorate the situation. Creasing from old folds, largely separated along central vertical fold; scattered soiling and edge-wear.

Jacob Spier (1717-65) was a prominent Cape May County merchant and farmer who represented Cape May County in the New Jersey House of Assembly from 1744 until his death in 1765. This letter, regarding enemy privateers, relates to the then ongoing King George's War (1744-48), the third great colonial North American conflict between Great Britain and France. Here, Spicer, on behalf of his constituents, urges New Jersey Governor Belcher to take action against the privateers.

Lot includes two volumes with articles related to piracy and privateers: The Political State for the Month of August, 1729 (see pp. 127-128), 12mo, disbound; Hall, John E. The American Law Journal and Miscellaneous Repertory (Philadelphia: Farrand and Nicholas, 1810), 8vo, library buckram.

This lot is located in Philadelphia.

[Piracy] Autograph Letter, Signed by a Representative of Cape May County to New Jersey Governor Jonathan Belcher, Regarding Enemy Privateers Along the Coast of North America and Cape May, 1747