Item #59381 Autograph Letter Signed, to Edward Bromfield sending his thanks to Bromfield for giving an apprenticeship to his son and to consenting to his son's marriage to Bromfield's daughter. Also sending best wishes to the young couple. Samuel Phillips.

Autograph Letter Signed, to Edward Bromfield sending his thanks to Bromfield for giving an apprenticeship to his son and to consenting to his son's marriage to Bromfield's daughter. Also sending best wishes to the young couple.

Andover, [Massachsetts]: 1744.

Price: $500.00


About the item

3 pp text, 1 p. address, on one leaf. 1 vols. 6-3/8" x 8" Slightly chipped, small portion lacking (due to removal of seal) with no loss of text, customary browning, else fine.

Item #59381

Phillips was the minister of the parish of South Andover for 60 years (until his death in 1771), and author of an "Elegy" (1718) and numerous religious treatises and occasional sermons. His son, John, became a merchant in Exeter, NH, and a member of the New Hampshire council for several years and a liberal benefactor of Princeton and Dartmouth. His writing is a fine example of the lavish, convoluted prose (complete with 3 footnotes!) of 17th century élite Americans, to wit: "I would therefore take leave to give thanks to your self (sir) and to Madam also your worthy consort, for your many past kindnesses (too many to be now recited) to my son, during the time of his apprenticeship; and more especially, for your last & greatest, since the Expiration of the Term, viz. in giving him your Eldest Daughter in marriage, and thereby acknowledging him for a son."