PBA Galleries

Letter is 19 lines, in ink, on 1st page of 4-page lettersheet addressed on p.4 with wax seal. Resolution is 7 lines, in ink, on single sheet. Each 8½x6½.

The letter and order involve the case of Israel Pemberton, James' brother, and 19 others who had been arrested in September, 1777, for refusing to give an oath of allegiance to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and imprisoned in Winchester, Virginia, to which place the letter is addressed. James is undoubtedly in Winchester to aid in his brother's release, which occurred later that month. Thomson writes: "...As soon as Congress rose I called on the board of war to know what they had done in consequence of the resolution of Congress which I here enclose & which is the only one that has been passed respecting you since John Parish was here... They propose taking your case into consideration tomorrow morning & I hope will give orders for you coming down..." The resolution reads, "In Congress 16 March 1778. Resolved that the board of war be directed to deliver over to the order of the president and council of Pennsylvania the prisoners sent from that state to Virginia. Extract from the minutes. Chas. Thomson." For another document pertaining to this affair, see Lot 32 in this auction. Provenance: A West Coast institution.