Manuscript letters regarding the banishment and exile of Loyalist Quaker 1790-91 For Sale

Manuscript letters regarding the banishment and exile of Loyalist Quaker 1790-91
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Manuscript letters regarding the banishment and exile of Loyalist Quaker 1790-91:
$395.00

Collection of three letters relating to the banishment of a Quaker Loyalist, 1790-1791
Three letters, sent by Thomas Gould (1730/1-1795) of Middletown, Rhode Island to Samuel Knowles (1725/6-1799), a fellow Quaker living in exile in London following his banishment after the American Revolutionary War.
The first later is dated May 16th, 1790, and reads in part: \"I wait in anxiety to hear the fate of relations. Pray leave nothing undone in procuring some relief for the suffers of a well known Loyalist... They were busily employed at the election turing out the old and putting new officers... they have adjourned to meet next month. I will think to do all in my powers to get the act of banishment repealed... it might not be prudent for thee to be seen publicly in this government though we suppose though might reside in Connecticut or any of the other states safety.\" The letter mentions Thomas Eldred of Cape Cod, who the letter was sent through to reach London, and the first half primarily discusses the fate of a prize horse belonging to Knowles.
The second letter is undated, and presumably occurs some time before the final letter. Mostly an inventory of promissory notes, it ends with Gould stating: \"I have for sometime had thoughts of trying to get the Act of Banishment repealed have had some discourse with one Member he express a willingness. Shall yet try farther.\"
The third letter is dated March 19th, 1791 and, after further discussion regarding the prize horse, reads: \"But however I now hope though wilt e\'er long again return as though may with safety now - Thy good Brother John after much care + pains in procuring signers to a Petition attend our Generall Assembly a week or two since and obtained a Repeal of that act by which though wert Banished this State whereby thou art again reinstated a Citizen of thy Native Country.\"
The final letter is in rougher condition than the rest but remains legible.
Samuel Knowles died in Rhode Island in 1799, having returned to the United States.
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