18th Century Request for the Governorship of the Leeward Islands

[West Indies] Autograph Letter Signed Expressing His Interest in an Appointment as Governor of the Leeward Islands

Woodley, William

Publication: [England]: December 21, 1787.

Notes: A 1-1/2 page manuscript letter from a former governor of the Leeward Islands expressing interest in succeeding Thomas Shirley in the position. The Leeward Islands include Antigua, St. Kitts, the Virgin Islands, and other British colonies. The writer had been governor from 1766 to 1771, governor of Antigua for twenty years, and in 1791, when Shirley resigned, he retook the post for about a year and a half, until he died in 1793.

It is not clear to whom the letter is written. It is addressed "My Lord" and concludes with the notation "Stratford Place, Dec'r 21st, 1787." This may refer to the address of the recipient; in that case, it is addressed to Edward Stratford, 2nd Earl of Aldborough.

The letter is written on a single sheet folded to make four pages measuring 7-1/2 by 10 inches. One page is blank; another is docketed. It is printed in Vere Langford Oliver's Caribbeana, vol. V, p. 201.

PROVENANCE: Jay Kislak

Edition + Condition: Very good with old folds.

Item No: #364046

Price: $400