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Folder 8

 File — Box: 1, Folder: 8

Scope and Contents

Unflattering portrait of the character of a lady [perhaps of Mrs. Chase]; [see A/1/32] [Boucher to James, 13 June 1776]., 6 Sept[embe]r 1776 Autograph Manuscript Signed. (A/1/34).

Jona[tha]n Boucher, Paddington, [Eng.] to [John] James, Arthuret, near Carlisle, Cumberland, [Eng.], 23 Oct[obe]r 1776 3 pages. Autograph Letter Signed. (A/1/35). Knows most of the American generals, including Washington, but thinks rather poorly of them; their successes, which are probably exaggerated, are due to ill management by the British; Mrs. Boucher is worried about her brother, an officer in the Continental Service, who may have been at Long Island; the Governor of Maryland, now Sir Robert Eden, has come to England; Boucher has been hanged and shot in effigy in America, but his servants & slaves have remained loyal; he foresees difficulties in store for him when America has been reduced, but believes that his future lies there. A friend of his, a hosier who is "as good a scholar and theologist almost, as a Bishop", has written a pamphlet in answer to a Whiggish sermon of Dr. Watson of Cambridge [the hosier is Williams Stevens: see B/3)].

Jona[tha]n Boucher, Paddington, [Eng.] to [John] James, 21 Nov[embe]r 1776 4 pages. Autograph Letter Signed. (A/1/36) Property of churchman in New York suffered in the fire but Dr. Cooper's College was not burned; property of the [Anglican] Church and churchman expressly targeted; many of Boucher's rebellious Maryland parishioners have suffered in the war; no accommodation can be reached until the rebellion is crushed. Boucher has had some pecuniary reward from the Administration for various writings he has published but still hopes for preferment; offers board and lodging for the winter for one of James' sons; although his sister and her husband have not paid their rent, he does not wish the lease to be given to anyone else.

Jona[tha]n Boucher, Paddington, [Eng.] to [John] James., 25 Jan[ua]ry 1777 3 pages. Autograph Letter Signed. (A/1/37). His sister and her husband are still in financial difficulties but he wishes the lease renewed and is sending them 20 to buy new stock. He has completed a pamphlet on America and hopes the Government may reward him. The British in America seem irresolute and shilly-shallying. Both Clinton and the Howes have offered pardons to rebels; New Jersey regiment has taken offer. A horrid business at Bristol; suspicion fall on Americans & Patriots; Boucher blames "fanatical Republicans." Literary comments.

Jona[tha]n Boucher, Paddington, [Eng.] to [John James], 25 Feb[ruary] 1777 4 pages. Autograph Letter Signed. (A/1/38). Is now resolved not to give a new lease to his brother-in-law; he has a very low opinion of him, and of his sister for marrying him. Has read a translation of the New Testament by Edward Harwood [D.N.B.] who is part of the Priestley, Price, Evans corps, but thinks it "coxcomical"; his own pamphlet needs rewriting. Dr. Cooper's Oxford sermon is excellent, and the new Archbishop of York [William Markham] has spoken out for the American church; advises James not to buy "The Spirit of Athens" a piece of nonsense by William Young [D.N.B.]. The American situation is not promising; "the check and defeat of the Hessians"; flight of [Rev.] Mr. [Henry] Addison's curate from Maryland; he is resigned to the loss of his property but fears for his friends.

J[onathan] B[oucher], Paddington Green, [Eng.] to [John] James, 8 Sept[embe]r 1777 3 pages. Autograph Letter Signed. (A/1/39).  His sister and husband propose to go to Scotland to avoid payment for a law suit and wish to make their property over to him.  James' son Tom has visited him.  News from America is bad; reports rumor in Annapolis concerning one of the Adamses absconding with funds.  The establishment of the Church of England there is destroyed; his former curate, "a dirty puppy," whose brother is Washington's secretary, has taken over his living.

Dates

  • Creation: 1759-1803

Creator

Conditions Governing Access:

Collection is open to all researchers. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, such as the Virginia Public Records Act (Code of Virginia. § 42.1-76-91); and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3705.5). Confidential material may include, but is not limited to, educational, medical, and personnel records. If sensitive material is found in this collection, please contact a staff member immediately. The disclosure of personally identifiable information pertaining to a living individual may have legal consequences for which the College of William and Mary assumes no responsibility.

Extent

From the Collection: 2.17 Linear Feet

Language

English

Repository Details

Part of the Special Collections Research Center Repository

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