Lot 54: THOMSON, CHARLES

54. CHARLES THOMSON (1729-1824) Irish born American patriot, unanimously elected first Secretary of the Continental Congress in 1774 and held the post until 1789, chosen to notify Washington of his election to the Presidency. Manuscript L.S. as Secretary of Congress, 1p. legal folio, Philadelphia, Dec. 3, 1785, a circular sent to Georgia Gov. Samuel Elbert. Thomson forwards an Act of Congress of Dec. 2, 1785 naming John Temple to serve as Consul General of the United Kingdom "throughout the United States". Toned in some places, still boldly written and overall very good. These were trying times in American-British relations. Now at war with France, Britain had widened its attacks on neutral ships to include any trading with the French West Indies. Widespread depredations followed and over 250 American ships were seized. At the same time, the British were inciting Indians on the Northwest border. Washington responded to these threats by urging Congress to take defensive measures while at the same time sending John Jay to London to explore the possibility of reaching an accommodation with the British.$600-800