Beschreibung:

NATIVE AMERICANS -- QUEEN ANNE'S WAR]. DUDLEY, Joseph (1647-1720), Colonial Governor of Massachusetts . Autograph letter signed ("J Dudley") to Secretary Addington, Portsmouth, 2 July 1703. 1 page, 4to, integral address leaf, minor soiling, left margin neatly mended . THE INDIAN CONFERENCE AT CASCO: DUDLEY SEEKS ALLIES IN QUEEN ANNE'S WAR Dudley optimistically reports on his recent negotiations with Native American leaders at Casco, Maine, in the first year of Queen Anne's War. Dudley, a native of New England, was unpopular within the colonies as a result of his role in the administration of Sir Edmund Andros and his uncompromising policies. Appointed Governor during the same year that war with France was renewed in North America, Dudley sought to win Indian allies at a conference with chiefs of several tribes held at Casco (near Portland, Maine). The meeting, which began on June 20, 1703, appeared to be a success: "I have had by the power of god a very prosperous and pieceful [ sic ] interview with more Indians then at any time seen here together and a perfect good agreement tho particulars too long to tell and I parted yesterday at sunsett [ sic ] for want of wind and came from Casco...to this place...I might if possible meet you at Cambridge on Wednesday. I have not slept in three days. Tell the Lieutenant Governor I write never a word to any body being fast asleep..." In a PS he continues: "Mr. Willard [probably Samuel Willard (1639-1707), President of Harvard] if he please delay his Salutatory oration till my coming and proceed with his dispatches and if something happens that I cannot be there I will write once more." Despite Dudley's optimism the Indians with whom he had negotiated chose to became allies of the French and attacked the English frontiers only two months later. One of the most interesting and the earliest Dudley ALS offered at auction in the last 25 years.