Lot 16

(AMERICAN REVOLUTION--1776.) William Hubbard. Letter describing the fortifications of liberated Boston, and the exploits of patriot privateers, 9 June 1776

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(AMERICAN REVOLUTION--1776.) William Hubbard. Letter describing the fortifications of liberated Boston, and the exploits of patriot privateers, 9 June 1776

Estimate: $1,200 - $1,800

Starting Bid: $900

(0 Bids)

by Swann Auction Galleries
June 25, 2026 10:30 AM EDT
Live Auction
104 East 25th Street
New York, NY, US 10010


William Hubbard.
Letter describing the fortifications of liberated Boston, and the exploits of patriot privateers.
Boston, 9 June 1776
Autograph Letter Signed to brother-in-law Christopher Leffingwell of Norwich, CT. 2 pages, 12½ x 7½ inches, plus detached blank with address panel (no postal markings, delivered by favor of D. Coit); minor wear.

William Hubbard (1740-1801) was born in New London, CT, and became a merchant in Boston.  Here he writes to his brother-in-law Colonel Christopher Leffingwell, a prominent innkeeper in Norwich, CT whose inn is now a museum. Their wives Lydia and Elizabeth were sisters from the Coit family.

Hubbard describes his return to Boston less than three months after the British evacuation. The patriots had made progress in defending the city against any return of the British: "In the fortifieing way . . . they go on with much spirit & are makeing strong fortresses on Fort Hill, Noddles Island & the Castle." 

He also makes a long report on privateering gleaned from a stop in Providence, RI on his way to Boston. One vessel commanded by a Captain Adams (apparently the sloop Chance) had captured three British merchant vessels; their cargoes are here described with enthusiasm.

The ship of the Continental Navy, the USS Yankee Hero, had been captured two days earlier: "I am exceeding sorry to tell you of the misfortune of the brig'n Yankee Hero. She sailed from Newbury last Thursday, bound to Boston to compleat her compliment of men. . . . On Friday she was attacked by a frigate of 16 or 20 guns, & after a most gallant engagement of (it is reported) three hours, she struck."

  • Medium: Boston, 9 June 1776
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