26

John Wereat.

Three letters from the once and future Governor of Georgia.

Savannah, GA, 1777 and 1783
3 Autograph Letters Signed to an unknown recipient. Each 1 or 2 pages, various sizes, with docketing on verso; mailing fold, small puncture in 1777 letter, otherwise minimal wear.

  • Notes: John Wereat (circa 1733-1799) served as a Georgia delegate to the Continental Congress and spent five months as the state's governor in 1779. He was also the agent for state business with the Continental Congress in addition to his own mercantile activities. Here he writes as an agent to an unknown merchant with investments in Georgia. 

    In his 18 April 1777 letter he advises on land purchases: "It will be most advantageous to purchase lands up the river . . . below Augusta on or near the river that will produce fine crops of indico." He adds commentary on the Revolution: "Your account of the defeat of our enemies by General Dickinson gives me great satisfaction, and I most sincerely wish a continuance of success to the American arms, and that tyranny and oppression may be forever rooted out of this land." 

    His August and September 1783 letters are less rosy, describing the state as "beginning the world anew, a very inconsiderable quantity of produce will be raised. . . . Not a shilling of money to be found. . . . The public treasurer has often told me he has not a shilling in his coffers." The Loyalist land coming rapidly on the market "in all probability will injure the sales of lands belonging to individuals for some time." His final letter recommends a son of Mr. Bullock, a war veteran who "upon the approach of General Wayne, flew to his Army and in the character of a volunteer never quitted it till our enemies evacuated the state." 
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