A Ship Captain Demands Financier Nicholas Low Retract His Slander: “You May Set No Value In Character, And Therefore Can Feel No Sentinels Of Delicacy To Restrain Your Slanders…I Expect That You Will Publicly Recall Your Slander Protest, Or I Shall Pursue Measures That May Not Be Agreeable To You”

Book Description

ALS. 2pg. 8” x 12 ½”. New York. December 11, 1790. A fiery autograph letter signed “David L Clarkson” to New York financier Nicholas Low: “I am informed that you made a formal and public Protest against my abilities, as an officer on board the America; in order to paliate a dishonorable breach of engagement with our...who are men of Honour, and of course must have been exposed in their negotiation with you. You may set no value in Character, and therefore can feel no sentinels of delicacy to restrain your slanders. A number of adverse circumstances forced me to the Profession of the Sea and my Character and my Abilities are my sole dependence. Your cruel…of my Professional Abilities has added cruelty to dishonor, and this disgraceful murder of character will probably have some fuller investigation of my Abilities, expose you to infamy, and the contempt of Honest Men. I expect that you will Publicly recall your slander protest, or I shall pursue Measures that may not be agreeable to you. As we are on the point of sailing you will be swift in your answer.” The address leaf is attached. The edges are ragged and there is waterstaining, leaving it in good condition.

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