|
Rhode Island Stampless
Covers & Letters
Double 10-Cent Rate - 1817 Letter
from Joseph D. Bass in Boston -
to Joseph L. Tillinghast Attorney at Law in Providence
(Scroll Down for Background Information, History and Text of Letter) |
|
|
|
|
The Stampless Folded Letter
shown above and to the left was sent by
Joseph D Bass
- Boston,
Massachusetts to Joseph L.
Tillinghast, who at the
time was practicing law in Providence, RI. The letter was sent
on November 6, 1817
at double
the 10 cent
rate for mail traveling between
30 to 80
miles,
which was set by the Postal
Act of April 9, 1816
effective on May 1, 1816.
As referenced within the letter, there was another
letter
for a Mr. Green
attached, which accounts for the
20 cent double
(2 sheet)
rate. Although there is a single sheet marking on the cover,
obviously there were two sheets sent. The cover is canceled with
a Red Boston
- November 7th
CDS.
Joseph Leonard Tillinghast
was born in
Taunton, Massachusetts
in 1791 to
Pardon E. and
Lydia Tabor Tillinghast. |
|
He was a
fifth
generation
descendant of Pardon
Tillinghast; one of the
original proprietors
of Providence,
Rhode Island.
Joseph moved to Rhode Island where he initially pursued courses
in classical studies. In 1809
he began publishing articles
for the Providence Gazette
under the pseudonym "Dion."
Tillinghast received an
honorary
degree
from Brown University
in 1809
and was admitted to the bar
in 1811,
whence he began
his law practice
in Providence, RI. He was a member of the
State House of Representatives
from 1826
to 1833
and served as the Speaker
from 1829
to 1833.
In 1837
he was elected to the U.S.
House of Representatives as
a Whig
and served until March 3,
1843. He was a
trustee
of Brown University
from 1833
to 1844.
Joseph Tillinghast
died on December 30, 1844
in Providence,
Rhode Island and is buried
in the Old North Burial
Ground.
Joseph's 1st generation
ancestor,
Pardon Tillinghast was born in
Seven Cliffs,
(Eastborn)
Sussex,
England
in 1622.
He served under Cromwell
and was a participant in the
Battle of Marston Moor. He
settled in Providence in 1645
and was one of the original proprietors of the colony. Pardon
was the pastor
of the 1st Baptist Church
in Providence from 1678
to 1718.
Pardon Tillinghast died on
January 19, 1718
in Providence, Rhode Island
The Complete Text of the Letter
follows Below: |
|
Boston Nov 6th 1817 |
|
Jos L
Tillinghast |
|
The within and annexed letter deliver
to Mr. Green & personally receive from him Forty four
Dollars and 50/100 which you will receipt for on
account of your award & at G & Julia Sumner, I have ordered
him to pay via proctor nearly half as much as I understand
he is very much in want of it. Why have you not complied
with my last respects of appointing Wayland Sumner your
attorney? As he has the other two powers & would relieve me
& my friend Perk from some trouble.
Mr. Sumner and myself have written Mr.
Whitney to make a division & distribution of the Bridge
shares that we may collect the dividends due thereon.
Your Humble Serv
Joseph D. Bass |
|
|
