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Contains inventory and description of the Jonathan Boucher papers when held in the East Sussex Record Office.

Item 1: [James Maury], Albemarle [Co.], [Va.], to [Jonathan] Boucher, 22 Nov. 1763 7 pages. Autograph Letter. (B/1/2). Detailed consideration of a poetical letter by Boucher which is to be published by Royle; Boreas Self bowing to publish an article through the Maryland Gazette which vindicated the Virginia House of Burgesses voting an award of 2500 to Mr. Randolph for defending the House's opposition to the Governor's demand for a pistole for every land patent he signed because the Virginia presses did not wish to offend the Governor and his council. Boucher need not fear to be discovered as the author, as it will recommend him to the most sensible, equitable, and honest part of the Clergy and Laity. Maury comments extensively on his regard for Boucher. Boucher should get Mr. Jackson's opinion of the work. Tickell is to accompany Maury to Hanover Court where his case is to be heard. Item 2: Narrative of the determination of a suit between the Minister of Fredericksville, plaintiff, and the collectors of the said parish, defendants, for arrears of salary, in Hanover Court, November and December 1763 n.d. [1763?] In the hand of the Rev. James Maury. Autograph Manuscript Signed. (B/1/3). [In 1760, the Crown had disallowed an Act passed by the Virginia Assembly to prevent clergy of the Established Church, whose salaries had hitherto been calculated in tobacco, from profiting by a heavy rise in its price. Patrick Henry began his political career by opposing Maury's claim for arrears in the "Parson's Cause".] The jury was not of persons of rank and understanding, and although the verdict was in favour of the plaintiff, only one penny damages was awarded; the Jury had been harangued by one of the Defendant's lawyers [Patrick Henry] who asserted "that the King, by annulling and disallowing laws of so salutary a nature [the Two Penny Act of 1758], from being the Father of his people, degenerates into a tyrant and forfeits all right to his subjects' obedience;" at which there were cries of Treason! The road to popularity here is to trample underfoot the Interests of Religion, the Rights of the Church, and the Prorogative of the Crown.

Jona[tha]n Boucher, Paddington, [Eng.], to Elizabeth Hodgson, 28 Febr[ua]ry 1784 3 pages. Autograph Letter Signed. (A/4/3). He offers her re-assurance and encouragement on her forthcoming marriage to his friend [John James, the younger], and assures her that she will find herself among friends in his house.

Jonathan Boucher, Port Royal, Virginia to [John] James, Whitehaven, [Eng.]., 19 August 1759 Effects of Virginia weather on the constitution of individuals. He complains of the temptations of American hospitality and the impropriey of their conversation. Is sending pickled Indian corn for Mrs. Janes. Plans to send Mr. James some "dry'd apples and "preserv'd fruit" in fall. 3 pages. Autograph Letter Signed.

Jona[tha]n Boucher, Paddington, [Eng.] to [John James, Jr.], 14 Aug[us]t 1780 4 pages. Autograph Letter Signed. (A/1/54). It is difficult to paint pure, perfect and unmingled beauty without a foil; Annapolis friend who drew his wife in the act of suckling her child which he found "inexpressibly pleasing". John should pour out his thoughts on papers. Boucher has read Thelyphthora, a book recommending polygamy by Madan, Chaplain of the Lock Hospital [D.N.B.]. Will John ask his mother to look out for a cook for his household. Mr. Addison and his son have sailed for America. Settlement with Mr. Addison. Remarks American affairs are sadly confused.

[Rev] Jonathan Boucher, Paddington, [Eng.] to W[illia]m Eden, Undersecretary of State, 27 June 1776 Copy; original in Public Record Office. 4 pp. Copy of Autograph Letter Signed. (A/4/2a). As it is difficult for a gentleman who has been used to better circumstances to learn to live on 70 p.a., he solicits Eden's good offices with Lord George [Germain] for a further supply of money. He claims no special merit for his actions in America, but others who have done less have received pensions. He would like to be commended to Lord Dartmouth, the Abp. of Canterbury and the Bps. of London and Bangor, and hopes that Eden may be able to help him to preferment in America when a settlement is reached.

Jonathan Boucher to William Knox (?), 27 Nov. 1775 Copy letter. The original was formerly in the Stopford Sackville collection, H.M.C. Stopford Sackville II, 19-20; now at William L. Clements Library, Ann Arbor, Michigan. 8 pp. Copy of Autograph Letter Signed. (A/4/1). There is a principle of revolt in all colonies which stems from a lack of foresight in colony administration; the subduing of the rebellion in America is of secondary importance to the new-modelling of its Government. Says focus of the war should be placed on New England. Decisive action against Washington is imperative to the British cause. New York is well- disposed and would make a good base for the King's troops. Advocates control of New York from New York City to Albany to split the northern colonies from the southern. Pennsylvania has made no overt act of treason nor raised any troops; the Carolinias, Virginia and Maryland are too busy with internal problems, i.e. Indians and slaves, to seek regular troops in a hostile way; the white servants would certainly enlist with the King's troops, Baltimore and Annapolis contain many such men; trade embargos should be sufficient to deal with these colonies. Washington shows extraordinary coolness and caution but has very little personal experience; the first general action against him must be decisive.

M[yles] Cooper, Kings College, New York, to [Jonathan] Boucher, Upper Marlborough, Maryland, 14 June 1773 3 pages. Autograph Letter Signed. (B/2). Washington has brought hm Boucher's letter; he urges him to come to New York. Mr. Custis [Washington's stepson and Boucher's former pupil] is to enjoy special privileges at King's College as he is older than the other boys. Congratulates Boucher on his victory over two lawyers. Deplores number of Dissenters in America and is glad to hear that Oxford is standing firm against them. He is looking for a place for Mr. Seabury, a worthy clergyman. A Mr. Smith of South Carolina is "pitched upon for an American Bishop."