(London, England to Boston, Aug. 8, 1708) "B Sh 4d". Manuscript rate (Boston Ship) on incoming folded letter datelined "London Augt. 8th 1708" addressed to Mr. Edward Watts at "Winnisimit near Boston In New England", contents from Elizabeth Bellingham complaining recipient hasn't sent her any money per their agreement and threatening to invoke her power of attorney, letter ends "I am your injured friend", somewhat ragged along right edge of letter slightly affecting contents but not affecting address panel in any way

VERY FINE. REPORTED TO BE THE EARLIEST EXAMPLE OF A BOSTON SHIP LETTER MARKING. A PHENOMENAL AND IMPORTANT EARLY COLONIAL ARTIFACT.

Winnissimit, meaning "good spring nearby" in the local language, is today known as Chelsea, Massachusetts. There is a Bellingham Square in Chelsea, and no doubt the sender of this letter was a member of that prominent family. The recipient, Edward Watts, was born in 1667 in Somerset, England and married Rebecca Smith in London in 1690. Based on the contents, he must have arrived in New England not long before this was sent. He passed away in 1714.

Purchased by the consignor in an October 1996 Christie's auction where described as from a new find.

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