Robert Watts A.L.S., New York, 15th Feb.y 1777 : to David Clarkson, near Bound Brook, [N.J.]

Robert Watts A.L.S., New York, 15th Feb.y 1777 : to David Clarkson, near Bound Brook, [N.J.]

[4] p. ; 23 cm. ; (4to)

MSS L1991.1.210

Recipient is probably either David Clarkson (1726-1782) who owned a house in New York City and whose father-in-law owned land in N.J.; or his son, David, (1752-1825) who would have been only 25 at the time.|Watts requests rental of Clarkson's house "near Mr. Bends in Smith Street ... (now occupyd by Gen.l Jones) ...." General Jones may be the British officer Daniel Jones, who was stationed in N.Y. City at the time and promoted to Col. in August, 1777.|Watts lists his terms, including beginning his occcupancy in May "for three years. I will allow you ... seventy five pounds a year, no matter whether rents are higher or lower."|He stipulates that "whatever repairs are absolutely necessary shall be done by me at your expence ... whatever are fancyd expences I shall do at my own charge."|"On thing you may depend on at the expiration of the term - the house will be improved. Our family is small."|Pages [2] and [3] are blank; p. [4] is address leaf that also bears the note in a different hand and ink: 15 Feby 1777 / Robt. Watts - New York|Watermark: GR below a crown - smiliar to several in Gravell, differing primarily in location of chain lines.

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