French and Indian War document. 1761. Bill of exchange for Captain Nicolas Cox of the 47 Foot at Quebec - July 11th 1760 to Captain David Allen, reissued and signed in Boston, January 27th, 1761 by John Rowe

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One page manuscript oblong octavo. John Rowe (1715-1787) was a property developer and merchant in 18th century Boston., Massachusetts. As a merchant, John Rowe's most famous cargo was the tea that played a starring role in the Boston Tea Party. Rowe was evidently a very active smuggler, avoiding British trade regulations by trading with forbidden ports. He joined protest against tightening restrictions of colonial trade, and helped incite the anti-Stamp Act Riot in 1765. During the era of the American Revolution, Rowe avoided commitment to either side, and instead looked out after his business interest. Rowe was the owner of one of the tea ships, the Eleonor, involved in the Boston Tea Party. According to some accounts, at the Old South Meeting House before the Tea Party, he uttered the famous words, "perhaps salt water and tea will mix tonight". That incident remains an iconic event of American history, and other political protests often refer to it. John Rowe's brother Jacob was working in Canada in 1760, as Commissary of Provisions of his Majesty's detachment under General Murray, which could explain that operational link between Montreal and Boston during the French & Indian War. Nicolas Cox (1724-1794) was involved with James Wolfe in the Battle of the Plains of Abraham, and later became in 1775 Lieutenant Governor of Gaspésie region in Quebec until his death. Notes and manuscripts written and signed by John Rowe are very scarce on the market. Seller Inventory # 000492

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