Autograph Letter Signed to Joshua Sharpe.

The recipient Joshua Sharpe (c.1716-86) was a solicitor of Lincoln's Inn, and counsel for various American colonies before the Board of Trade and Privy Council. His brother Horatio was Lieutenant Governor of Maryland. Two pages, folio. Grubby, frayed and worn, with some closed tears and minor fraying and loss to extremities, and minor loss to text. Appears to concern the investigation into a case brought against an English ship by the owners of the Spanish vessel Sancta Barbara ('Patron Joseph de la Torre'). The Commission is closed, and Blakeney is sending the 'Bill of Loading' (not present) per the Richmond ('Thomas Barker, Master'), which is proceeding 'directly for London containing Copys of all the Proofs taken on both sides, [...] to be transmitted by the Commissioners'. 'The Master is desired, and faithfully promises to wait upon you with the Box, upon his Arrival, that no time may be lost in getting the Papers translated, which are Volumenous [sic] in for such an Affair, and mostly in the Spanish Language, and Minorqueen Idium [sic] | The Plantiff [sic] proceeded lately to London, 'tis presumed to get his Papers translated, and prepare for a hearing.' De la Torre's declaration, and those of 'the other Sailors of the Vessell, Sancta Barbara, cannot be Valid, because they sail'd from hence before the expiration of the first three Months, by which the General Agent here, could not cross Examine them, on the fourth, and Garau refused giving Copys of their Declarations before they Sailed, which the Commissioners have taken Notice of, in a Paragraph of their Letter to the Lords.' Hopes 'as there are several Mails at Marseilles, which are shortly expected here, that I shall soon have the pleasure of a Letter from you.' Signed 'Edwd. Blakeney'.