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THOMAS HENRY DAVIES : 1781 - 1786 ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPT LETTERS COPY BOOK OF THE EAST INDIA COMPANY SOON TO BE ADVOCATE GENERAL DETAILING THE TRADE, COMMERCE, ECONOMY, POLITICS AND PERSONAL PASSIONS OF 'JOHN COMPANY'S' MAN ON THE ASIAN SUB-CONTINENT

8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. On offer is an original, significant manuscript relic of British colonial history, 18th Century global trade and commerce and one English man's climb up the corporate ladder within one of the most powerful corporate entities in British history being a 1781 through 1786 letters copy book [titled "COPY BOOK - EUROPE LETTERS"] of the East India Company handwritten by Thomas Henry Davies [1751-1792]. Approximately 350 pages of letters written by Davies and a secretary, no doubt, the copy book allows for a remarkable historic opportunity to witness the record of correspondence in these letters originating from Davies or in response to letters sent to him providing a rare insight to the trade, commerce, economy and the fascinating politics between the East Indies and Britain as many of the letters are much concerned with Davies' worries over his position in the East India Company and dissatisfaction with his treatment. He is also much taken up with matters involving his parents and various financial arrangements that he has to organise from a long distance. A court martial is written of (though not Davies'.) He is much gratified when he is eventually promoted to Advocate General in 1785. [A portrait of him was painted by the noted portrait artist Johann Zoffany.] While the destination of the letters is not always stated the vast majority have been sent to the U.K. Davies was on friendly terms with Warren Hastings, and the book contains several letters sent to him. Most of the letters are dated and give the name of the ship by which there were being taken to the U.K. Here are some snippets: "The example the court of directory have lately shewn in reducing Sir John Day's salary to its original standard, as well as the jealousy with which they view everything that looks an increase of expense in the Law Dept." To Warren Hastings: "I was concerned to hear that on yr arrival in England you was not quite well and that the state of your health had made a visit to Cheltenham necessary." Letter to James Poole of Lincoln's Inn Fields: Davies arranges for Capt. Johnston of the Bessington to arrange for 5 Butts of Madeira to be sent to him. Letter of December 1784: "a very extraordinary charge…against Mr Thomas by Mr Barlow to the Commander in Chief who had him put under arrest and he is now taking his trial before a Court Martial." The 9 x 7x 1.5 inch book has covers slightly bowed and crack between hinges towards back of book but overall is G+.. Manuscript. Book Condition: Good+

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