WHAT WAS FOUND IN AN OLD CHEST.

Samoa Times and South Sea Gazette, Volume 2, Issue 89, 14 June 1879, Page 3

WHAT WAS FOUND IN AN OLD CHEST.

Kingston, N. Y. February 25.- diaries Broom, n fanner of Sullivan County, while searching foraq old deed, oun< luded to examine the contents of a chest which had been in hie possession and undisturbed for 52 years. It contained old papers, and in opening them lie discovered a package tied with tape. After the tape had been exposed to the air about two hours it became tine as ashes. In the package, Mr. Broom found five letters of great antiquity and of some public; importance. < >ne of the letters was dated at Yorktown, Penn., October ■>. I "77, written by John Hancock, then President of Congress, informing Governor Clinton of New York that Congress had appropriated 500 dollars for the erection of n monument to the memory of General Aerkimer. It is said that 500 dollars have never been paid, anil on the strength of this I,'lter tho people will petition Congress for its payment with interest for 101 years to bo expended for the purpose named. Another of the

letters was dated at Kingston, October 17, 17--7, -;;,-!!• 1 by General Morris informing Governor Clinton of the retveat of General Burgoyno. The third was date,! October 10, 1777, signed by John Jay, to Governor Clinton. The fourth wits (Intel Augusl 17. 1777, and siirned hv Richard Morris, who administer, d the" first Presidential oath of otiico to General Washington in Wall-street, New York city. These letters wen: shewn t" Govonior Robinson, and are now iii the possession of the hon. Robert

A, Snyder, of Saugertios, Ulster county the Postmaster of the present Assembly. Senator Keclesine has introduced a bill appropriating the .sum of 3000 dollars for the purchase of these, letters for tho State.- New York Sun.