RICHARD HOWE.  Richard Howe (1726–1799) was a British naval officer best known for his service in the American Revolution, during which he acted as a naval commander and a peace commissioner.

COVER PANEL HAND-ADDRESSED AND SIGNED BY RICHARD HOWE TO THE WIFE OF CHARLES TOWNSHEND

Cover panel hand-addressed and signed by Richard Howe to the wife of Charles Townshend (1725–1767), the Chancellor of the Exchequer famously known for establishing the Townshend Acts: “Howe, London, Octr. fifth 1786, The Honble., Miss Townshend, Burton Pynsent, Somerton, Somersetshire.”  After her husband passed away, Carolina Townshend spent a great deal of time at Prime Minister William Pitt’s home at the Burton Pynsent House.  Stamped “Free,” measures 5 by 3.5 inches, and in fine condition with a small tear to the top border, minor soiling, and having been professionally attached to a larger sheet of paper.