THE GOVERNOR OF RHODE ISLAND WRITES TO THE GOVERNOR OF MASSACUSETTS ABOUT A FUGITIVE IN 1798

ARTHUR FENNER (1745-1805). Fenner was Governor of Rhode Island from 1790-1805.
 

LS. 2pgs. February 2, 1798. Providence, [Rhode Island]. A letter signed “A Fenner” as Governor of Rhode Island and written in another hand. Fenner wrote to Massachusetts Governor Increase Sumner concerning a fugitive. “Sir Application has been made to me according to the Constitution and Laws of the United States, to request your Excellency to cause to be apprehended a man of the mane of John Simmons a fugitive from the Justice of his State. I have the honour to forward herewith to your Excellency…and also a Warrant returned by an officer that the person charged is not to be found in his precinct. The man charged belongs to the town of Ne Bedford in your Commonwealth & is now resident there. I have therefore to request your Excellency immediately to take such steps as may be most expedient for the apprehending & securing the said John Simmons…I have the honour to be with great Respect your Excellencys most obedient & very humble servant. A Fenner”. The letter is essentially an early example of an interstate fugitive warrant. It is in good condition, with a sizable tear on the inner margin, probably from the seal, that does not affect the text.