THOMAS (EARL OF SELKIRK V) DOUGLAS - AUTOGRAPH 10/07/1808 - HFSID 81240

THOMAS DOUGLAS, EARL OF SELKIRK V
The Earl known for his philanthropy signs this slip of paper
Signature: “Selkirk/ Kirkcudbright/ October Seven/ 1808” 2¾x3 with a 1x2 clipped image of a bust of the Earl done by Gharatry affixed toward upper left-hand corner. Also included with the piece is a 3x3½ photocopied slip of paper featuring biographical information on the Earl. Thomas Douglas, 5th Earl of Selkirk (1771-1820), was a Scottish peer. He is best known for sponsoring immigrant settlements in Canada at the Red River Colony. After inheriting the family title and estates in 1799, Douglas began buying land to help settle poor Scottish farmers settle in the New World. He was named Lord-Lieutenant of Kirkcudbright and became a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1808. Douglas traveled all over North America, overseeing his settlements. Unfortunately, he became embroiled in conflict between the North West Company and the Hudson's Bay Company (he was allied with the latter), and eventually led an attack on Fort William that ultimately caused him significant legal trouble. When Douglas was only seven years old, he was almost kidnapped by men following orders from John Paul Jones. Lady Selkirk negotiated with the American men, who accepted silver instead of the young son of Lord Selkirk. Rippling due to adhesion of letter fragment to slip of paper. Toned. Ink note from a previous collector written beneath letter fragment. Otherwise, fine condition.