Signed legal document to a military widow by WENTWORTH, Benning (1696 - 1770) - 1742

Dover, NH, 1742. unbound. near fine. A rare memento from the War of Jenkins' Ear -- the first time that a Regiment of Colonial-American troops was raised and made part of the Regular British Army -- and sent to fight outside North America. Exceptional legal document signed "B. Wentworth," 1 page, 6.5 x 7.5 inches, written completely in the hand of James Jeffrey, clerk, Dover, New Hampshire, December 2, 1742, addressing the complaint of a widow whose husband was killed in military Service of the Crown, in full: "Whereas the Widow of Thomas Pinkham late of Dover in New Hampshire, complains: That her late husband did enlist himself in His Majesties Service for the late Cuba Expedition. And several of his members of his house say there was allowed him the said Thomas Pinkham the sum of two pounds - fourteen shillings for his subsistence money in that Service: which was never paid him per her. Wherefore Voted, that the said Widow be paid out of the money in the Treasury for payment of contingencies - the said sum of two pounds - fourteen shillings, old tenor in full of all Demands." Note: The War of Jenkins' Ear was a conflict between Britain and Spain that lasted from 1739 to 1748, with major operations largely ending by 1742. On August 4, 1742, Admiral Edward Vernon and Major General Thomas Wentworth landed troops at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in what was originally perceived as an easy victory over the Spaniards. Instead the British accomplished nothing but the loss of over 3,400 soldiers killed, wounded, or missing, having succumbed to disease, too weak to repel the constant attacks by Spanish guerrillas. On December 9 they re-embarked and sailed to Port Royal. Near fine condition.<br/> <br/> Colonial Governor of New Hampshire.<br/> <br/>