I am not sufficiently acquainted with the details of historical investigation in New York to know whether there has ever been any doubt as to the identity (or rather the family) of Governor Lovelace; but I presume that the Dictionary of National Biography gives the generally accepted account when it states that he was the second son of Richard, first Baron Lovelace.
Recently the examination of some old documents has led me to the belief that the Governor of New York was of a much more distinguished kinship than that which has been usually assigned to him. To most of us the Lords Lovelace are only known by a passing reference in Macaulay; but the author of the two songs to Althea and Lucasta is one of the immortals.
In a volume in the Congressional Library, which was bought from President Jefferson and which contains copies of miscellaneous historical records relating to Virginia, are two documents signed by Francis Lovelace, Governor of New York.
The first of these is a letter evidently written to Governor Berkeley of Virginia. It is as follows:
“Deare Sir:
Since my last to you sent by Mr Machen in answere to yors I received a letter from Mr. Tho: Todd of Mockjack bay who being appointed Guardian to the will Whitbey’s son by my neece Mrs Ruth Gorsuch he having hitherto taken great care and paines in the adjusting his interest in severall plantations being devolve to him by the death of his father Mr Tod desired me to signify to you that this lad I have brought over is the recitable child, and heare to Mr Whitby wch by these I declare to be soe and if you be satisfyed wth this relacon wch I assure you upon the faith of a Xtian and Honor of a gentleman you may rest assured of it but if the Ceremony of an oath be requisite, I shalbe ready (if desired as necessary) to make my Deposicon of it, and I shall furtr desire of you that when an application is made to you in his behalfe you would affourd him what favor and Countenance the Justness of his Cause & prtentions will beare he is now an orphant & I have been at considerable charge both to his transport education & clothing expecting noe other retorne but when he is in a capacity to make it onely to reimburse me with what I have expended for him, Sr I know his cause is safe in yor hands to whome I must refer him & the experience all that know you have of yor Justice & Compan * * [?] in p’tecting the fatherles shalbe argumts sufficient that I shall not miscarry in these my desires for him in gratitude of wch I can pay noe other returne but if you please to prepare any service for me you shall find me most ready to obey it when you reflect upon what I subscribe wch is
Yor most assured fathfull servt
Fran: Lovelace.
From ye Barbadoes I hear yor Bro: Ld Berkeley is designed to be Governor but the truth I refer to your Consideracon. Mr Winthrop Newley sent me This newes wch here inclosed will kisse yor hands adue
Jeames ffort 6th Decembr