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 M^r Machen in answere to yo^{rs} I
received a letter from Mr. Tho: Todd of Mockjack bay who being
appointed Guardian to the will Whitbey’s son by my neece M^{rs} 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 M^r Tod desired me to signify to you that this
lad I have brought over is the recitable child, and heare to M^r
Whitby w^ch by these I declare to be soe and if you be satisfyed
w^{th} this relacon w^ch 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 furt^r desire of you that when an
application is made to you in his behalfe you would affourd him what
favo^r and Countenance the Justness of his Cause & p^rtentions 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, S^r I know his cause is safe in yo^r hands to
whome I must refer him & the experience all that know you have of yo^r
Justice & Compan * * [?] in p’tecting the fatherles shalbe argum^{ts}
sufficient that I shall not miscarry in these my desires for him in
gratitude of w^{ch} 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 w^{ch} is