Richard Partridge, Agent to the Colonies

Richard Partridge Born 12/09/1681 Portsmouth New Hampshire Son of William and Mary (Browne) Partridge William was a Shipwright, wealthy merchant engaged in the timber trade who served as treasurer, receiver general, lieutenant governor from 1696-1703 and acting Governor of New Hampshire from 16967-1698 and 1700-1702. His reputation was such that he additionally served as agent for New York in 1731 The Jersies in 1733 Massachusetts in 1737 Pennsylvania in 1740 Connecticut from 1750-1759

Partridge served as Colonial Agent for Rhode Island, The Jersey's, New York, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania. He was instrumental in settling both of the Rhode Island boundary controversies and was active in the struggle over the Molasses Act. In 1750 Partridge accepted the position for agent of Connecticut as well.

His reputation was honorable and spread widely in the colonies. During and before the 7 yrs. war Mr. Partridge fought for payments for the army for every single item they received with excessive petitions and strategy that the Men receive their due to the very last day of settlement of the account for them.

Always at service for the people of the colonies more so then Parliament or other's in Office, Richard Partridge would extract information in manners such as as gifts of wine or visits to the coffee houses to gain inside knowledge.

This probably made him less popular in literature and history for his aim was always for the people of the Colonies more so than other's in office.

Richard Partridge served the Colonies for 44 yrs. and was highly regarded by the people he served as faithful, resourceful and friendly. He was responsible for facilitation of colonial administration of the first British Empire.

In march of 1759 Richard Partridge fell ill and his good friend Joseph Sherwood informed the Rhode Island Assembly of his death. Although famous and successful in office, he died insolvent.

Source: Richard Partridge: Colonial Agent Marguerite Appleton The New England Quarterly Vol. 5, No. 2 (Apr., 1932), pp. 293-309 Published by: The New England Quarterly, Inc. DOI: 10.2307/359615 Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/359615 Page Count: 17