Liberia, Monrovia April 16th 1845. Dateline on lengthy 2-page letter from Governor Joseph Roberts to Benjamin Coates in Philadelphia, Pa., entered the mails with red "New - York Jun 8" cds, matching "Ship" handstamp and "27" due rate, manuscript "Madonna" ship endorsement at bottom left, letter with interesting contents regarding new buildings going up in the various settlements, particularly Monrovia, increasing the number of crops grown and land under cultivation, mostly coffee, and the purchase of land by Roberts although unable to purchase land from some slaves, Very Fine. Estimate  $400 - 600. Joseph Jenkins Roberts was the first and seventh President of Liberia (1848?1856) and (1872?1876). Born free in Norfolk, Virginia, he emigrated to Liberia in 1829, opened a trading store in Monrovia and later engaged in politics. When Liberia became independent in 1847, Roberts was elected the first president, serving until 1856. In 1872 he was elected again to serve as Liberia's seventh president. $0 (Image)