Auction Name: 2026 June 19 The John H. Freund Americana Collection Signature® Auction

Lot Number: 42010

Shortcut to Lot: HA.com/6331*42010

James Duane Autograph Letter Signed ("Jas Duane"). Three pages on two leaves, 7 1/4 x 9 3/4 inches; Yorktown; October 8, 1777. Docketed on the verso.

A compelling and important Revolutionary War letter in which Duane, writing to George Clinton just days after the Battle of Germantown, recounts George Washington's "spirited" but ultimately unsuccessful attack. Drawing directly from Washington's dispatches to Congress, Duane recounts the action in harrowing detail. In full:

"Sir

I wrote to you yesterday by Col. Troup giving your Excellency a general account of a battle fought on Saturday last at German Town between the American and british armies. Victory seem'd at first to be promised to General Washington as a reward for the spirited attack which was judiciously planned and pushed with great Gallantry. On every side the Enemy gave way. But a heavy fog which totally obstructed all Communication among our different divisions and indeed destroyed all distinction between Friends and Foes, seemingly in the midst of Conquest, put an end to all these sanguine expectations by a sudden Retreat of our Troops. This it is supposed was occasioned by the Left Wing of our Army's coming up and endeavoring to join the other body; and each mistaking the other for a fresh reinforcement of the Enemy. The Enemy however did not pursue, but permitted General Washington to retire with his Cannon and wounded, at leisure; venturing only, after some cessation, to fire a few long shots from some pieces of cannon. This is the substance of General Washington's Letter received this moment in Congress where I write this short account; not having it in my power to give you a copy of his dispatch at large.

The Loss on either side is not ascertained. the Consequence the General infers from the Engagement is that it will make his Troops familiar with danger, and more ready to attack as well as more determined and hardy in action. In other Respects he observes that his situation is just the same as before the Battle, the Loss of men excepted which is suppose to be fully compensated by the great Havock made among the Enemy.

When further circumstance come to light your Excellency shall be furnished with particulars-Tho this last battle cannot be called a fortunate event it gives no discouragement. The State of Pennsylvania however remains weak feeble and inactive and contributes little to the common Defense. The Dissention concerning their Frame of Government seems to have shaken all publick virtue to the foundation. This between ourselves.

I have nothing to add, but to assure that with great respect
I am Sir your Excellency's most obedient hum serv
Jas Duane."

The Battle of Germantown, fought on October 4, 1777, was one of the most ambitious offensives of the Revolutionary War. Washington's plan called for a coordinated, multi-pronged assault on General William Howe's forces near Philadelphia. Initially, the attack succeeded in driving the British back; however, a dense fog caused confusion among American units, leading to a breakdown in communication. The Americans were soon overwhelmed, and victory was taken by the British.

Despite the tactical defeat, Washington's interpretation, as conveyed here, emphasized the long-term benefit of hardening his troops for future engagements (a perspective that would prove important in sustaining morale in the coming months). In the aftermath of the battle, Washington withdrew to Valley Forge, where he spent the winter retraining his forces in preparation for the next clash.

James Duane, a prominent Founding Father, served as a delegate to the Continental Congress from New York. He signed the Continental Association in 1774 and the Articles of Confederation in 1778, and remained an influential political figure throughout the Revolutionary era.

Condition: Very good; flattened folds with some toning and scattered foxing throughout. Edges of each leaf reinforced on the verso. Minor ink show-through on the first leaf, with light pencil annotation in the top margin on the recto. Ink is highly legible with good contrast; an overall attractive piece.

Provenance: Christie's, Fine Printed Books and Manuscripts Including Americana, December 18, 2003, lot 332.

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