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George Washington Signed Ship's Pass for a British Vessel as Commander-in-Chief. ...
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Description
Scarce Revolutionary War Ship's Pass Signed by Washington Allowing a Vessel to Bring Supplies to British Prisoners Taken at Saratoga
George Washington Signed Ship's Pass for a British Vessel as
Commander-in-Chief. One page on a bifolium, 7.5 x 9.75 inches.
"Head Quarters," Middle Brook [New Jersey], February 14,
1779. Signed "Go Washington," the document boasts
Washington's signet in red wax showing his coat-of-arms in the top
right. General Washington here grants permission to a British ship
to travel to Virginia to supply prisoners of war being held near
Charlottesville.It reads: "Permission is hereby granted to the Brig Lady Howe, Steady Master, laden with cloathing [sic], stores &c. for the use of the Convention Troops, to proceed from the Port of New York to Hampton-road, Virginia, there to receive further directions from His Excellency, The Governor of the State of Virginia."
The phrase "Convention Troops" refers to the British troops captured at Saratoga after General John Burgoyne's surrender on October 17, 1777. The original agreement stated that the 4,991 prisoners would lay down their arms, march to Boston, and board a ship bound for Britain with the promise not to return to service in North America. Fearing that Britain would simply reallocate the same number of soldiers from other duties and send the same number to fight in America, Congress found reason to break the agreement, citing that Burgoyne's men had not turned in all of their arms. The prisoners were kept for a year in Massachusetts, and then marched to Virginia. Because the war-torn colonies could not provide for the upkeep of the prisoners, the British were encouraged to provide sustenance and clothing for their men.
The document offered here is most likely the very passport carried by the ship's commander, Captain Steady, allowing him safe passage to Virginia. It was originally sent in a letter from Washington to Henry Clinton dated February 14, 1779. This is believed to be one of three such passports issued by Washington on this date, and the only one to be offered at auction.
Condition: Creased along old folds, toned and foxed. Expert restoration adding paper at the very top and to a small portion at the center affecting three letters.
References: See Syrett, ed., "George Washington to Sir Henry Clinton, 14 February 1779," The Papers of Alexander Hamilton, Vol. 2, 1779-1781, 1961, page 8.
Provenance: Christie's, December 16, 2004, lot 460; Property of A Distinguished American Collector From The Pacific Northwest
Auction Info
2023 July 8 Historical Platinum Signature® Auction #6275 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
July, 2023
8th
Saturday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 7
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