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[Revolutionary War]. John Fitch Autograph Letter Signed....
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Sold on Apr 11, 2013 for:
$1,075.50
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Description
[Revolutionary War]. John Fitch Autograph Letter Signed. Two pages with integral address leaf, 8" x 13.25", Camp Smiths Clove, June 27, 1779, to his sister. He writes that he has finally received a letter she has sent, for which he has "...received infinite pleasure in receiving & reading it." He mentions that he has heard "...Doct. Marsh has gone a Privateering I wish him great success & a safe & speedy return to his small Family." He has forwarded her some linen and thread, and asks that she "...make me two shirts [from] the piece of Linen I left with you & Ruffle them. & send them on by Mr. Flint. I desire that you'll not cut out nor make any more 'till you hear further from me..."Of the war he writes: "I have nothing new to inform you of the enemy have advanced from Kings Ferry toward the Fort at West Point. it is expected that they intend to attack the Fort soon. If they do I am very certain they will be defeated. our Army is in high Spirits & very healthy. Nature & Art has fortified the Forts...in such a manner that I think it out of the powers of the British Nation to take it from us. If they attack the Works at West Point with a determination of taking the Fort or losing their Army. it is my opinion that will put an end to the War, which Heavens grant may be the case."
Heavily stained. Water damage at the folds has caused separation on the address leaf. Some separation at the intersections of the folds on the letter with minor loss of paper and text. Overall the text is fully legible. Paper loss on the address leaf from wax seal.
More Information:
John Fitch (1743-1798) joined the Continental Army after his Trenton, New Jersey, business was destroyed by the British. During the harsh winter of 1777, he provided the troops at Valley Forge and at Philadelphia with food at his own expense. He was captured by Indians in 1782 and handed over to the British, spending the remainder of the war in Canada. According to some sources, Fitch was haunted by dreams of being pursued by Indians in canoes which inspired him to create a faster ship. His nightmares gave birth to the steamboat.
Auction Info
2013 April 11 Manuscripts Signature Auction - New York #6093 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
April, 2013
11th
Thursday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 2
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 885
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19.5% of the successful bid per lot.
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