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George Washington Letter Signed...
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$23,750.00
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Description
George Washington Letter Signed "Go: Washington." Two pages of a bifolium, 8.25" x 12.75", Headquarters at Morris Town; May 16, 1777. Addressed to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, concerning providing proper clothing for his troops. It reads in part:"I cannot account for the Massachusetts Troops coming on without Cloathing, in any other manner, than, that as they were all originally intended for Ticonderoga, their Cloaths may have been sent to Albany. If that is the Case, the Qr Masters should be immediately sent to bring them back, if it is not, they must certainly look to the State, because a sufficiency of public cloathing was left at Boston for their Troops-As to pay-the different commanding Officers of the Regiments had better make up their Abstracts, and each of them send down their pay Master or some Officer properly authorized to receive the Money. If they all come together, they will make up a safe Escort for the Money thro' the disaffected part of the Country.
As some matters are to be settled to the Satisfaction of Genl Arnold previous to his accepting of the Rank lately conferred upon him, he is gone to Philadelphia. I have therefore ordered Genl Putnam to Peekskill. You are well acquainted with the old Gentleman's Temper, he is active, disinterested & open to Conviction, and I therefore hope, that by affording him the advice and Assistance, that your Knowledge of the post enables [you] to do, you will be very happy in your command under him."
Following the eventful year of 1776, George Washington's Continental Army wintered in Morristown, New Jersey. They were tired and plagued by poor training, high turnover, and a lack of supplies such as blankets and proper clothing. Nevertheless, they were a resourceful, hardworking group of farmers, shoemakers, carpenters, blacksmiths, and other artisans, who were used to living a rough life in extreme weather.
Benedict Arnold had travelled to Philadelphia to meet with Congress after having been passed over for promotion in February. He ultimately was promoted to major general, but he was not given seniority over those who were promoted before him. Enraged, Arnold composed a letter of resignation on July 11, 1777, which Washington refused. This bitterness, coupled with his friendship with numerous Loyalists, ultimately led to Arnold's treason in 1780.
Condition: Flattened mail folds, with light toning and foxing. Paper loss where the seal was broken, but this does not affect the text. Pencil notations in places. Slightly uneven and rough edges. Boldly signed.
Auction Info
2020 April 22 Historical Manuscripts Signature Auction - Dallas #6223 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
April, 2020
22nd
Wednesday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 8
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
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