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George Washington Letter Signed....
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Sold on Sep 21, 2023 for:
$13,625.00
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Description
George Washington Letter Signed. One page, 7.62" x 12.5" (sight), New Windsor, [New York]; December 19, 1780. A letter to Captain John Buchanan regarding compensation for his new position as Superintendent of Boats at Westpoint, signed, "Go. Washington." Matted and framed with an engraving of Washington to an overall size of 23" x 19". The letter reads: "As I think it reasonable that you should have a proper allowance made for your services, I shall give the Quarter Master General direction to make you a suitable compensation, if you made no particular agreement with General McDougal who first appointed you, or with the late Quarter Master General. There is very little cloathing [sic] at present in the line, but if you will apply, I will give you an order to procure such as there is."Washington's response to Buchanan shows the plight of those who served in the Continental Army. Two days earlier, Buchanan had written to Washington stating that "he has ever since the beginning of the Year 1766 been in Publick [sic] Service; And has not for almost three years had any pay for his Services, Nor Cloathing [sic] except two Shirts and a pair or two of Shoes...And as there is but little prospect of money at present would be glad of Your Excellancy's [sic] order for some Cloathing [sic] as He is in great necessity."
Buchanan held several positions in the Continental Army, first as a captain in the New York City militia in 1775. Shortly thereafter, he became the Superintendent of Watercraft on the Hudson River, where he led a charge against approaching British Forces near Tarrytown, New York in 1778. Although the redcoats retreated, Buchanan suffered an injury that forced him to step down. At the time that he wrote Washington, he had only recently been appointed to his position at Westpoint - after recovering from his injury.
Throughout the Revolutionary War, Congress struggled to adequately fund the Continental Army. Although the legislative body represented all thirteen colonies, it did not yet have the power to compel them into action. As such, state governments preferred to spend money on their own local militias rather than outfitting Washington's forces. Soldiers were often responsible for acquiring their own weapons and simply instructed to dress in brown, blue, or gray garments. Although Congress adopted a cohesive uniform in 1779, material shortages and supply blockages made it difficult to adequately dress the troops.
Condition: Toning and stray foxing. Creasing along mail folds with separations and bits of paper loss, none affecting text. A small tape repair on recto along bottom fold. Bits of paper loss along right margin. Frame has wear and light chipping. Not examined outside of the frame.
Auction Info
2023 September 21 Historical Manuscripts Signature® Auction #6272 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
September, 2023
21st
Thursday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 2
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
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