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LOT #42025 |
Starting Bid: $20,000
George Washington Letter Signed...
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Description
On the Eve of the New York Campaign of August 1776, George Washington Warns of Overwhelming British Forces, and Requests Immediate Reinforcements Before the Coming Blow at Long Island
George Washington Letter Signed ("Go: Washington").
Two pages of one leaf, 8 x 11 3/4 inches. New York; August 8,
1776.Written to Nathaniel Woodhull, Brigadier General of the New York Militia and President of the New York Provincial Congress, relaying intelligence of overwhelming British forces assembling in New York and urging immediate reinforcements. The letter reads, in full:
"Sir
By this I mean to communicate to you Honble body the Substance of the Intelligence I received yesterday from Two Deserters that came the Evening before from the Solebay Man of War the Evening before. They inform that they were in Engagement at Sullivan's Island and give nearly the same account that was Transmitted by Genl Lee, which you would see published by Congress. They add that they left South Carolina about three weeks ago with Genl Clinton and his whole Army, who are now arrived & landed on Staten Island: They also say That part of Lord Howe's fleet with Hessian and Highland Troops on board, have got in and that the remainder with a considerable body is hourly expected, which those that have come in, parted from in a Gale of wind, off the Banks of New Foundland. As the Accounts given by these Men, are direct and circumstantial, and their authenticity corroborated by many other things that have occurred, It is not to be doubted but the number of the Enemy's Army will greatly exceed ours. Their force which was generally expected would be considerable of Itself; The unexpected augmentation of the General Clinton's Army makes It more so - On the other hand, Ours does not come up to the Intended establishment.
Under these circumstances, and as we may expect the period just at hand when they will make their vigorous push, I submit It to the consideration of your Honble body whether it may not be necessary for your exertions to be employed, in calling in the most expeditious manner, such reinforcements as you can obtain, to the aid of this Army.
I have the honor to be
Sir Yor most Obedt Servt
Go: Washington."
In the early days of August 1776, New York stood on the brink of becoming the war's central battleground. Washington, newly declared the commander of an independent nation's army, faced an enemy gathering strength just beyond his lines. Intelligence arrived in fragments, by rumor, report, and, in this case, the testimony of two deserters from a British warship. Their account, detailed and consistent with other information, confirmed what Washington had begun to fear: the British were assembling a force far larger than his own.
General Clinton had returned from the failed southern expedition, his troops now joined with others landing on Staten Island. Hessian and Highland regiments were arriving in force, with more expected at any moment. Against this, Washington could only measure his own army and find it wanting. It had not reached its intended strength, and time to correct that deficiency was quickly running out.
Writing to the New York authorities, he lays out the situation plainly and turns to what remains within his control, calling for reinforcements "in the most expeditious manner." The decisive blow, he knows, is imminent.
Within weeks, that blow would fall on Long Island, where British strength would overwhelm the Continental Army and force its retreat. This letter captures Washington just before that moment, reliant on imperfect intelligence, aware of his disadvantage, and preparing as best he could for the trial ahead.
Condition: Fully reinforced by Japanese tissue on both sides. Flattened folds and minor toning, with a few minor scattered stains. Hinge mount along left margin, and separations at the right margin of center and lower folds; affecting text and reinforced by tape on the verso. Minor loss to bottom right corner. Staple pinholes and paper clip indention at upper left margin. Areas of adhesive staining along left margin of the verso.
References: David McCullough, 1776 (New York: Simon & Schuster, 2005).
Auction Info
2026 June 19 The John H. Freund Americana Collection Signature® Auction #6331 (go to Auction Home page)
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