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LOT #42031 |
Starting Bid: $20,000
George Washington Letter Signed...
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Description
Battlefield Orders from George Washington to Alexander McDougall, Written and Franked by Alexander Hamilton
George Washington Letter Signed ("Go: Washington").
One page of a bifolium with integral address leaf, 7 1/2 x 9
inches; "Head Quarters" [New Windsor]; "45 Minutes past 9
P.M.," June 23, [17]79. Written in Alexander Hamilton's hand as
Washington's aide-de-camp. Franked by Hamilton, "Public
Service," and docketed in another hand on the address leaf.A dramatic battlefield communication from George Washington to General Alexander McDougall, written in the midst of British preparations to threaten and potentially seize West Point, the most strategically vital position on the Hudson River. Washington writes, in full:
"Dr Sir
Half an hour ago I received your Note at eight P.M. In consequence of the intelligence Col. Butler communicates I have directed General Putnam to advance a brigade early in the morning to the Forest of Deane.
If you receive any further advice, you will be pleased instantly to give me notice of it; and at the same time, send a messenger to General Putnam, that he may be the more certain of receiving the speediest information.
I am Dr Sir
Your most Obedt. ser.
Go: Washington."
He adds a brief postscript: "I take it for granted you have given notice to the troops on the East side."
The letter was written during a moment of acute tension in the Hudson Highlands campaign. In early June 1779, British forces captured Stony Point and Verplanck's Point, positions located just over ten miles from West Point. Recognizing the danger, Washington shifted his army to Smith's Clove to monitor British movements and prepare for a possible assault on the fortress.
His correspondence was dated in hours and minutes, not days, as he readied his men for the attack. Later that same night, at approximately 10:30 P.M., Washington issued further instructions to General Israel Putnam via Hamilton, directing him to advance troops in response to reports that British forces were probing the river crossings: ...a party of the Enemy of about 400 Men were on the opposite side of the River apparently with a design to reconnoitre the landing. In consequence of this intelligence-[Washington] desires you will as soon as possible to morrow morning advance Genl Smallwood with his Brigade to the Forest of Deane."
As events unfolded, it became clear that the British were delaying a direct assault while awaiting reinforcements. Washington quickly adapted his strategy. On June 28, he ordered General Anthony Wayne to plan an offensive against Stony Point, leading to Wayne's celebrated nighttime assault on July 16, 1779, which successfully recaptured the position.
An exceptional and highly important association piece between two of the nation's Founding Fathers, relaying the events that led to the Battle of Stony Point.
Condition: Excellent. Flattened folds; light offset toning and minor foxing. Remnants of red sealing wax on the verso, with minor loss near the integral fold where letter was opened. Small pencil annotations near lower edge.
References: The Papers of George Washington, Revolutionary War Series, vol. 21, 1 June-31 July 1779, ed. William M. Ferraro. Charlottesville: University of Virginia Press, 2012, pp. 219-220.
Auction Info
2026 June 19 The John H. Freund Americana Collection Signature® Auction #6331 (go to Auction Home page)
Proxy Bidding Ends
June
19th
Friday
10:50 am CT
Auction Dates
June
19th
Friday
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17 Days
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(Lots 42001-42298) - 11:00 AM Central Time, Friday, June 19, 2026.
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