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George Washington Revolutionary War Letter Signed ...
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Description
George Washington Revolutionary War Letter Signed "Go: Washington." One page, 7.25" x 9", Camp near Pots Grove; September 25, 1777. The body of the letter was written by Washington's military chief of staff Robert Hanson Harrison. Addressed to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, who was moving west from New York to reinforce Washington against the British. Washington carefully instructs McDougall's movements in this letter, lest he get ambushed as General Anthony Wayne had in the Paoli Massacre only five days earlier. Letter reads in full:"I was favoured with yours by the Bearer of this. I wish you to proceed with your Detachment to the best ground near Markley's about two miles below Pennibeckers Mill on the Skippack Road & there remain for further Orders. From the present view of things, I think, I shall join you there or somewhere near It, with this Army. Mr. Thomas, who has this in charge, says he is well acquainted with the Rout from your present post to Pennibeckers Mill, tho he does not know Markley. You will, I am certain, make every necessary inquiry & disposition & keep the most vigilant lookout. P.S. I have sent you a map by Mr. Thomas."
Unfortunately for Washington, the British would capture the city of Philadelphia the following day, after his defeats at the Battle of Brandywine and the Battle of the Clouds. Thankfully, the Patriot government deprived the British of a decisive victory by moving the Continental Congress to the city of York just one week before Philadelphia was taken. The British would occupy the city until June 18, 1778.
Condition: Flattened mail folds, with chipping at the edges of folds and archival repair to verso. Light toning throughout. Clear signature.
Auction Info
2020 November 12 Historical Manuscripts Signature Auction - Dallas #6228 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
November, 2020
12th
Thursday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 14
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
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