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Sale 66
The Manuscript, Space, Stamp & Collectibles Auction
| Colonial and Revolutionary America |
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| Lot |
Photo |
Description |
Realized |
Lot 132 |
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[Revolutionary War] Waggon Master General's Calculations, Autograph Letter Signed by James Thompson, Waggon Master General, 12½ x 7¾ inches, Morris Town, Dec. 30, 1779. To Major General (Nathanael) Greene, with the heading, "Calculation of the Number of Waggoners necessary for a Brigade of the Army" and with a chart showing the numbers needed. In part: "Above is the principals I went on in the Calculation herewith sent, with respect to the number of Waggoners necessary for the Brigades, the Park of Artillery, Spare Ammunition QM Genl. stores, Commissary Genl. of Issues & Forage, with those of the Staff Commissary, Light Dragoons, Legion &c. are calculated nearly agreeable to the number employed [in] the Campaigns 1778 & 1779…." Thompson discusses pay for the officers and waggoners and the problems caused by getting "men from the Line, totally Ignorant of Horses, and driving…." and "the uneasiness it gives the Commander in Chief, the Officers commanding Brigades, when we come to draw at least thirty three men from each brigade, and upwards of two hundred from the Park, all which are strong robust men, consequently a great weakning of the Line…." The letter is clearly written, with only a few small edge chips. A rare, fascinating look at the logistics needed to run an army.
With the "Return of the D.W. Mst Genl., Waggon Conductors, Sub-Conductors and Waggoners employed with the Army. Also of those necessary to be engaged for the ensuing Campaign, with pay and Rations allowed each, at the Commencement of the present Contest." Signed by James Thompson and dated Dec. 30, 1779. The large return is in five pieces but easy to piece together and read.
Estimated Value $1,500 - 2,500,
Swann, 1977,
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| Realized
$1,800 |
Lot 133 |
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[Revolutionary War] Wagoneers Contract With the French Army, Manuscript Document Signed by ten wagoneers, one page, 13 x 8¼ inches, n.p., n.d. The men were engaged May 10, 16, 18, and 23 (1777), "We the Subscribers, do engage to serve with the French Army as Waggon drivers under the direction of Messrs. Wadsworth & Carter Agents to said Army during the Space of Nine Months or during the Campaing [sic] unless sooner discharged for which we are to receive the sum of Ten dollars p Month. The usual rations and alllowance of Spirits--and do acknowledge to have recvd the sums affixed to each of Our names as part of pay to commence from the date of signing this Instrument."
After the defeat of Burgoyne's army at Saratoga in October 1777, France decided that the fledgling United States might stand a chance against the British, and on February 6, 1778, she signed a Treaty of Alliance with the United States. French ships and troops began to arrive in the summer of 1778. This contract with the wagoneers is a reminder that wars cannot be won without clothing, feeding, arming, and transportation of troops. All are a vital part of warfare.
Estimated Value $600 - 800,
Paul Richards, 1982,
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| Realized
$600 |
Lot 134 |
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Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, Comte de (1725-1807) Commander of the French forces sent to aid America in the Revolutionary War; French and American forces jointly defeated Cornwallis at Yorktown. Previously he had served in the War of Austrian Succession and the Seven Years' War. Partly-printed Document Signed ("Comte de Rochambeau") as Marshal, Regiment of La Sarre, one page, 8¾ x 11½ inches, Huningue (Alsace), Sept. 21, 1764. Attractive, engraved military leave for Sergeant Jean Moreau to go to the Hôtel des Invalides (which had a hospital). Countersigned by the commander and major of the regiment and by the war commissioner. Light toning. The beautiful red wax seal is intact.
Estimated Value $400 - 600,
Goodspeeds, 1965,
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| Realized
$720 |
Lot 135 |
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Rutledge, Edward (1749-1800) Youngest Signer of the Declaration of Independence; 39th Governor of South Carolina. Document Signed ("Ed: Rutledge"), two pages plus integral leaf with docket, 13 x 8¼ inches, Charleston, April 20, 1795. In part, "Whereas my brother, John Rutledge stands bound to Thomas Parker in & by a certain Bond dated the thirteenth day of August, in the year of Our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety-two in the penal sum of Two thousand one hundred and twelve pounds eighteen shillings & four pence…the day of payment having elapsed the said Thomas Parker hath requested the said John Rutledge to secure him in the payment of said debt & it hath been agreed between the said parties that I should accordingly secure the same…." Several edge splits at folds, easily repaired. After signing the Declaration of Independence, Edward returned to South Carolina and took a seat in the state Assembly. He was a captain of militia and fought in the Battle of Beaufort in 1779. In 1780 he was captured by the British during the fall of Charleston and held prisoner until July 1781. Edward's brother, John (1739-1800) was a statesman, jurist, and President of the South Carolina General Assembly.
Estimated Value $500 - 750
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| Realized
$900 |
Lot 136 |
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Rutledge, John (1739 - 1800) Statesman, jurist, and President of the South Carolina General Assembly; brother of Signer Edward. Rare Autograph Letter Signed ("J: Rutledge"), four pages, 9 x 7½ inches, Charlestown (SC), Nov. 29, 1777. To The Honble Henry Laurens, Esq., giving details of a legal matter, news of the Revolution, dealings with American Indians, and congratulating Laurens on becoming President of the Continental Congress.
In part: "…I cannot as yet know why the appeal was not admitted, or, what are the contents of Mr. Moultries Letter…. I thank you for the copy of Mr. Dudlie's letter & really know not which to be most amazed at, his Villainy, or his Independence.- I think however, it was a pitiful Shift of General Howe's---How little does he yet know of America! Without Doubt, your Friends Letters accompanying this [not present] give you the Intelligence of an Embargo at Cape Tancers and Martinique, the American Vessels being ordered from the Cape, & any other News we have- I will therefore, only add, that Indian Affairs both as to Creeks & Cherokees, wear a favorable Aspect, & if we can keep'em supplied with Goods, I think they will continue peaceable- I am anxious to hear the Determination of Congress relating to the Southern Indian Trade---The Little Carpenter & Great Warrior are on their Way down, from Sondea, being very desirous to come to this Town. A Sloop is just arriving here, bound from Grenada to New York with 70 Puncheons of Rum & 6 Hogsheads of Sugar, for the King's Troops here. The Mate & Crew rose on the Captn, & brought her in here, so that, The Resolve of Congress, declaring Vessels & Cargoes, in such Circumstances, Prize, came opportunity. Give me Leave to congratulate you on being elected President of Congress---I know the Office will involve you in a Multiplicity of Business & and great Fatigue, but, you are a Man of Business, & will disregard Fatigue, when the Enduring it assists our Cause---The Choice affords me much Pleasure, because without Compliment, I am certain Congress have not a Member so fit for the Chair, & they have, in this Instance, not only shewn themselves sensible of Merit, but paid it due Honour. I should indeed lament your not being on the Floor, when Questions of Importance are in Debate, did I not presume, that such will always be first considered, in a Committee of the whole House. I am with great Esteem & Respect Sir, Yr. obed. Hble Servt J.Rutledge." Docketed in Laurens' hand: "Presdt Rutledge / 29 Novbr 1777/ Rec'd 21 Decem."
Henry Laurens served as President of the Continental Congress from November 1, 1777 to December 9, 1778. In the fall of 1780, as he returned from successfully negotiating support for the war with the Dutch, Laurens was captured by the British and thrown into the Tower of London. He was held until December 31, 1781, when he was exchanged for Major General Lord Cornwallis, who had recently lost the decisive Battle of Yorktown.
Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,500
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| Realized
$5,520 |
Lot 137 |
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Schuyler, Philip (1733-1804) American Revolutionary War officer; U.S. senator from New York; father-in-law to Alexander Hamilton. Autograph Document Signed ("Ph: Schuyler"), one page, 6¾ x 7¾ inches, Albany, July 8, 1793. Acknowledging receipt from John C. Schuyler of "six hundred and seventy six pounds three shillings and one penny half penny, by his bond and mortgage of this date…." One of the witnesses is a member of the powerful New York Van Rensselaer family, to which Schuyler's wife belonged. A few small pin holes and minor contemporary ink bleed.
Estimated Value $400 - 600,
Goodspeeds, 1966,
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| Realized
$240 |
Lot 138 |
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[Siege of Boston] 1775 Payment Request for Treating Soldiers, Manuscript document signed by John Green M.D., 3¾ x 10¼ inches, dated during the Seige of Boston. Dr. Green has submitted a payment request for medical services done from July 24-28, 1775 for "the Soldiers in the Continental Army," specifically for Lt. Asa Morris, of Captain Manning's Company, Colonel Ward's Regiment. The Continental Army was slow to pay. Written on the verso on May 7, 1776, Justice of the Peace Daniel Henshaw certifies that Dr. John Green appeared before him and swore that "there is due to him from the province of the Massachusetts Bay the Sum of Seven Pounds Eight Shillings & five pence according to the within Account." Fold down center, else in overall fine shape.
Asa Morris was a volunteer in Capt. Nathaniel Marcy's company, in the march from Woodstock for the relief of Boston at the time of the Lexington alarm in April, 1775. He enlisted again May 1st, and was appointed 2d Lieut. of the 7th company - Capt. Ephraim Manning - in the 3d regiment, under the command of General Putnam, and was with him at the battle of Bunker Hill. Lieut. Asa Morris died while in the service on July 30, 1775, Dr. Green's treatment not having been successful. Dr. John Green (1736-1799) took a prominent part in Revolutionary proceedings; in 1780 he became one of the selectmen of Worcester, the only physician who ever held that office in Worcester. Daniel Henshaw (1701-1781) was a patriot too old for active service but provided a substitute. His four sons were all officers in the Revolutionary War.
Estimated Value $400 - 600
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| Realized
$840 |
Lot 139 |
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[Siege of Boston] General Sullivan Plans to Use A Loyalist's Home, Original retained copy signed by Simon Tufts, agent in care of the estates of Colonel Isaac Royal, a Loyalist who fled the country at the outbreak of the Revolution, one page, 7½ x 6¼ inches (Medford), January 10, 1775. To General James Sullivan regarding the use of Isaac Royall's house. In part, "I have no Objection to your living in Coll; Royales House as you proposed; But it is beyond my Power to oblige you with the whole of the Furniture as you desired. For Mrs. Tufts tells me that there was no Linnen in the Trunk…it being mostly sent to Boston last Winter; but 3 or 4 Sheets & them poor ones left & little or no Table Linnen. If you can supply the Place of them, the other Articles you may have…." A brief postscript refers to payment for any damage to the furniture and house. Iron gall ink has eroded two crossed out words, else in overall fine shape.
After Royall fled to England, the General Court confiscated his estate. His mansion was used during the early months of the Revolution by Generals Lee, Stark, and Sullivan, and was visited by George Washington who, according to legend, interrogated two British soldiers in the Marble Chamber. After the Revolution, Washington's secretary, Colonel Cary, lived in the house for two years.
Estimated Value $400 - 600
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| Realized
$540 |
Lot 140 |
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Spencer, Joseph (1714-89) American Revolutionary War officer; delegate to the Continental Congress. He led the 2nd Connecticut Regiment at the Siege of Boston and in 1776 was promoted to major general under William Heath in the Eastern Division. In 1777 he cancelled a planned attack on the British in Rhode Island. After being censured by Congress, he demanded a court of inquiry and was exonerated but resigned his commission on June 14, 1778. Manuscript Document Signed ("Jos Spencer M:gl"), 5 x 7¼ inches, Head Quarters, Providence, April 4, 1778. Ordering Benjamin Stelle, Assistant Deputy Paymaster General, to pay "Heza. Bissell Two hundred and Ninety six Dollars, for and on Account of his Wages, as Depy Adj Genl to Majr Genl Spencer Command, from the 16th Novr. 1777 to the 12th of April instant…." Two months and ten days later, General Spencer would resign his commission and leave the Army. Fine; inlaid to slightly larger paper.
Estimated Value $400 - 600,
1966,
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| Realized
$240 |
Lot 141 |
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Stark, John (1728-1822) He was a Lieutenant in Rogers Rangers during the French and Indian War and served as a major general in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. He was famous for his leadership at the rail fence during the Battle of Bunker Hill and for winning the Battle of Bennington (Aug. 16, 1777). Manuscript Letter Signed as Colonel (of the 1st New Hampshire Regiment), 2½ x 6 inches, n.p. (during the invasion of Canada), May 7, 1776. To the General Court of the Colony of New Hampshire: "These may Certify That John Livingstone Served as an Armourer in my Regiment from the fourth day of May to the first day of August last." The dates given by Stark include his regiment's participation in the Battle of Bunker Hill and the Siege of Boston. Clean vertical split at center of text; paper fill at right corners, not affecting text or signature; document is affixed at margins to thicker 4 x 8 inch paper.
Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,500,
Goodspeeds, 1973,
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| Realized
$3,240 |
Lot 142 |
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Stephen, Adam (1718-91) Scottish-born doctor who served under George Washington in the French and Indian War and in the Revolutionary War. In October 1777, at the Battle of Germantown, his troops were involved in a friendly fire incident. During Stephen's court martial, he was found to have been drunk and was subsequently stripped of his command and cashiered out of the Army. He was the founder of Martinsburg, Virginia and in 1788 was a member of the Virginia convention that ratified the U.S. Constitution. Manuscript Document Endorsed and Signed as "paymaster of the Virga. forces," 4¼ x 8 inches, n.p., Jan. 6, 1755. A request "To Collo. Stephen" from Thomas Longden, "I am Indebted to Messrs Carlyle & Dalton Nine pounds Eleven Shillings, please to deduct out of my pay after the rate of Two pounds, each two months till discharges of the said debt…."
Estimated Value $400 - 600,
Joe Rubinfine, 1981,
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| Realized
$252 |
Lot 143 |
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Sullivan, John (1740-95) Revolutionary War officer; member of First and Second Continental Congress but was appointed brigadier general and left for the Siege of Boston. He fought at Quebec, Long Island (where he was captured), Trenton and Princeton. He was often in conflict with Congress. In 1779, he led American forces in a scorched-earth campaign against Mohawk Chief Joseph Brant and the Iroquois Nation and their British and loyalist allies along the Pennsylvania-New York border. He was President (Governor) of New Hampshire 1886-88 and 1789-90. Autograph Letter Signed ("Jno Sullivan") as New Hampshire's attorney general, one page, 7½ x 6 inches, Durham, Oct. 17, 1785. To Capt. Nathan Nichols, ordering him to pay Mr. Samuel Hill thirty-two pounds eight shillings "which shall be in full for the hundred Dollars I advanced for you…." Very good; folds and toning; affixed at four corners to a slightly larger sheet. Boldly penned and signed.
Estimated Value $800 - 1,000
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| Realized
$480 |
Lot 144 |
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Townshend, Charles (1725-67) British politician who, as Chancellor of the Exchequer, originated the Townshend Acts, passed by the English Parliament in 1767, and designed to collect revenue from the American colonies by putting duties on imports of glass, lead, paints, paper, and tea. These Acts and the resulting boycott of English goods by Boston merchants, were factors in the start of the American Revolution. Autograph Letter Signed with his initials ("C.T."), as Secretary at War, one page, 12½ x 8 inches, n.p., c. 1761-62. To his brother George (1724-1807), after receiving the news from Lord Bute of George's appointment to the military staff in Portugal (in 1762 George took command of a division of the Anglo-Portuguese army which was protecting Portugal from France and Spain). Charles Townshend tells his brother, "…the King announced it to me in the most gracious manner….I was surprised to hear things so rapidly decided…The Troops are talked of for immediate execution but I know this to be impossible….The expense is dreaded; the Treaty disputed; the force ridiculed….In my opinion things are in suspense but…the Embarkation is preparing…." The letter has a couple of edge splits and some mounting remnants down one edge of verso. George would be appointed Lord Lieutenant of Ireland in 1767, promoted general in 1782 and field-marshal in 1796.
Estimated Value $600 - 800,
Goodspeeds, 1970,
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| Realized
$360 |
Lot 145 |
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Vane, Sir Henry and Robert Rich, Second Earl of Warwick, Manuscript Document Signed "H. Vane" as a member of Parliament and "Warwicke" as commander of the fleet, one page, 11¾ x 7½ inches, May 21, 1646. "By the Comittee of 'Lords and Comons' for the Admlty and Cinque ports," addressed "To our very Loving freinds the Commissioners of his Ma[jes]ty[s] Navy," advising that the captain of the ship Cornucopius "hath aboard the said ship but five weekes provision of fish from the first of this instant: and ordering that a supply of fish should be speedily sent to Guernsey "that shee may bee inabled thereby to continue her attendance there." Other members of Parliament who signed are John Rolle, Giles Grene, John S. Prince, and Alex Bence. Very good; overall toning and scattered foxing.
Vane (1613-62) served as colonial governor of Massachusetts in 1636. He championed religious freedom and supported the founding of Rhode Island and Harvard College. Because of his participation in Cromwell's Protectorate, he was tried for treason and beheaded on June 14, 1662 after Charles II was restored to the throne. Robert Rich, Second Earl of Warwick (1587-1658) was a Puritain and one of the most powerful landowners in England. He took part in various colonial ventures, including obtaining the patent for the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1628 and the founding of Rhode Island in 1644. He opposed Charles I and introduced the bill of attainder by which the Earl of Strafford was condemned to death. His grandson married Cromwell's daughter.
Estimated Value $500 - 750
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| Realized
$300 |
Lot 146 |
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Von Steuben, Friedrich Wilhelm Augustus (1730-94) Prussian officer recommended by Franklin to Washington; designated Inspector General and trained the Continental Army at Valley Forge; a close friend of Washington. He wrote Regulations for the Order and Discipline of the Troops of the United States (1778-79). Autograph Document Signed ("Steuben"), 6 x 7¾ inches, in French, "New"[burgh?], June 18 (tear in docket affects year). Von Steuben writes, "My Friend! Have the goodness to give to the bearer Toussaint Lopes an order for ten pounds and you will oblige your affectionate friend Steuben." Some show-through from contemporary figures on verso, not affecting Steuben's signature.
Estimated Value $800 - 1,000,
Goodspeeds, 1964,
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| Realized
$720 |
Lot 147 |
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Ward, Artemas (1727-1800) American Revolutionary War commander; named commander-in-chief of the Massachusetts Bay militia in 1774; on June 16, 1775 made second in command to George Washington in the Continental Army; commanded Eastern Department from April 1776 until March 1777 when he resigned from the Army because of his health. He served in the U.S. House of Representative from 1791 until 1795. Autograph Letter Signed, one page, 7¼ x 6 inches, Shrewsbury, Dec. 6, 1788. With integral address leaf in Ward's hand. To attorney Dwight Foster, informing him that Ward has "obtained a Justice Commission for Thomas Hale, Junr. of Brookfield….I paid nine Shillings to the Secretary…which sum he will refund to me when he receives the Commission…." Seal tear at right edge affects two letters of text; otherwise, fine.
Estimated Value $700 - 900,
Goodspeeds, 1968,
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| Realized
$660 |
Lot 148 |
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Wayne, Anthony (1745-96) American Revolutionary War officer; known as "Mad Anthony." Autograph Letter unsigned, one page, 12 x 7½ inches, Head Quarters (near Savannah, Georgia), Feb. 27, 1782. To Major (Francis) Moore, with short and clear instructions on how to conduct a guerilla campaign. "You will please to take charge of the Detachment of Infantry, composed of [Lt. Col. James] Jackson & the Militia, you are by no means, to have any fixed or local position, but shift your camp every evening after sun set, --if any opening offers to strike a party of the enemy; you will embrace it without risking too much.--Should you obtain timely notice of the advance of any adverse party of Horse, or Foot--too powerfull for you--try to draw them on, sending me Intelligence, in the Interim, to the end that I may prevent their retreat, or cover you.--You will ration the Troops, and forage the necessary Horse in a manner, the least distressing to the Inhabitants, giving Certificates to every Person from whom its taken; and use every exertion to prevent the pernicious practice of marauding.--Your own good Judgement will Inform you that the extreme of Caution is necessary to guard against a surprise.--Let me know from time to time, where you are to be found.--and believe me your most obdt. Humble Servant. P.S…mount 5 or 6 of the most trusty soldiers, to serve as Espresses." Docketed "27th Feby 1782 to Major Moore"; one fold split to integral leaf. Wayne's instructions are clearly and boldly written.
After the defeat of Cornwallis at Yorktown in 1781, the British still occupied Charleston and Savannah. General Nathanael Greene, who commanded the Department of the South, sent General "Mad Anthony" Wayne to Savannah in January 1782 to drive out the British. Wayne's army was too small to assault Savannah so other tactics had to be used. Major Moore was killed on April 12 while attacking a group of Loyalists and Indians led by Capt. Donald Cameron. The formal surrender of Savannah occurred on July 11, 1782. In appreciation of Wayne's service, Georgia appropriated 3900 guineas to purchase an estate for him.
Estimated Value $2,000 - 3,000,
The Rendells, 1973,
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| Realized
$4,800 |
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