Lot 148
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 |
