Lot 122
McHenry, James (1753-1816) Revolutionary soldier and surgeon; aide to Washington; signer of the U.S. Constitution; Secretary of War (1796-1800). Fort McHenry in Baltimore is named after him. Autograph Letter Signed, three-page draft, Princetown, Aug. 18, 1783. To "My Dear General" (Washington) regarding the fate of the widow of a French soldier who had served in the American Revolution:
In part: "My Dear General, I am going to receive your thanks for putting it in your power to do good. A Miss Howard, a citizen of Annapolis, of an amicable character and reputable connections married a Cap.n Le Vacher de Vanbrun, a French gentleman. The Cap.n served with reputation in our army from the year 1776 till the capture of Lord Cornwallis when he obtained a furlough to visit France. He embarked on the Favorite which vessel has been lost. I am told that his father …died about eighteen months since, leaving a large estate to Capn Le Vacher and his two sisters. This application is to enable you to speak of Madam Le Vacher as every way worthy of inheriting the property that is devolved to her husband….With the greatest regard and attachment I have the honor to be, my dear General, your old aid de camp & hbl. svt. " Boldly penned and signed, with numerous holograph corrections. Although the general to whom McHenry writes is not named, the fact that McHenry refers to himself as "your old aid de camp" leaves little doubt that he is writing to General George Washington.
Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,250
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| Realized $1,200 |
