Lot 83
[Bunker Hill] Henry Dearborn Answers Questions & Sketches the Battle (1751-1829) Physician, statesman, and veteran of the American Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. Holograph sketch of the Battle of Bunker Hill drawn by Major General Henry Dearborn, who was among the men of John Stark's regiment who fought at the rail fence during the Battle of Bunker Hill. Responding to a request from L.C. Ballard of Boston in 1818 (letter is present), Dearborn drew "a rough sketch from recollection" on 5½ x 7 inch paper. The sketch shows "Bunkers Hill," the famous rail fence along which the Americans were able to retreat and which prevented the encirclement of the hill, Breeds Hill, with a box around the "Red[oub]t, the British to its left and Breastwork to the right. The Mystic River is at the far right of the sketch.
Gen. Dearborn also writes two holograph pages, 7 x 5 inches, on pages three and four of a bifolium, answering questions posed by a Mr. Child on the first two pages, such as what the distinction was between the redoubt and the little fort near it, and if it was certain that the British kept firing as they advanced the second time and that they had no intention to attack with the bayonet at that time. Because of ink bleeding, Dearborn's writing is difficult to read, but he answers the first question at length, then writes, in part, "The fire from the British Troops commenced each time about the same time that the fire commenced from the Redoubt & rail fence…There was no appearance of any intention to use the bayonet until the reinforcements arrived & marched directly to the Southern angle of the redoubt &…carried the redoubt by assault with the bayonet." This lot includes three items: Dearborn's sketch, his two-page holograph reply, and the Nov. 9, 1818 letter from Mr. Ballard to General Dearborn. We have never before seen a sketch of Bunker Hill drawn by a participant in that battle.
Estimated Value $2,000 - 3,000,
Paul Richards, 1982,
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| Realized $7,800 |
