Lot 1166
Revolutionary War Steel Engravings: "The Unfortunate Death of Major André" and "The Surrender of Earl Cornwallis". "The Unfortunate Death of Major André. (Adjutant General to the English Army) at Head Quarters in New York, Octr. 2, 1780, who was found within the American Lines in the character of a Spy." Engraving by Goldar after Hamilton, 11½ x 8". Ornate border; light stain at top left and small paper loss in upper right corner. George Washington offered to exchange André, who was captured behind enemy lines wearing civilian clothing, for the American traitor Benedict Arnold, and called André "more unfortunate than criminal, An accomplished man and a gallant officer." The second steel engraving is "The Surrender of Earl Cornwallis…" Engraved by Thornton after Hamilton, 14¼ x 9". Some damage at upper edge and thinning, with a couple of small tape repairs on verso at far right edge. Cornwallis, pleading illness, did not attend the surrender ceremony, but sent his second-in-command, General Charles O'Hara, to carry his sword to the American and French commanders. Washington, refusing to accept the insult, sent General Benjamin Lincoln to accept it. A pair of fine black and white steel engravings. Estimated Value $500 - UP
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| Realized $313 |
