Lot 341
Johnson, Sir William (1715-1774) British colonial official who came to America in 1738 to run his uncle's land holdings in the Mohawk Valley. He was a member of the Council of New York from 1750. In 1755 he was commissioned major general and sent againt Crown Point, then created baronet for his victory over the French under Dieskau. He was very successful in his dealing with the Indians and was superintendent of Indian affairs from 1756-1774. He founded Johnstown, New York, naming it after his son John. An early ALS ("Wm. Johnson"), written two years after Johnson's arrival in America, 1p plus integral address leaf, 8" x 6½", n.p., 1740 June 30. Addressed in Johnson's hand to Walter Butler at Fort Hunter. Very good; light toning and soiling; seal tear affects a couple of words of text. Johnson sends 32 shillings to Butler and assures him, "…beg ye never think it a trouble to me, to serve ye in any thing…in my power…."
Butler is best known for his part in one of the most notorious events of the American Revolution: the Cherry Valley Massacre on Nov. 11, 1778, in which Butler led his force of Butler's Rangers, along with Joseph Brant's Indians, killing 47 settlers, including 32 women and children. Butler was killed by a Mohawk ally of the Americans in 1781, during a skirmish after the battle of Johnstown. Fort Hunter, which was built in 1711 at the juncture of the Schoharie Creek and the Mohawk, was torn down in 1820 for the construction of the Erie Canal.
Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,500.
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| Realized $1,500 |
