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Lot 939
Washington, George (1732-1799) Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army; 1st President of the United States (1789-1797). LS ("G: Washington") six months after he was sworn in as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army, in the hand of Washington's personal secretary, Robert Hanson Harrison. (he resigned in March 1781 to become chief justice of the General Court of Maryland, and was one of Washington's first six appointees to the U.S. Supreme Court, which, although confirmed by the Senate, he was forced to decline because of ill health), 1½pp (recto/verso) with integral leaf, 12¼" x 7¾", Cambridge (Massachusetts), 1776 Jan. 10. Written to "My Lord," General William Alexander, better known as Lord Stirling, regarding British fleet movements and the necessity of protecting New York City and Long Island because of their strategic importance, and orders issued to General Charles Lee for the defense of New York. Fine condition with a beautiful, large signature. Housed in a custom-made navy case.
In full: "My Lord Having received undoubted Intelligence of the fitting out of a Fleet at Boston, & of the embarkation of Troops from thence, which from the Season of the year and other circumstanes must be destined for some Expedition South of this; and having such Information as I can rely on, that the Inhabitants of Long Island or a great part of them, are inimical to the rights & liberties of America, & by their conduct & professions have discovered an apparent inclination to assist in Subjugating their countrymen & fellow citizens to the System of tyranny, administration are attempting to establish; there is the greatest reason to apprehend, that this Armanent, If not immediately designed against the City of New York, is nevertheless Intended for Long Island.
Knowing it to be of the last importance to the Interest of America, to prevent the Enemy from getting possession of these places, and the North River, which would give them the command of the Country and a free communication with Canada, I have dispatched General Lee with Orders to repair to New York, with such Volunteers as he can raise on his way (having no Troops to spare from hence) to put the City & the Fortifications up the River in the best posture of defence, the season & situation of affairs will admit of, and for taking proper steps against such persons on Long Island & elsewhere, whose conduct hath rendered them suspected of designs, unfriendly to the views of Congress. I have directed him to apply to you for the Troops of New Jersey in the Continental pay or such of them as he may think necessary for effecting the purposes of his going, which are under your command. I beg and am assured that you will afford him every assistance in your power, for facilitating their business, as far as may be consistent, or not repugnant to the orders you shall have received from Congress, and with all possible expedition. I am my Lord with much esteem Your Obed. Servt. G: Washington."
General Charles Lee was given the task of fortifying and defending New York against the expected British invasion. In this letter, Washington commands Lord Stirling, colonel of the First New Jersey Battalion, to cooperate with Lee. Ironically, Stirling would preside over Lee's court martial after the battle of Monmouth.
Washington himself arrived in New York on April 13, 1776, and reinforced fortifications there; however, because of the deep, navigable water surrounding New York, defending the city was untenable without control of the sea. The British, who had sailed to Halifax, Nova Scotia after evacuating Boston, did not make the expected attack on New York until the summer. They arrived at Staten Island, New York, on July 3, 1776, the day before the fledging United States declared their independence.
The battle of Long Island, also known as the battle of Brooklyn, was fought on August 27, 1776. Some 30,000 British troops and German mercenaries, faced an estimated 10,000 American troops. About half of Washington's army, led by Major General Israel Putnam, was deployed to defend Flatbush, while the rest held Manhattan. Sir William Howe landed at Gravesend while the British fleet under his brother, Admiral Richard Howe, shelled New York. Sir William's troops defeated American forces under John Sullivan and Lord Stirling and turned Putnam's left flank by using the lightly-defended Jamaica Pass. The 2,000 troops under Major Prescott's command sustained 90% casualties and the Americans were forced to withdraw to fortifications on Brooklyn Heights. Sir William, not wanting another Bunker Hill, decided to lay siege instead of storming Brooklyn Heights. During the night of August 29-August 30, 1776, aided by a fortuitous early-morning fog, more than 9,000 American troops evacuated Long Island for Manhattan, taking the British completely by surprise. The Americans retreated northward, fighting delaying actions at Harlem Heights, White Plains, and Fort Washington. Although the British captured New York City (holding it for the entire war) and went on to occupy Long Island, Washington saved his troops to fight again. He lost a battle but won the war.
This is a most historic letter presaging the first major battle in the American Revolutionary War after the Declaration of Independence, and the first battle in which an army of the United States ever engaged. Published in The Papers of George Washington, Revolutionary War Series, vol. 3, pp 63-64, and owned by the consignor since 1972.
Estimated Value $40,000 - 60,000.
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