Lot 942
(Washington, George) "Biography of Washington in Notes written by himself upon a Sketch made by Col. D. Humphries--. Copied from the original autograph of Washington in possession of the late Mrs. Humphries. J.P." This is the inscription on the wrappers of the manuscript notes, 22¼ ruled pages, 9¾" x 7¼", n.p., n.d. The notes, aside from the answers to a few questions about his early life [questions not present] pertain to Washington's early military career, specifically his expedition in the spring of 1754 to attempt to establish a post at the forks of the Ohio (the current site of Pittsburgh) before the French reached it, only to learn that the French had beat him there and established a post they called Du Quesne. Washington fell back to Great Meadows and he recounts details of his troops' attack of a Frenc scouting party, including having one horse killed from under him and two wounded, a ball through his hat and several others through his clothing, but escaping unscathed.The notes also mention an incident in which some of his men were killed by friendly fire, but nowhere is Washington's capitulation to the French mentioned. It is stated that Washington resigned his military commission because of "an inveterate disorder in his Bowels" and because he had "seen quiet restored…to the Frontiers…."
A note in "J.P.'s" hand at the bottom of page one states, "The word his in the original appears to have been altered from my, in order to accommodate it to Col. Humphreys work." A statement at the end of the notes says that "The information given in these sheets--tho related from memory…is believed to be depended upon…." and requests that after Col. Humphries has abstracted what he deems proper, "that the whole of what is here contained may be returned to GW, or committed to the flames…." The wrappers are ragged at the right margin and have a damp stain at the top edges, not affecting the notes, which are lightly toned but otherwise fine.
Our thanks to Ted Crackel and his colleagues at the Papers of George Washington who identified "J.P." as John Pickering (1777-1846), son of Timothy Pickering. John was in the diplomatic corps and a linguist. He acquired Col. Humphreys papers in 1829 from Mrs. Humphreys.
Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,500.
|
| |
| Unsold |
