Lot 67
Lee, Charles (1731-1782) Born in England, he fought in the French and Indian War and was a Revolutionary War major general, second in command to Washington. His capture by British troops in 1776 and his retreat during the Battle of Monmouth led to a court-martial and removal from the army and prompted historians to question his allegiance to his adopted country.
Autograph Letter Signed ("Cha: Lee"), 2 pages, recto and verso, with 8¾ x 7¼ in., Jan 12, 1762 as Major in the British Army. Addressed in his hand on integral address leaf "To The Earl of Shelbourne" and docketed in another hand, "Jan. 12. 1762 --"Proposal For Raising Regiment in N. America…" In part: "…your Lordship's goodness and generosity of temper encourage me to take a liberty which I wou'd scarcely take with any other man living…some time ago Upton presented the inclos'd proposals to Lord Bute, who did not seem to disapprove…since the declaration of the Spanish war seems to relish 'em as of more obvious utility, his greatest objection, I believe, is an unwillingness to enter upon this measure without the concurrence of Mr. Amherst….I…apply to your goodness…that this scheme may be patroniz'd…." Boldly penned and signed. Archival reinforcement at centerfold. Unable to gain the approval he sought, Lee served as a major in the Portuguese army fighting in Spain in 1762. In 1773, he emigrated to America.
Estimated Value $1,250 - 1,550.
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