|
Sale 82
|
|
press UP arrow key to increase the zoom ratio.
press DOWN arrow key to decrease the zoom ratio.
press RIGHT arrow key to increase the zoom window size.
press LEFT arrow key to decrease the zoom window size.
|
|
Lot 791
Lee, Richard Henry (1732-94) Signer of the Declaration of Independence from Virginia. At the Second Continental Congress, on June 7, 1776, it was Lee who proposed the dissolution of all ties with Great Britain. The resolution read: "Resolved: That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved." The motion was seconded by John Adams. Lee had returned to Virginia by the time Congress voted on and adopted the Declaration of Independence, but he signed the document when he returned to Congress. Lee served as President of the Congress for the term of 1784-85. While he was President, legislation was passed which tied the United States Dollar to the Spanish Dollar as the national currency. Although he was elected to the Constitutional Convention, he would not attend because there was no bill of rights. He resigned from Congress in 1792, one year after the Bill of Rights was incorporated into the Constitution.
Autograph letter signed, 2pp (recto and verso of one page), 13½ x 8¼", Philadelphia, Sept. 15, 1776. Six weeks after signing the Declaration of Independence (Aug. 2, 1776), Lee writes in great detail to Patrick Henry (who is unnamed, but see "Letters of Delegates to Congress," Vol. V, pp174-176), discussing the battle of New York, preparations for war in France and Spain, and what the colonies will need to prosecute the war. In part:
"…We still continue here in anxious suspense about the event of things in N. York. Since the removal of our troops from Long Island nothing of consequence hath happened, but the enemy shew by their motions a design to land their Army above ours on the Tongue of land upon which stands the city of N York. Their design being foreseen, I hope it may be prevented if the large and frequent desertions of the Militia do not weaken us too much. The enemies force is very considerable, it being by the best accounts about 24,000 men, besides their Canada Army which is about 7,000, opposed by 13,000 of our people under the command of Gen.l Gates, who with a superior Marine force on Lake Champlain appears not to be apprehensive of injury from that quarter in this campaign. Lord Howes great powers to do us good have lately been bared to public view as you will see by the Congress publication of a conversation between his Lordship and a Committee of their body lately on Staten Island. The Tories are almost driven out of their last holds but still they say 'Lord Howe could not be expected to produce his powers, when such strong Independents as Franklin & Adams were sent to him.'…The conduct of the Militia has been so insufferably bad, that we find it impossible to support the war by their means and therefore a powerful army of regular troops must be obtained or all will be lost. It seems to be the opinion that each state should furnish a number of Batallions proportionate to its strength, appoint all the officers from the Colonel downwards, and the whole be paid by the Continent….I verily believe that all the submission, art and management of G. Britain cannot much longer prevent a war with France. When we consider the water accessibility of our Country, it is most clear that no defence can avail us so much as a Marine one….And of all sea force practicable that of Gallies is the cheapest and the best. I wish therefore most earnestly that my Countrymen at their next meeting in General Assembly may early direct the immediate building of 10 or 12 large sea Gallies upon the plan of these large ones now building here by Congress, to carry two 32 pounders at the Bow, two in the stern, and 10 sixpounders on the sides, to row with 40 oars, and be manned with an hundred men. These placed between the middle ground and Cape Charles near to a fine harbour in the Eastern shore, will secure our Bay against everything but line of battle Ships, keep open our trade, and secure our shortes better than 50,000 men….If the Forge and foundery on James River be well attended to, we may easily and quickly be furnished with plenty of Cannon. I pray you, Sir, to consider this matter…."
Overall toning; two small areas of paper loss, professionally repaired, affect a few words of text. Full transcript available upon request. This is one of the most, if not the most, important Richard Henry Lee autograph letters signed in private hands.
Estimated Value $40,000 - 60,000.
|
| |
| Realized $19,250 |
|
