Lot 417

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Description:

George Washington Superb Letter Re: Battle of Yorktown Giving Thanks for "advantage obtained over the enemy, as it exhibits a noble proof of that ardor & spirit in the allied troops”

WASHINGTON, GEORGE. Letter Signed, "Go: Washington", 2 pp., recto and verso of a single sheet,  "Head Quarters" [near Yorktown, VA], October 4, 1781.  Body of letter in the hand of Jonathan Trumbull, Jr.  Docketed on verso.  Overall light toning, expected paper folds, three of the four edges are a little ragged. There are some stray pencil inscriptions. The letter is housed in a lovely clamshell case which measures 8.25" x 12", there are a few scuffs to the case covers. Else near Fine.

Letter to Brigadier General George Weedon, congratulating Weedon the day after a skirmish with Banastre Tarleton. On October 4, a week into the siege of Yorktown, the British colonel Banastre Tarleton led a foraging party out of Gloucester, VA. They were soon driven back within their lines with heavy losses by the French troops in Lauzun's Legion. Weedon, who was Lauzun's American counterpart in this part of the line, reported the news to General Washington, bringing this enthusiastic response: "I am much obliged by the communication of the intelligence which you have this day given me. The information is very pleasing, and the advantage obtained over the enemy, as it exhibits a noble proof of that ardor & spirit in the allied troops, which has long wished for an opportunity to display itself, so in its consequences, it may prove very interesting in the course of our operations."

The remainder of the letter asks Weedon to find a more efficient route for delivering his messages, given the increased French control of the river: "I fancy as the ships now lye, the distance might be much shortened." With the siege entering its final two weeks, Washington points out that "As the necessity of frequent & expeditious communications with your side will probably increase, & may be of the utmost importance, it is a matter of great consequence to find out the shortest rout possible for our expresses."

Published in Fitzgerald, Writings of Washington, 23:173-4. 

This superb letter sold for nearly $30,000 at Swann Auction Galleries in 2012.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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January 6, 2021 10:30 AM EST
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

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$50,000 + $5,000