Description:

Henry Dearborn ALS Requesting Supplies After the Battle of Yorktown

1p, measuring 8.125" x 12.5", Head of Elk, Maryland, docketed November 13, 1781. Signed twice, first "H. Dearborn, Lt. Col. QM" at the conclusion of the letter and second "HD" at the end of the postscript. Written by Lieutenant Colonel Henry Dearborn, in his capacity as George Washington's quartermaster, to Colonel Henry Hollingsworth, concerning the army's need for cattle and forage on their return from the Yorktown Campaign. Reads in full:

"Sir - The Army (which I expect will be at this place within two or three days, at farthest) on its arrival will be in want of provision, forrage, & teams. - being informed that those matters are under your direction as an officer of this State, have no doubt but you will take the necessary measures for furnishing those supplies. - I think one hundred & fifty beef cattle will be necessary to drive on with the Army when it marches from hence, which expect will be within three or four days. The quantity of forrage Col. Yates has requested of you I imagine will be sufficient, short feed is of great importance to us. - thirty four horse teams at least will be wanted, & if they are not procured by you or Col. Yates, we shall be under the disagreeable necessity of making use of the authority of the Army for procuring them, which will perhaps distress many of those individuals which have contributed their full proportion to us and the support of the Army, whilst others that have done very little, go free; - not doubting but that you will make every action in your power to furnish the above mentioned articles. - - - I am with great respect your Obedient, Humble Servant H. Dearborn Lt. Col. DQM. P.S. 20 waggon loads of straw will be absolutely necessary for the horses... HD" This letter has a number of holes from the wax seal and some fold separations, all of which have been reinforced with cloth tape. Some paper loss at the top has removed most of the date, but the date is clearly written in the docketing on the back of this letter. Light toning throughout. There is a small tear in the lower right corner which passes through the "Lt" in Dearborn's signature.

A historical and important letter, signed by one of George Washington's most trusted officers, just after the Battle of York Town, which caused the greatest British surrender and won the Revolutionary War for America. Henry Dearborn (1751-1829) had a long military career, fighting at Ticonderoga, Freeman's Farm and Saratoga. He joined George Washington's main army at Valley Forge as a Lieutenant Colonel, where he spent the winter of 1777–1778. Dearborn later commanded the ill-fated American attempt to capture Canada during the War of 1812. He also served as Secretary of War under Thomas Jefferson.

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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