$12,300
Washington, George (1732-1799) Letter Signed, Headquarters, Passaic Falls, New Jersey, 23 November 1780. Single leaf inscribed on one page, to Major Judah Alden (1750-1845), in the hand of Tench Tilghman (1744-1786), with one line in Washington's hand (the line in question appears in italics in the transcription below); evenly toned, backed with Japanese tissue, from the collection of Frederick S. Peck, Belton Court, Barrington, Rhode Island, published in Autograph Letters of George Washington , 1932 (pp. 20-21); 8 1/4 x 13 1/4 in. "Sir, I impart to you in confidence that I intend to execute an enterprise against Staten Island tomorrow night, for which reason I am desirous of cutting off all intercourse with the Enemy on the East Side of the River. You will therefore tomorrow at Retreat beating set a guard upon any Boats which may be at the Slot on the Niack, and not suffer any to go out on any pretence whatever, till next morning--- Towards evening you will find a small party down to the Closter landings, and if they find any Boats there, you will give orders to have them scuttled in such a manner that they cannot be immediately used but to prevent a probability of it, the party may remain there till towards day light but are not to make fires or discover themselves and then return to your post. I depend upon the punctual observation of this order, and that you will keep the motive a secret. Acknowledge the rect. of this that I may be sure you have got it--- I am Sir, yr M Read more…
Auctioneer:
Skinner
Date:
2016-10-30
