$4,200
Fitch, John IV (1756-1807) Revolutionary War Letters and Family Archive: Five letters written during the American Revolution, 1772-1780, some stained, one held together with tape, all with old folds, but legible; with a packet of 19th century letters and other material from the Fitch family. A letter dated November 20, 1776 contains an account of the British seizure of the American garrison at Fort Washington during the New York campaign. Fitch mentions Colonel Robert Magaw (1738-1790) and is quite explicit about Lambert Cadwalader's (1742-1823) cowardice. "Colonel Magaw went with a party to the lower lines where he got wounded and then this party was taken prisoner. Consequently, the command of the fort fell upon Colonel Cadwalader of Philadelphia who proved to be a rascal and acted coward as you will find. Immediately after Colonel Magaw and his party was cut off General Howe sent in a flag, a truce, demanding the fort and telling the commander that it was in vain to try to defend it for he must have it and would have it. With that, Colonel Cadwalader like a coward (as I told you before) delivered the fort into the hands of the enemy and presented themselves up prisoners of war. General Washington was in the fort when the attack began and insisted upon staying but was forced into a boat and carried into Fort Lee. Had he stayed the fort must certainly have been ours, but it was too great a risk had he been taken. Where should we have got another Washington." Fitch's lett Read more…
Auctioneer:
Skinner
Date:
2012-11-18
