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Auction: 284 - Bond, Share & Americana Mailbid & Internet Exclusive
Lot: 1243

American Revolution: Royalist Brooklyn Excellent ALS "Fred´k De Peyster / Asst. to the Hon´ble. Colo. [William] Axtell," 2pp, 4to, "Flat Bush / Jany. 24, 1779." De Peyster transmits Axtell´s orders to Captain Nicholas Schenck in the "Flatlands" [now Canarsie] to "warn Every and each Respective farmer in the District...that they Thrash all their Grain Viz. Wheat, Rye, and Oats & Cart the Straw Immediately to the Magazine at Brooklin. You will...acquaint them all that if they do not...their hole [sic] provinder Will be taken without fee or Reward and if on the Contrary Carted Immed., Certificates will be Given of the Quantity´s Receiv´d and payment made both for the Article and Transportation According to the Regulations Establish´d by His Excellency the Commander In Chief ..." He then commands Schenck to determine how much each farmer has, and to "Make your Return by Wednesday Noon." With integral address panel. Age-toned, with edge and fold wear including small holes where some folds meet, otherwise in very good condition. Schenck has apparently done some of his arithmetic for his returns on the blank verso of the address leaf. A great view of life in New York, which after the Battle of Long Island in 1776 became a Tory stronghold for the rest of the war. Once peace was reached, Axtell´s home was confiscated and he was forced, like many prominent Royalists, to return to England. Estimate US$ 100-150

Sold for
$200