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Auction: 313 - Numismatic Collector's Series - Ft. Worth, TX
Lot: 1427

American Revolution: Robert Howe American Revolutionary general (1732-86); in command of the Southern theater, he suffered from clashes with local politicians over command of militia, hampering his effectiveness; led the Continental espionage network in the Hudson Highlands; put down a rebellion of soldiers in 1783. Rare lengthy Autograph Letter Signed "R. Howe" as major general, 3-1/2 pages, legal folio, Hudson Highlands, (NY), January 7, 1780. He thanks Mr Wadsworth for his letter, but "I have my doubts...I had every reason to think it was safe on the 10th & then in high Spirits & in no immediate...danger, as it would have taken more time to adjust the...ceremonies of surrender than two days, nor do I think it is believ´d to be thus, in New York, for my spies, one of which was in there only yesterday morning, say it is not credited, tho´ they...are preparing...the Patriots in Every state...if they do not exert themselves, our situation will be more d(?) not to say alarming..." He asks Wadsworth for supplies, for "we are hungry, and consequently not very Delicate, and tho´ fair Beef and middling Beef is Better than poor beef, yet poor Beef is better than none. I was (when I applied to you) as confident of having your exertions in favour of the Army, as I am of your continuing them..." Toned, with edge wear including one corner out, and partial fold separation, but VG. Howe´s handwriting and thick quill make for some detective work for the reader. A fascinating letter with Howe´s spies´ news out of British-held New York.

Sold for
$1,000