LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2007 Oct. Marketplace Auction #87101  / 

90027

1778 Report by General Lachlan McIntosh

Currency:USD Category:Antiques Start Price:80.00 USD Estimated At:75.00 - 100.00 USD
1778 Report by General Lachlan McIntosh
<B>1778 Report of an Expedition Into Indian Territory.</B></I> One page, 8.25” x 13.25”, Ft. McIntosh, Beaver County, Pennsylvania, October 30, 1778, written by Lachlan McIntosh (the fort's namesake), to Colonel Van Liveringham of Berkley County, Virginia. General McIntosh led a quite an eventful life. Of particular note is that McIntosh and Button Gwinnett, bitter political rivals, fought a duel in which both men were wounded but Gwinnett later succumbed to his wounds and died. Gwinnett's allies had McIntosh charged with murder, but he was acquitted in the ensuing trial. George Washington, fearing Gwinnett's allies would take revenge on McIntosh, ordered him to report to Continental Army headquarters. He spent the winter of 1777-1778 with the Continental Army at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. In 1778, McIntosh was given command of the Western Department of the Continental Army. He restored order along the frontier and conceived a plan to attack the British stronghold of Fort Detroit. He established several new forts including Fort Laurens, named for his friend Henry Laurens, who had become President of the Continental Congress, and Fort McIntosh to prepare for the attack. The expedition against Fort Detroit was doomed however, and the troops were forced to turn back before reaching the fort. In this letter McIntosh speaks of some success in securing the Indian territory “<I>I have the pleasure to inform you that my plan of erecting posts in proper places, & securing as I go into the Indian Country, has its proper effect, and alarm the Savages much. Several Tribes have already applyed sic to me for peace, but have given them no encouragement yet…</B></I>” He complains that he might enjoy more success “<I>…but I fear I will be disappointed in my design by the shortness of the Term the Militia are Engaged for…</B></I>” The letter is generally toned with age with some foxing along the right margin. It has been tipped on at the left margin to a backing sheet and has the usual fold creases, else very good condition. <I>Ex. Henry E. Luhrs Collection.</B></I><BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Flat Material, Small (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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