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1788 Military Appointment Letter of Protest to Francis Gurney at Philadelphia

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:450.00 USD Estimated At:600.00 - 800.00 USD
1788 Military Appointment Letter of Protest to Francis Gurney at Philadelphia
Federal Period
Rare 1788 Military Appointment Content Letter of Protest
June 13th, 1788-Dated Federal Period, Interesting Military Content, Manuscript Letter Signed, “Wm Lawrence” at Philadelphia, Integral Address Leaf, Choice Very Fine.
This original Letter is nicely written in deep bold brown ink by Captain William Lawrence to Colonell (sic) Francis Gurney Esqr., dated at Philadelphia, June 13th, 1788. (FRANCIS GURNEY) (1738-1815). Philadelphia Businessman, Civic Leader, and Revolutionary War Lieutenant Colonel, served from the French and Indian War to the Whiskey Rebellion in 1799, promoted to Pennsylvania Militia Brigadier General. This is a serious Letter of complaint brough to the attention of then Colonel Gurney, by Capt. Lawrence against another officer and his unworthy and/or perhaps in error, Military Appointment. It reads (with errors included), in full:

“Sir -- I think it my duty to Inform you, as Capt. Few Insists upon being the oldest Capt. in your Batallion that it is his Right and I Expect you will have the Matter Settled before the next field day. I was at Col. Henrys office & it Stands on his Book thus I was Elected Capt. April 7th 1786, (Capt.) Few the Same day was Elected Lieut. an order was Issued to hold an Election of Capt. in the Room of Capt. Mifflin on the 28th of August (17)86 ... When Lieut. Few was chosen Capt. in the Stead of Mifflin Now he was Chose 4 months and 21 days after me. I think it is Very Extra-ordinary that he should insist on being an Elder Capt. than me. Conclude relying on your Seeing me one Justice. -- Your Humble Servant -- PS - If there is a mistake in Councilsdating his Commission, I think that should not make me loose my Rank, as Col. Henry, Book with thus it was a mistake in the date. Philad. June 13th 1788 - (Signed) Wm. Lawrence”.

Lieutenant Colonel Francis Gurney (1738 - 1813). Philadelphia Businessman, Patriot Civic Leader and Officer during the Revolutionary War commanding the 11th Pennsylvania Regiment. Gurney also served during the French and Indian War, participating in the Canadian campaign in action against the French West Indies islands and in the capture of Guadeloupe. Gurney was wounded at Iron Hill on September 3, 1777, in an action preceding the Battle of Brandywine. On October 22, 1777, he resigned his commission and returned to Philadelphia and his career as a merchant. During the Whiskey Rebellion, his military services were again called upon. Gurney led 600 Militia against rebelling farmers in Western Pennsylvania.