Auction Date:2011 Jun 15 @ 18:00 (UTC-05:00 : EST/CDT)
Location:5 Rt 101A Suite 5, Amherst, New Hampshire, 03031, United States
ALS - Autograph Letter Signed
ANS - Autograph Note Signed
AQS - Autograph Quotation Signed
AMQS - Autograph Musical Quotation Signed
DS - Document Signed
FDC - First Day Cover
Inscribed - “Personalized”
ISP - Inscribed Signed Photograph
LS - Letter Signed
SP - Signed Photograph
TLS - Typed Letter Signed
British soldier turned Virginia planter (1732-1782) and Continental Army officer in the Revolutionary War. Lee is most notorious for his actions during the Battle of Monmouth, where he disobeyed orders from George Washington and retreated directly into the general and his advancing troops, earning Lee a public rebuke. Lee was court-martialed for ‘inappropriate language’ and relieved of command for one year. Revolutionary War-dated ALS, one page both sides, 6.25 x 7.75, March 22, 1778. Prisoner Charles Lee writes from British-occupied New York City to John Thomas in Bedford, New York, concerning a prisoner exchange. In full: “Mr. Nehemiah Marshal of N. Rochelle has been let out on his parole and will be totally liberated but on condition that Isaac Gidney of Rye Neck is exchanged for him–this Gidney is suppos’d to be Prisoner at Hartford in Connecticut. As I am engagd in honors and as Mr Marshal is so importantly interested in it I must request that you will address a letter on the Subject to Hartford in my name–and request that Gidney may be immediately sent into N York and you will oblige, Sir, your Most Obedt humble Servt.” Accompanied by a similar size address leaf, addressed in Lee’s hand to Thomas. In very good condition, with a couple small separations along intersecting folds, scattered toning and soiling, and light show-through from writing on opposing sides.
John Thomas, the recipient of this letter, was a member of the ‘Committee who represent the Inhabitants of West Chester County.’ Isaac Gidney, referenced here by Lee as he was held in British hands, was a Rye loyalist who was among those who had earlier signed a resolution declaring their ‘great desire and full resolution to live and die peaceable subjects to our gracious sovereign King George the Third, and his laws.’ Despite Lee’s efforts here to exchange Gidney for another prisoner and provision “that Gidney may be immediately sent into N York,” he did not return to the British-occupied city. Rather, he went to his home in Mamaroneck...where he was soon recaptured by American troops. An intriguing ‘behind the scenes’ look at prisoners of war during the revolution.
Auction Location:
5 Rt 101A Suite 5, Amherst, New Hampshire, 03031, United States
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