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George Washington ALS

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:1,000.00 USD Estimated At:NA
George Washington ALS
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George Washington autograph letter signed as First Commander in Chief of the Continental Army, dated 29 August 1783, from Rocky Hill, Princeton. Written as the Articles of Peace were being agreed upon and just five days before the Treaty of Paris was signed, Washington's handwritten letter discusses the negotiations on the removal of British troops from American western frontier forts. As the letter was written, Washington's inspector general, General Baron von Steuben had returned from Canada, where he was attempting to demobilize British frontier posts in Canada, though with little success. Letter reads in full: ''Dear Sir, I have been duly favored with your letter of the 15th covering the extract of a letter from Lieut. Colonel DePeyster and the copy of the letter from Brig. Genl. McLean - I have also just heard of the return of Baron Steuben without having been able to accomplish the business of his mission - In consequence of which, and of the advanced season of the year, I have judged it impossible to take possession of the Western Posts this fall; and have directed the movement of troops to be suspended accordingly - Nothing now remains to be done, but the prosecution of the works of clearing land and water communications, and making sluices (if you have time) in the [?], and of erecting the Buildings at Fort Schuyler, which I wish you would still take the trouble of having completed - I am Dear Sir With Great Affection, Your Most Obd. Servt., G. Washington''. Though the British did initially agree to vacate the forts located in the western United States as part of the treaty, once it was signed, they refused to do so for 11 more years until the eventual signing of the Jay Treaty. Letter measures 8'' x 12.75'', on two pages front and verso. Dampstaining across the top border and very light toning throughout. Overall in near fine condition with a clear, bold signature. Exceptionally important letter of America's burgeoning independence.