LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2007 October Rare Books & Manuscripts #675  / 

30025

Henry Dearborn Manuscript Letter Signed

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:150.00 USD Estimated At:300.00 - 400.00 USD
Henry Dearborn Manuscript Letter Signed
<B>Henry Dearborn Manuscript Letter Signed</B></I> “<I>H. Dearborn</B></I>” as Secretary of War, one page, 8” x 9.5”. War Department, July 9, 1802. To General William Irvine. In full, “<I>I agree with you in opinion that it would be advisable to sell the Billingsport property, and vest the proceeds as you propose; but without Authority granted by law we cannot make a conveyance - In the mean time it may be well to convey what Iron and other moveable property there is at the place to Fort Mifflin or Philadelphia - I can conceive no advantage that can be derived from leasing it.</B></I>” Col. William Irvine was captured in Canada in 1776, remaining a prisoner of war until he was exchanged in 1778. He was appointed Brigadier General in 1779. Gen. Irvine had written to Dearborn from Philadelphia in his position as Superintendent of Military Stores (1801-1804). Captain Henry Dearborn had fought at Bunker Hill and was also captured in Canada, at the Battle of Quebec (December 31, 1775); he was exchanged in 1777. A colleague of Irvine's in the 3rd Congress (1793-1795), Dearborn served as Jefferson's Secretary of War from 1801-1809. A fort had been erected at Billingsport, New Jersey, in 1777 in accordance with plans prepared by General Kosciuszko. Its main purpose was to prevent the entrance of the British to Philadelphia. It was not sold, as suggested by Irvine, and was again occupied by U.S. troops in the War of 1812 during which time Major General Dearborn was in command of the northeast sector of the United States from the Niagara River to the New England coast. Although both Generals Dearborn and Irvine are best remembered for their military and government service, each was a physician by profession. Narrow mounting strip at edge on verso, slight separation at fold at right edge. Fine condition.<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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