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

30567

James Wilkinson Autograph Letter Signed; 1812

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:200.00 USD Estimated At:400.00 - 600.00 USD
James Wilkinson Autograph Letter Signed; 1812
<B>James Wilkinson Autograph Letter Signed Twice </B></I><I>"Ja Wilkinson" and "J.W.".</B></I> Two pages, 8.25" x 13.5", Head Quarters, New Orleans, October 21, 1812 to Lt. John S. Brush assigning him to his new post as an assistant quartermaster for the artillery stationed at Baton Rouge. Writing at the outbreak of the War of 1812, Wilkinson writes, in part: "<I>You will proceed to Baton Rouge, with the Detachment of Artillery...The chief objects of your command are to keep in perfect safety and good order all the articles attached to the Quarter Master...which may be delivered to you, and you are to use your best exertions to repair and secure any damaged articles which may be place in your charge. The Artillery delivered to you or which may hereafter be sent you, must be protected against the weather, & kept in readiness for Service on the shortest notice...You are to respect the Orders of the Officer who may be out in Command...</B></I>" In a short postscript, Wilkinson notes that "<I>Genl. Claiborne will have the command of the posts and you will necessarily pay to his orders the respect due to an officer of his rank and Experience...</B></I>" This codicil was necessary due to the fact that "Genl. Claiborne", or William Charles Coles Claiborne (1775-1817), was the governor of the state of Louisiana, and had absolutely no military experience. Lt. John S. Brush graduated in 1808 from West Point and served in the artillery until his honorable discharge in June 1815. Wilkinson conspired with the Spanish at New Orleans, were he accepted various sums of money for his own use and was active in the Aaron Burr conspiracy before his act of betrayal. For his involvement in the latter affair, Wilkinson was the subject of a court martial in 1811 but was acquitted and restored to his rank in command of New Orleans. Lightly toned at partially separated folds, else very good condition. <I>Ex. Henry E. Luhrs Collection.<BR></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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