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1667

John Andre

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:NA Estimated At:30,000.00 - 40,000.00 USD
John Andre

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Auction Date:2012 Feb 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 Army officer (1750–1780) hanged as a spy during the American Revolution, due to an incident in which he attempted to assist Benedict Arnold's attempted surrender of the fort at West Point, New York to the British. Revolutionary War-dated ALS signed “Your dutiful [son], J. Andre,” five pages (first four on two adjoining sheets, plus one sheet), 7.25 x 9, September 1, 1780. Letter to his mother, Mary Louisa Giradot. In full: “Good fortune still follows me, the Commander in Chief has raised me to the first office in the Army, if that of most confidence and least proffit is to be stiled so. I am Adjutant General. The Rank of Lieutenant Colonel which usually attends this post is not given me on account of the difficulties made at giving me rank of Major, but I may nourish hope of obtaining it hereafter. I am full of gratitude towards the General for so much Kindness and impress’d with the greatest zeal to deserve it, but can hardly look back at the steep progress I have made without being giddy. The having exercised the duties I am called to, for near a twelvemonth gives me a greater confidence in myself than I should else have and the thought that in acquiring this much Experience I have not been guilty of great Omission, &a. makes me trust in my ability to fill the place with Reputation.

My satisfaction at my Appointment is renew’d at my acquainting you with it, as I am persuaded I am giving equal pleasure to what I have experienc’d myself. I am in very good health tho the great quantity of Business which assails me sometimes affects my spirits Exercise however infallibly restores me. I do not derive great power from my situation but what openings it gives me to provide for, or oblige (in a good cause) I shall avail myself…at your nod. The loss of the Mercury packet taken by the Rebels has I suppose deprived me of accounts from you but I hope for some by the first opportunity.” Reverse of last page bears an address panel in Andre’s hand.

In very good condition, with intersecting folds, one passing through a single letter of signature, paper loss to last page from red wax seal affecting one word of closing sentiment, scattered toning, and light show-through from writing on opposite sides.

Nineteen days after this letter was written, newly appointed Adjutant General Andre would take his leave of the British sloop-of-war Vulture to rendezvous with Benedict Arnold and obtain crucial intelligence. Proud of his new rank and level of responsibility, Andre here beams with pride over his new post and praise towards the commander-in-chief, Sir Henry Clinton. He approached his new responsibilities—including the mission of overseeing Secret Service operations—with great enthusiasm. Meeting in the woods below Stone Point, Arnold delivered the treacherous intelligence, but too late for Andre to return safely to the Vulture. Coincidentally, American artillery opened fire on the sloop, forcing it several miles down river, setting into motion Andre’s brutal overland journey, a trek that forced the general to shed his uniform and officially assume the role of spy. After successfully passing through Stony and Verplank’s points, he was intercepted. Producing the false pass obtained from Arnold which identified Andre as ‘Mr. Anderson,’ already thick suspicion overruled, and his fate was sealed. He was denied death by firing squad, an execution deemed suitable for a gentleman, and instead given a criminal’s death: he was hanged in Tappan on October 2, 1780, one month after sending a letter of such high hopes and aspirations to his mother. A rare and ultra-desirable letter from the man who launched Benedict Arnold into infamy.
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