151
Lot 151: LaFayette Written Letter, 1781
Currency:USD
Category:Collectibles
Start Price:1,620.00 USD
Estimated At:2,700.00 - 3,700.00 USD
NOT SOLD (BIDDING OVER)
0.00USD+ applicable fees & taxes.
This item WAS NOT SOLD. Auction date was 2003 Aug 24 @ 10:00UTC-08:00 : PST/AKDT
<b>Autographs</b><hr><b>Rare Revolutionary War “Campaign” Letter by Lafayette
</b>
<b>MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE.</b>
Autograph Letter, in Lafayette’s hand, but absent the signature, on fine-laid, watermarked paper, April 25, 1781, Fredericsburg, VA, 5.2” x 7.2,” double sided, Choice Extremely Fine. The lower portion of the sheet is missing. The content of the letter and the events taking place when it was written would indicate that it was written to Baron Von Steuben. Superb content wartime autograph letter of Lafayette written in English during the important 1781 Virginia campaign which ended with the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown on October 19. This letter was written while Lafayette was leading his troops to Richmond to stop the British destruction of that city. The letter mentions receiving correspondence from Thomas Jefferson in regards to British troops advancing on Petersburg. In part: “Your favor of the 21st came this morning to hand and I have since then received a letter from Governor Jefferson dated last night wherein he informs me that the enemy had landed near Petersburg and were advancing to that place.... The detachment will advance towards that place until intelligence from you enable me more certainly to determine its movements. I shall myself precede the detachment....”
The writing is quite bold and dark. On April 29, just four days after the date of this letter, Lafayette reached Richmond with 1200 troops to stop the British. After this, Lafayette played an important role in the maneuvers against Cornwallis. In early June Lafayette was reinforced by Von Steuben. Military content Revolutionary War letters are rare, particularly those which were written during an active campaign engagement. If a letter such as this were complete and signed, it would fetch $15,000 to $20,000!
Auction Location:
United States
California residents add 7.25% sales tax; San Diego County residents add 7.75% sales tax.
Additional Fees:
Shipping Details:
Buyer Pays Shipping & Handling (to be determined)
Payment Details:
Money Order / Cashiers Check,
Personal Check,
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<p>1. This is a Mail Bid, Phone & Fax Auction, Closing Date:
August 23, 2003. Mail, Phone & Fax Bids accepted, these absentee bids will be executed over eBay Live Auctions on Sunday, August 24th, beginning at 10 AM Pacific Time. The sale is conducted in accordance with the regulations of the State of California and the City of San Diego.
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