32

REVOLUTIONARY WAR BROADSIDE

Currency:USD Category:Everything Else / Other Start Price:NA Estimated At:1,500.00 - 2,000.00 USD
REVOLUTIONARY WAR BROADSIDE
<b>32. REVOLUTIONARY WAR BROADSIDE </b>A fine content broadside measuring approximately 8" x 13", dated Lebanon, Conn., Oct. 9, 1779 in which Governor Jonathan Trumbull announces the imminent arrival of "<i>...the Count D' Estaing, and that his appearance may be hourly looked for on our coasts, and [General Washington] is directed and authorized by Congress, to pursue measures for co-operating with the French squadron; and for that end, to call for such aid from the neighboring States...requests of this State the number of FOUR THOUSAND MILITIA...in conjunction with the Continental troops, to enable him to attempt a decisive stroke against New York, with a reasonable prospect of success...</i>". The broadside continues detailing the composition of the regiments requested including officers and the need for chaplains, surgeons and other auxiliary personnel. Ironically, on the date of this broadside, D'Estaing was nowhere near the Connecticut coast but rather in Savannah, making an abortive attempt to retake the city from the British, who had captured it in 1778. D'Estaing had blanket orders to assist the Continental army where practical, and though he was aware of Washington's plans in the North, he chose instead to assist in the American operations against Savannah. He managed to bungle the entire operation, generating much dissatisfaction with the French Alliance, and his fleet soon returned to France where he recommended that a much larger force be sent. As a result of this request and similar ones by Lafayette, France sent 12,000 troops under Rochambeau to assist Washington. Dampstains, a few marginal tears, light soiling, otherwise very good. Matted and framed. Not examined out of frame.<b> $1,500-2,000</b>