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

30158

Revolutionary War Arms Content Autograph Letter

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:150.00 USD Estimated At:300.00 - 500.00 USD
Revolutionary War Arms Content Autograph Letter
<B>Revolutionary War Arms Content Autograph Letter Signed,</B></I> "<I>Benj. Flower</B></I>", two pages with address panel, 7.75" x 9.25", Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, April 30, 1777, to Brigadier General Edward Hand, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It reads, "<I>In my last to you of the 20th Instant, I mentioned the opinion of the Board of War with respect to P. Zantzinger's Rifles; I have since received yours of the 24th from Lancaster. The Board still thinks them too dear, and have ordered them not to be bought; and to make up the deficiency with repair'd ones, which shall be done soon. Your orders on me in favor Mr. Grats for the 120 Rifles at £6.10 - and Mr. Slough's 14 at £6.15 - shall be paid on demand. I think it needless to detain the Waggons on account of the arms, they can be sent after you with the ammunition &c from Carlisle, the expence arising from their detention must be very great, for it will take us some little time before we shall be able to dispatch them, however you may depend on having them as soon as possible, as I shall use every means in my power to hasten them to you.</B></I>" A few stains and smoothed folds as expected. Old archival tape repair over a small area of marginal loss resulting from seal breakage. Fine condition.<BR>Colonel Benjamin Flower served the fledgling United States as a Commissioner of Military Stores and also as an officer in the Artillery Artifices Regiment. This splendid letter reflects the difficulties Americans faced when having to procure and transport arms. The "<I>P. Zantzinger</B></I>" referred to was likely Paul Zantzinger, a prosperous slave-holding merchant of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. <I>Ex. Henry E. Luhrs Collection.</B></I><BR><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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