29

(SUPPLIES FOR YORKTOWN)

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:250.00 USD Estimated At:500.00 - 700.00 USD
(SUPPLIES FOR YORKTOWN)
<b>29. (SUPPLIES FOR YORKTOWN) </b>Important manuscript D.S. 1p. large folio, [Newport, R.I.], Aug. 14, 1781 entitled "<i>A Return of Goods Purchased for the Navy of France & shipped to N.Port.</i>" The return details the sources and subsequent delivery of nearly 3000 pounds worth of supplies destined for the ships of Admiral Barras who would soon sail for the Chesapeake laden with supplies and the siege artillery for Yorktown. The supplies included nearly 400 barrels of wheat and rye flour, as well as large quantities of "<i>Hard Bread</i>", "<i>Oyl</i>", pork, vinegar, cheese, butter, oats, and "<i>Pease</i>" and came from twelve suppliers who were each given a voucher. A note at the bottom notes the amount of supplies on hand as of August 14. Interestingly enough, August 14 was the day that Rochembeau and Washington learned that a French fleet under the Compte de Grasse would be soon arriving at the Chesapeake forcing them to abandon their plans to besiege New York and concentrate instead of cornering Cornwallis' forces at Yorktown. The fleet under Barras, stationed at Newport, left the port on August 25 laden with supplies and the necessary siege artillery that would prove to be the final major blow in the war for independence. Usual folds, a few light stains and smudges, otherwise very good condition.<b> $500-700</b>