2

THOMAS GAGE: (1721 - 1787) English general and colonial governor of Massachusetts, commander in c...

Currency:USD Category:Everything Else / Other Start Price:NA Estimated At:700.00 - 900.00 USD
THOMAS GAGE: (1721 - 1787) English general and colonial governor of Massachusetts, commander in c...
THOMAS GAGE: (1721 - 1787) English general and colonial governor of Massachusetts, commander in chief in North America who used troops to seize military stores precipitating the Battle of Lexington and Battle of Bunker Hill, resigned 1775. A.L.S. 3pp. 4to., New York, June 3, 1771 to a fellow officer, in part: "...I am much concerned at the Contents of your last letter...as I find repeated Disappointments have at length conquered your Patience, and brought you to the Resolution of selling your Commission. I most sincerely wish it otherwise, and that I had received the news of a Promotion you have so long expected and deserved. I am often chagrined at the situation of many of my old Friends. Dunbar and Disney are both old Captains, and no great Prospect of Preferment, and what is worse, both in distressed Circumstances; which tho' owing to their own Imprudence I can't help feeling for them...". Gage continues, sending news of his family and then speculates on the fate of and old friend who may well be Charles Lee: "...From what you mention of poor Lee it's likely that he is dead; we had reports of the kind here some months ago, but I never could learn from what Foundation they arose, and hoped they were propagated by many, who would not have been much concerned at the Event...". Gage and Lee served together during the French and Indian War during Braddock's expedition (1755) and Abercrombie's disastrous defeat at Ticonderoga (1758). After the war, Lee removed to England and then retired to half-pay, becoming a soldier of fortune with the Polish Army. He rose to rank of major general. In 1770, he fought with the Poles against the Turks at Chesme, which may have been the source of these rumors. Usual folds, one horizontal fold bears few minor holes affecting several words of text, otherwise very good condition. $700-900