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

30041

Thomas Gage ALS 1771 New York Charles Lee

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:1,000.00 USD Estimated At:2,000.00 - 3,000.00 USD
Thomas Gage ALS 1771 New York Charles Lee
<B>Thomas Gage Autograph Letter Signed</B></I> "<I>Thos. Gage,</B></I>" 2.5 pages, 7.25" x 9", front and verso. New York, June 3, 1771. To an unnamed officer in England. In part, "<I>I am much concerned at the contents of your last Letter of the fifth of March, 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 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.</B></I>" After sending news of his family, Gage continues, "<I>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…</B></I>" During General Braddock's campaigns in the French and Indian War in 1755, Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Gage was one of Braddock's field officers, Ensign Daniel Disney of the 8th Company was regimental adjutant, and Colonel Thomas Dunbar commanded the 48th Regiment. Lee was Charles Lee who had also fought in Braddock's regiment. In 1765, with Britain at peace, Lee went to Warsaw, gaining the confidence of Poland's King Stanislaus, and then to Turkey before returning to England. When civil war broke out in Poland in 1768, Lee returned to Warsaw and was commissioned a General in the Polish army. During a campaign in Turkey in late 1769, Lee became ill and was sent to the Mediterranean to recover. This may have been the news Gage had received, theorizing that it was likely that Lee was dead. Lee survived and fought for America in the Revolutionary War. General Thomas Gage was commander in chief of the North American forces from 1763 to 1775. On October 10, 1775, he was recalled to England. Slight show-through. There are tiny holes in the mid-horizontal fold touching a few letters on the first and second pages and mostly in the blank area of the third page. The letter is in fine condition.<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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