November 7-8, 2018 Edged Weapons, Armor, & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/7/2018
1) [War Declared Against France], Mr. [torn] o'Case to Michael Russell, dated London, 18 May 1756, 2 1/2 pages, folded folio sheet, with loss affecting a few words on first page and partly obliterating signature on recto, some light toning on exterior folds, otherwise very good. "This Day War was declar'd against France, the procession beginning at Kensington about 9 O'Clock.... Their March thro' the City was slow, solemn and extremely [torn-M]agnificent; the pioneers led up the [torn], which was succeeded by the Battle Forces, those were followed by Horse Grenadiers, then six Heralds attended by French Horns, Hautboys, Drums & Kettle drum, & the whole was clos'd by the Life Guards well mounted with Their Swords drawn. This was the military parade, & then the Lord Mayor in his State Coach all gilt with Gold, with the Aldermen in all their Ensigns of Honour."
2)[Intelligence of Braddock's Advance to the Ohio]. Unknown Rhode Island gentleman, possibly Robert Lightfoot, to unknown correspondent, np., nd. [Newport, 1755?], 2 pages, quarto, 3 inch tear across lower quarter of sheet, otherwise very good. Draft letter of introduction for Joseph Whipple Esqr. whose person & misfortunes you have been acquainted with ...and is now determined to cross Atlantick to Solicit for some employ to render his life comfortable..... we have advice from B[enjamin]. Franklin Esqr. of Ph[iladelphi]a. that General Braddock has made high Advances to ye. Ohio & in crossing ye. mountains left 2 Waggons by a party, and that the 4th Inst. is the day fix'd for an Attack, which its not doubted will be easy & successfull." Recto of sheet is the partial minutes of an Vice Admiralty Court held 13 June 1755 before Robert Lightfoot, Deputy Judge.
Provenance: lot 604, Russ Rutter Sale, 21 November 1999.
3) [Highland soldier receives leave to marry]. Major John Campbell to Mons. Baignier, np., nd. [Montreal, summer 1760?], DS, one page, quarto, small loss to upper left corner, otherwise fine. Campbell (c. 1725-1773) requests the granting of "a License to Donald Wilkinson Soldier in the 78th Regiment to Marry as He has not time to be proclaimed being obliged to go for Quebec in a few Days." Campbell was promoted to major on 15 April 1760 and resigned his commission in October of that year.
4) [Fabrication of French arms]. "Fabrique des Armes, Fusil de Munition". Line engraving, one page, quarto, of a French musket, assembled and disassembled, including details of the lock, stock and barrel, as well as bayonet and scabbard. Plate 4 from an unknown, mid-18th century French treatise or work.
From the Walter O'Connor collection.