May 27, 2020 Founders & Patriots
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/27/2020
William Colfax (1756-1838), autographed document signed, dated May 24, 1778 [at Rocky Hill near Hopewell, New Jersey], 1 page (approximately 5 x 7 3/4 inches). Lieutenant William Colfax's signed receipt for refreshments for General George Washington's Field Headquarters while the Continental Army trailed General Sir Henry Clinton's British army during its retreat through southern New Jersey. Colfax was lieutenant in "His Excellency's" or the Commander in Chief's Guard, an elite force of approximately 180 men, chosen "for their sobriety, honesty and good behavior...from five feet eight Inches high, to five feet ten Inches; handsomely and well made", selected from the army-at-large, who provided for the protection and management of Washington's person, staff and headquarters equipage. In this receipt, Colfax signs for a "Two Q[uar]ter Casks & three small Caggs of Madaria Wine, one Box Claret And a Half Barrel of Sammon [salmon]", docketed on verso "3 Qtr. Casks Wine / 5 Doz. [bottles of] Claret" on the day of Washington's Council of War, attended by his key generals and advisors. The purpose of the Council was to determine whether to attack the British army and more cautious officers, such as second-in-command, Major General Charles Lee, voted against it. However, other officers such as the Marquis de Lafayette, Brigadier General "Mad" Anthony Wayne and Colonel Alexander Hamilton, their active and agressive personalities perhaps fueled by one or two, too-many glasses of madeira or claret, urged direct action against the British, which ultimately resulted in the battle of Monmouth four days later. A rare, "vintage" artifact relating to Washington, the Guard and the monumental battle of Monmouth. Cheers! CONDITION: light uniform toning, one flattened fold, otherwise very good. JLK