December 6-8, 2023 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/7/2023
New York, 23 May, 1781 letter drafted by General Sir Henry Clinton, the British Commander-in-Chief in America from 1778 to 1782. Clinton begins the letter by acknowledging the receipt of dispatches, and the first page of the letter addresses various correspondence between him and his lordship. On verso, he discusses the contents of some of the correspondence and makes interesting comments regarding the state of Vermont. "I had no Overtures made to me by the Chief of that District tho I had flattering expectations that he would be influenced by the advantageous Offers I had made him, in which I was somewhat confirmed by the intercepted Letters I had the honor of Transmitting to Your Lordship by that opportunity--But I had no right to suppose that the people of Vermont had actually returned to their Allegiance, else I should certainly have lost no time in sending such pleasing Intelligence to Your Lordship." CONDITION: The letter is quite legible with clean writing and bold ink. Light edged wear with slight staining and fold lines. Watermarked cypher at center of page. An excellent letter from a notable British General from the Dr. John K. Lattimer Collection that is accompanied by a James Spence Authentication Full Letter of Authenticity.
Item Dimensions: 14" X 12"