December 2012 Auction Ends Tuesday, December 18th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/18/2012
Letter Signed, ''Lafayette'' as Major General, to Colonel William Davis of the Virginia Board of War, announcing his pursuit of the enemy to Williamsburg, and pleading urgently for supplies. Also with franking signature ''Lafayette M G'' on address leaf. Written from ''Head Quarters'' [between Fredericksburg and Williamsburg] on 22 June 1781, letter reads in part, ''...Yesterday morning the enemy evacuated Richmond, and seem to be bending towards Williamsburg. We are following them. At this moment the army is in great want of cartriges, we also want powder and lead for the riflemen...If I cannot get a number of boats upon carriages, every operation must be impeded in the lower part of Virginia...Let me add to this letter of wants, that of rum and shoes, without which you know we can do nothing...'' Two pages measure 7.25'' x 9.25'' with integral address leaf upon which additional franked signature appears. Small seal hole on address leaf, minor wear and foxing; very good condition. Abstracted in ''Lafayette in the Age of the American Revolution,'' IV:497.
Four Months Until the Yorktown Surrender, Lafayette Writes About the Continuing Theme Since the Days of Valley Forge for the American Army -- Lack of Supplies, Especially Ammunition & Shoes
Click above for larger image.