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 Brigadier General George Weedon, asking for reinforcements, and forwarding an intercepted letter to Cornwallis (not present) for publication. Also with franking signature ''Lafayette M G'' on separate address sheet. Written from ''Head Quarters 20 miles from Williamsburg'' [Tyree's Plantation, New Kent County, Virginia] on 1 July 1781, letter reads in part, ''...We are near the enemy, you will perceive, and I am sorry to inform you that the militia are daily going off without any relief coming in. Under these circumstances, your influence is of the greatest consequence to engage the people to turn out, and hurry on to camp. Every reinforcement, particularly horse, should receive pointed instructions to come as fast as possible. I inclose you the letter to Lord Cornwallis, and think it had better be transmitted to some Virginia delegate for publication (tho' not officially) as it serves to shew his Lordship's intention was to go further from James River than he has done...'' Two pages measure 6.5'' x 8'' on card-style stationery. In near fine condition with only light foxing. Abstracted in ''Lafayette in the Age of the American Revolution,'' IV:498.
Lafayette, Acting on an Intercepted Letter to Cornwallis, Asks for Reinforcements ''To Come as Fast as Possible'' as He States ''...We are Near the Enemy...'' -- Just 4 Months Until Surrender
Click above for larger image.