December 2012 Auction Ends Tuesday, December 18th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/18/2012
Revolutionary War General Benjamin Lincoln autograph letter signed, dated 15 September 1784. Lincoln, a member of the Massachusetts militia before rising to the rank of major general in the Continental Army, was sent by Washington to receive the British surrender at Yorktown. Lincoln served as the first Secretary at War under the Articles of Confederation and received electoral votes during the nation's first election. Here he writes from his home near Boston to William Lyles, a merchant aboard the sloop Polly in Alexandria, about paying ''...thirty three hundred and fifty dollars. This with some freight that may be due at Alexandria will I am in hopes load the sloop with wheat...It is at present uncertain whether I shall send another vessel to Virginia this fall or not...Should this be the case I shall...request your aid in the purchase of the wheat...'' He signs, ''B. Lincoln''. The three page letter, measuring 7.75'' x 12.5'', bears remnants of a red wax seal. Minor toning and soiling with paper loss to second sheet; tape repair to separations at folds. Overall in very good condition.
Revolutionary War General and First Secretary of War, Benjamin Lincoln Autograph Letter Signed -- Rare
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