May 2012 Auction Ends Tuesday, May 29th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/29/2012
Autograph letter signed by General William Barton, jailed for failing to pay a fine, addressed to the Vermont General Assembly on 10 October 1818, asking for his release. Barton, known for his 1777 capture of British General Robert Prescott, writes, (spelling corrected) ''...have the goodness to pay a few moments attention to an old man that has been imprisoned in this place for 6 years one month & ten days...a poor man should have as good justice given to him as a rich man...I am heartily sick of this place...it cannot make any difference to them that have confined me...'' His petition was unsuccessful; in fact, he remained in prison until 1825, at age 77, when the Marquis de Lafayette paid his fine. Minor soiling to 7.75'' x 12.25'' single page letter. Very good condition.
Revolutionary War General William Barton Petitions the Vermont General Assembly for His Release From Debtor's Prison -- ''...pay attention...to an old man...imprisoned in this place...''
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