Nov 17, 2016 - Sale 2432

Sale 2432 - Lot 28

Price Realized: $ 562
?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price
Estimate: $ 500 - $ 750
"FOR THE SUCCESS OF OUR ARMS AT BENNINGTON . . . LET GOD HAVE ALL THE PRAISE" (AMERICAN REVOLUTION--1777.) Whiting, William B. The day after the Battle of Bennington, a colonel pleads for more ammunition. Autograph Letter Signed to Mr. Barclay of Albany, NY. 2 pages, 8 1/4 x 6 3/4 inches, on 2 detached sheets, address panel on verso of second sheet without postal markings; worn, moderate foxing, tape repair to second sheet. (MRS) King's District [Canaan], NY, 17 August 1777
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William Bradford Whiting (1731-1796) was colonel of the 17th Regiment of the Albany County militia, stationed about 20 miles south of where the Battle of Bennington had taken place the day before. Apparently his supplies had all been sent for patriot use in the battle. Here he writes to an official in nearby Albany for more supplies: "The express from Bennington has taken the whol of our amonitin. Beg we may have a new suply as it is under God of the last importance. For the success of our arms at Bennington & Fort Schyler let God have all the praise. I shall march with my men forthwith." Whiting's regiment was a fighting unit, not a home guard. Less than two months later, they fought at the Second Battle of Saratoga--so they really did need that ammunition.
Whiting adds in a postscript that "we have this moment br't in upwards of 40 of the Torys . . . perhaps some will not appear gilty. Plese to order what must be done with those murderers."