(COLONIAL WARS) James De Lancey Letter appointing an officer

Sale 2687 - Lot 108

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Estimate: $ 800 - $ 1,200

(COLONIAL WARS.) James De Lancey. Letter appointing an officer on the New York frontier after the French attack on Hoosick. Autograph Letter Signed as Governor of New York to Jacob Glen of Schenectady, NY. One page, 7¾ x 6¼ inches, plus integral address leaf (no postal markings); minimal wear. New York, 2 September 1754

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As part of the French and Indian War, French forces attacked the frontier settlement of Hoosick, NY and drove away all of the settlers on 28 August 1754. In this letter, written just 5 days later, the colonial governor appoints a veteran frontier soldier to serve under the famed Indian agent Colonel William Johnson to help meet the emergency:

"I inclose you a commission as Lt. Colonel [not present] . . . under the command of Coll'el Johnson. Upon the notice I received Saturday evening of what had been done at Hosack, I thought it necessary two Lt. Coll'els should be immediately appointed, and knowing you were an old officer, I have pitched upon you and must insist that you do qualify yourself, & if you dislike continuing in the command, I shall, as soon as I can find a proper person to succeed you, put him in your place. I hope the regard you owe your country will at this juncture prevail upon you not to decline this service."