(YORKTOWN CAMPAIGN) DABNEY CHARLES Pair of Autograph Letters

Sale 2276 - Lot 160

Price Realized: $ 1,320

?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price

Estimate: $ 400 - $ 600

(YORKTOWN CAMPAIGN.) DABNEY, CHARLES. Pair of Autograph Letters Signed, as Lieutenant Colonel in the Virginia militia, to Brigadier General George Weedon, concerning the British consolidation of power in the Chesapeake. 2 and 1 pages, 8vo, with integral address leaves; seal holes, minimal wear. "Halfway House" [near Hampton, VA], 22 and 23 March 1781

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Dabney was mentioned in Robert Andrews's February 1781 letter above. Here he writes to General Weedon a week after the Battle of Cape Henry had solidified British control over the Chesapeake, and while British forces under Benedict Arnold made raids in Virginia. "The enemy will have it in their power to harass our ports, especially since the arrival of the fleet, however my utmost exertions shall not be want'g to prevent it. I am much pleased to hear you intend to send us a reinforcement." Many of Dabney's troops "are not fit for duty for want of shoes and cloths." Also discusses local naval movements. Dabney's second letter hypothesizes that the British fleet "mean to wait the arrival of the French fleet or to land troops for the purpose of plundering stock." He also asks where to obtain ammunition, as his troops are running low.