(YORKTOWN SIEGE OF) BLAND THEODORICK Autograph Letter Signed

Sale 2276 - Lot 172

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"YOU HAVE GIVEN THEM A COUP DE GRACE' (YORKTOWN, SIEGE OF.) BLAND, THEODORICK. Autograph Letter Signed, "Theo'ric Bland," as member of Continental Congress, to Brigadier General George Weedon, discussing personal and war news shortly after the surrender of Cornwallis. With franking signature on address leaf. 1 page, folio, with integral address leaf; minor edge wear and foxing, small seal hole with short cello tape repair. Philadelphia, 28 December [1781]

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Theodorick Bland (1741-1790) was a former Continental Army officer then serving in Congress for Virginia. In the wake of Cornwallis's surrender, Bland writes that 'we have been lately sweetend with two or three strokes of good news from your part of the world--Sumpter's, Washington's and Marion's affairs—and have no doubt when the Big Knife becomes sufficiently sharpend, of hearing that you have given them a coup de grace.' He also discusses Benedict Arnold's raid on Fort Griswold that past September: 'The infamous Arnold has gone on an expedition to New London with the command of about 2500 ragamuffins, as may be supposed; for who else can be supposed will be commanded by him. . . . Arnold's exped'n or return or his destination is not certain, but supposed. Some think he may be gone southward.' Arnold had actually fled for Great Britain earlier that month. Published in Letters of Delegates to Congress, 16:511-2.