MCHENRY JAMES Autograph Letter Signed as aide de camp to Laf

Sale 2276 - Lot 69

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Estimate: $ 1,500 - $ 2,500

BATTLE OF GREEN SPRING MCHENRY, JAMES. Autograph Letter Signed, as aide-de-camp to Lafayette, to Brigadier General George Weedon, describing the Battle of Green Spring. 1 page, folio; irregular closed tear in upper left margin, minor wear at folds, minor foxing, docketed "Marquis Fayette 6th July" on verso. [James City County, VA], 10 [6] July 1781

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McHenry provides a rather rosy account of the 6 July Battle of Green Spring, in which a small American force provoked Cornwallis into an open battle and barely escaped a total disaster: "In order to ascertain the intentions of Lord Cornwallis, yesterday the Marquis moved down to the Green Spring about 800 Continentals and some rifle men. About 4 o'clock in the afternoon the rifle men commenced a loose fire upon the enemy, which was kept up till within half an hour of sun set, when the regulars and British came to warm action. The whole of Cornwallis's force was engaged, and of course we were compelled to give way. We did it, however, with a good grace as the night set in, but did not retire from the field above half a mile. They did not think proper to pursue. Our loss is inconsiderable. We were obliged to leave two pieces of cannon that had their horses killed. I have not time to be more particular as a detachment of the army is in motion to take possession of James Town, which the enemy evacuated last night and this morning. They have crossed to the south side of the James River."