Apr 17, 2012 - Sale 2276

Sale 2276 - Lot 130

Price Realized: $ 12,000
?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price
Estimate: $ 12,000 - $ 18,000
THE DAY BEFORE THE MARCH TO YORKTOWN WASHINGTON, GEORGE. Letter Signed, "G°:Washington," to Brigadier General George Weedon, expecting that Count de Grasse's Marines will be deployed at Gloucester. With Franking Signature on address leaf. Body of letter in the hand of David Humphreys. 1 page, folio, with integral address leaf; text somewhat faded though signatures are bold, small seal hole in address leaf, short closed separation at center fold, toned. "Head Quarters" [Williamsburg, VA], 27 September 1781

Additional Details

Written the day before Washington led the army out of Williamsburg to begin the Siege of Yorktown. "I have received your favors of the 15th and 26th together with the examination of the deserters. I am now making application to the Count de Grasse for some of the marines of the fleet; should they be landed to assist in our operations (as I expect they will be), they will then be employed on the Gloster side. In that case an officer senior to the Duke de Lauzun or yourself will be appointed to the command, and I have no doubt you will put yourself under his orders with great chearfulness." Washington actually had good reason to doubt Weedon's cheerfulness on this point, given Weedon's history in the Continental Army. The Marquis de Choisy was soon appointed as the senior officer to command Weedon and Lauzun. Published in Fitzpatrick, Writings of Washington, 23:145-6.