Details
JEFFERSON, THOMAS, President. Autograph letter signed ("Th:Jefferson") as Governor of Virginia, to Brigadier General Robert Lawson, Richmond, 23 November 1780. 1 page, folio, 320 x 200mm. (12 3/4 x 7 3/4 in.), weak along fold which crosses signature, lower portion of page slightly darkened across signature, integral address leaf in Jefferson's hand, seal holes.
GOVERNOR JEFFERSON PREPARES FOR BENEDICT ARNOLD'S RAID ON VIRGINIA
A rare, war-date letter regarding the defense of Virginia: "The last intelligence from the enemy having indicated that they were on the point of departure, and it being probable that not only the force from hence but a new embarkation is destined Southwardly, Genl Greene has recommended strongly the hastening of succours to the South. [F]or this purpose Baron [Friedrich Wilhelm Augustus von] Steuben is left here. [H]e entertains hopes of receiving more immediate support from your corps than any other we have. [S]hould it not be inconvenient to you to take a ride here the Baron is very anxious to see & confer with you on the equipments still necessary for them. [I]f you will do me the favor to call at my house I will send for the [B]aron, and contribute my aid towards determining what is necessary, & practicable to be done..."
Major General Baron von Steuben (1730-1794), a Prussian officer, impressed George Washington by implementing a revolutionary infantry training program in the Continental Army. He served in Washington's quarters during the Monmouth Campaign, but later moved with General Nathanael Greene to Virginia after Greene assumed command of the Southern Department. Von Steuben, however, was unsuccessful in defending Virginia from Benedict Arnold's raid (30 December-8 January), which resulted in the seisure of Richmond, the capitol city. Not in Papers, ed. Boyd et al, but see his letter to Lawson the next day, 4:151, and that to Von Steuben 4:152.
Provenance: Unnamed consignor (sale, Sotheby Parke Bernet, 25 January 1977, lot 164).
GOVERNOR JEFFERSON PREPARES FOR BENEDICT ARNOLD'S RAID ON VIRGINIA
A rare, war-date letter regarding the defense of Virginia: "The last intelligence from the enemy having indicated that they were on the point of departure, and it being probable that not only the force from hence but a new embarkation is destined Southwardly, Genl Greene has recommended strongly the hastening of succours to the South. [F]or this purpose Baron [Friedrich Wilhelm Augustus von] Steuben is left here. [H]e entertains hopes of receiving more immediate support from your corps than any other we have. [S]hould it not be inconvenient to you to take a ride here the Baron is very anxious to see & confer with you on the equipments still necessary for them. [I]f you will do me the favor to call at my house I will send for the [B]aron, and contribute my aid towards determining what is necessary, & practicable to be done..."
Major General Baron von Steuben (1730-1794), a Prussian officer, impressed George Washington by implementing a revolutionary infantry training program in the Continental Army. He served in Washington's quarters during the Monmouth Campaign, but later moved with General Nathanael Greene to Virginia after Greene assumed command of the Southern Department. Von Steuben, however, was unsuccessful in defending Virginia from Benedict Arnold's raid (30 December-8 January), which resulted in the seisure of Richmond, the capitol city. Not in Papers, ed. Boyd et al, but see his letter to Lawson the next day, 4:151, and that to Von Steuben 4:152.
Provenance: Unnamed consignor (sale, Sotheby Parke Bernet, 25 January 1977, lot 164).