Details
CLARK, Abraham, Signer (New Jersey). Autograph letter signed ("Abra: Clark") to Col. Elias Dayton, Philadelphia, 19 December 1780. 2 full pages, 4to, 200 x 158mm (7.13/16 x 6¼in.), separated at center fold, otherwise in fine condition.
DAYTON IS DENIED A PROMOTION TO GENERAL
An excellent war-date letter in which Clark, a New Jersey delegate, informs Dayton, an experienced veteran, that he has not won the promotion he sought: "Congress is impressed with the necessity of observing economy in the public expenses and having been formerly too profuse in the promotion of officers determined to stop their hand. They say N. Jersey hath our Major Gen. & by the reduction proposed we shall have but two Regiments. What prospect have I then of obtaining another Genl. officer...We have had no recommendation for this measure either from the Genl. [Washington] - the Legislature - or even the brigade. You mention the promotion of Genls. [Nathanael] Greene & [Daniel] Morgan, but their appointments were...requests from Maryland [actually Rhode Island] & Virginia, this cannot be offered in your favour. I see the embarrassment the subject is under." Clark adds that "Genl. Sullivan hath wrote to the Genl. desiring his opinion...and desired me to postpone any proposals respecting you, till he rcd. an answer." He concludes: "There stands the matter. I wish the arrangement of our Brigade could be postponed... that some favourable occurrence might offer in your favour."
Dayton (1737-1807), from New Jersey, became a close friend of Washington's, served at Valley Forge, and was eventually promoted (in January 1783) to Brigadier-General at the insistence of Washington. He led a brigade of 1,300 men in the Yorktown campaign. Clark's letters are very rare: ABPC records only one sold since 1976.
DAYTON IS DENIED A PROMOTION TO GENERAL
An excellent war-date letter in which Clark, a New Jersey delegate, informs Dayton, an experienced veteran, that he has not won the promotion he sought: "Congress is impressed with the necessity of observing economy in the public expenses and having been formerly too profuse in the promotion of officers determined to stop their hand. They say N. Jersey hath our Major Gen. & by the reduction proposed we shall have but two Regiments. What prospect have I then of obtaining another Genl. officer...We have had no recommendation for this measure either from the Genl. [Washington] - the Legislature - or even the brigade. You mention the promotion of Genls. [Nathanael] Greene & [Daniel] Morgan, but their appointments were...requests from Maryland [actually Rhode Island] & Virginia, this cannot be offered in your favour. I see the embarrassment the subject is under." Clark adds that "Genl. Sullivan hath wrote to the Genl. desiring his opinion...and desired me to postpone any proposals respecting you, till he rcd. an answer." He concludes: "There stands the matter. I wish the arrangement of our Brigade could be postponed... that some favourable occurrence might offer in your favour."
Dayton (1737-1807), from New Jersey, became a close friend of Washington's, served at Valley Forge, and was eventually promoted (in January 1783) to Brigadier-General at the insistence of Washington. He led a brigade of 1,300 men in the Yorktown campaign. Clark's letters are very rare: ABPC records only one sold since 1976.