![MONROE, James, President. Autograph letter signed ("Jas. Monroe") to an unknown Colonel, Derby[?], 29 August [1777]. 4 full pages, 4to, neat repairs to fold tears, a few small holes.](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/1999/NYR/1999_NYR_09178_0246_000(115058).jpg?w=1)
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MONROE, James, President. Autograph letter signed ("Jas. Monroe") to an unknown Colonel, Derby[?], 29 August [1777]. 4 full pages, 4to, neat repairs to fold tears, a few small holes.
A FUTURE PRESIDENT SENDS NEWS OF THE AMERICAN VICTORY AT BENNINGTON
An exceptionally early letter of Monroe, full of war news. Writing from Camp, the 19 year old Virginian expresses joy at news of the victory at Bennington and describes Washington's march through Philadelphia: "The good fortune which has smiled on an enterprise of Genl. Stark's against a party of the enemy at Bennington will, I hope, show the effect happy and acceptable. Just as Genl. Burgoyne's progress toward Albany became really serious and somewhat formidable he has, I believe, rec'd a fatal shock. Great in numbers, invincible in Proclamation...and Indians who delight in ruin at his side, he avanc'd on...To make head against him wo'd be unavailing, to give him battle certain ruin and infallible death." He then transcribes the General's account of the Battle of Bennington where "our troops behaved in a very brave and heroic manner." He lists the killed and wounded in detail, before concluding "It is believed it will be to Bne. [Burgoyne] as Trenton was to Howe." He continues: "Yesterday the Genl. marched his Army thro' Philadelphia...the line extended six or seven miles. The tories it has entirely silenced; the timid Whigs confounded." With more good news he writes: "Col. [Daniel] Morgan of Militia had made a descent on Staten Island, killed several, taken about 70 together with one Allen, a noted Trenton Tory." He concludes: "The Genl...said I might continue here acting with Lord Stirling till the Congress determined something about those Regts."
Monroe was attending William and Mary College but joined the Continental Army in September 1775. He fought at Harlem Heights and at Trenton, where he was severely wounded charging a Hessian artillery piece. After recuperating, he was promoted to Major and named aide-de-camp to William Alexander, Lord Stirling. He resigned from the army in '78 to become a law student under Thomas Jefferson; 40 years later, he became the last American President to have served in the Revolution. Monroe letters of such an early date are very rare.
A FUTURE PRESIDENT SENDS NEWS OF THE AMERICAN VICTORY AT BENNINGTON
An exceptionally early letter of Monroe, full of war news. Writing from Camp, the 19 year old Virginian expresses joy at news of the victory at Bennington and describes Washington's march through Philadelphia: "The good fortune which has smiled on an enterprise of Genl. Stark's against a party of the enemy at Bennington will, I hope, show the effect happy and acceptable. Just as Genl. Burgoyne's progress toward Albany became really serious and somewhat formidable he has, I believe, rec'd a fatal shock. Great in numbers, invincible in Proclamation...and Indians who delight in ruin at his side, he avanc'd on...To make head against him wo'd be unavailing, to give him battle certain ruin and infallible death." He then transcribes the General's account of the Battle of Bennington where "our troops behaved in a very brave and heroic manner." He lists the killed and wounded in detail, before concluding "It is believed it will be to Bne. [Burgoyne] as Trenton was to Howe." He continues: "Yesterday the Genl. marched his Army thro' Philadelphia...the line extended six or seven miles. The tories it has entirely silenced; the timid Whigs confounded." With more good news he writes: "Col. [Daniel] Morgan of Militia had made a descent on Staten Island, killed several, taken about 70 together with one Allen, a noted Trenton Tory." He concludes: "The Genl...said I might continue here acting with Lord Stirling till the Congress determined something about those Regts."
Monroe was attending William and Mary College but joined the Continental Army in September 1775. He fought at Harlem Heights and at Trenton, where he was severely wounded charging a Hessian artillery piece. After recuperating, he was promoted to Major and named aide-de-camp to William Alexander, Lord Stirling. He resigned from the army in '78 to become a law student under Thomas Jefferson; 40 years later, he became the last American President to have served in the Revolution. Monroe letters of such an early date are very rare.