![[AMERICAN REVOLUTION]. SCAMMELL, Alexander (1747-1781). Continental Officer. Autograph letter signed ("A Scammell") to Colonel Peabody, "Headquarters Steenrapia near Hackinsack Old Bridge," [NJ], 5 September 1780. 2 pages, folio, on recto only, left margin reinforced, otherwise very good.](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2001/NYR/2001_NYR_09806_0011_000(034553).jpg?w=1)
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[AMERICAN REVOLUTION]. SCAMMELL, Alexander (1747-1781). Continental Officer. Autograph letter signed ("A Scammell") to Colonel Peabody, "Headquarters Steenrapia near Hackinsack Old Bridge," [NJ], 5 September 1780. 2 pages, folio, on recto only, left margin reinforced, otherwise very good.
THE DESPERATE CONDITION OF THE CONTINENTAL ARMY: "OUR GOOD & GREAT GENERAL [WASHINGTON] I FEAR WILL SINK UNDER THE BURTHEN"
An extraordinary letter written in the latter stages of the war, addressing the problems of supply and enlistment which plagued the army. Scammell, Washington's Adjutant General and a former field commander, expresses concern over the plight of the army and the failure of Gates at Camden but offers hope that Washington might overcome the great obstacles before him.
Expressing regret that Peabody's commission has been recalled, Scammell laments his departure "at this critical juncture, when famine daily extends her threatening baleful sceptre." Scammell clarifies the army's predicament: "What will be the Consequence of the present System of Supplies? Are we to be in continual Danger of a dissolution? Must the united states of America replete with Resources, full of men, rolling in Luxuries, Strong in Allies, entered on the Scale of Nations, Under a solemn Appeal to Heaven? Languish in the Field, Her veterans fainting, Her Officers at the head of raw troops, obliged to risque their lives, and Reputation with Troops counting the moment, in painful anxiety when they shall return home and leave us with scattered Ranks." Scammell offers a dark prediction: "If the Regts are not filled for the War, Our Cause must fail, I am bold to pronounce. Not a continental Officer I fear will be left in the field if he must every six Months become a drill Sergt."
Scammell expresses hope that Washington will maintain the cause, but acknowledges doubt: "Our good & great Genl I fear will sink under the Burthen, tho' he has ever been possessed of the extremest Fortitude hitherto which has enabled Him to be equal to every Difficulty, and to surmount what to a human Eye appeared impossible. But a continual dropping will impress a Stone, & a Bow too long strained, looses [sic] its Elasticity."
Finally, Scammell closes with a scalding commentary on the actions of Horatio Gates at the Battle of Camden (August 16, 1780): "I condole with you on the disagreable News from the Southward & lament the fate of so many brave Officers & men. After suffering the Extremes of Hunger & Fatigues, to be barely deserted by the militia & pressed on to be sacrificed is truly distressing." Noting the diminishing numbers, Scammell concludes: "What Demon could induce Gl Gates to advance so far towards the enemy with so few men? And why did he retreat so rapidly & leave his brave men behind?"
THE DESPERATE CONDITION OF THE CONTINENTAL ARMY: "OUR GOOD & GREAT GENERAL [WASHINGTON] I FEAR WILL SINK UNDER THE BURTHEN"
An extraordinary letter written in the latter stages of the war, addressing the problems of supply and enlistment which plagued the army. Scammell, Washington's Adjutant General and a former field commander, expresses concern over the plight of the army and the failure of Gates at Camden but offers hope that Washington might overcome the great obstacles before him.
Expressing regret that Peabody's commission has been recalled, Scammell laments his departure "at this critical juncture, when famine daily extends her threatening baleful sceptre." Scammell clarifies the army's predicament: "What will be the Consequence of the present System of Supplies? Are we to be in continual Danger of a dissolution? Must the united states of America replete with Resources, full of men, rolling in Luxuries, Strong in Allies, entered on the Scale of Nations, Under a solemn Appeal to Heaven? Languish in the Field, Her veterans fainting, Her Officers at the head of raw troops, obliged to risque their lives, and Reputation with Troops counting the moment, in painful anxiety when they shall return home and leave us with scattered Ranks." Scammell offers a dark prediction: "If the Regts are not filled for the War, Our Cause must fail, I am bold to pronounce. Not a continental Officer I fear will be left in the field if he must every six Months become a drill Sergt."
Scammell expresses hope that Washington will maintain the cause, but acknowledges doubt: "Our good & great Genl I fear will sink under the Burthen, tho' he has ever been possessed of the extremest Fortitude hitherto which has enabled Him to be equal to every Difficulty, and to surmount what to a human Eye appeared impossible. But a continual dropping will impress a Stone, & a Bow too long strained, looses [sic] its Elasticity."
Finally, Scammell closes with a scalding commentary on the actions of Horatio Gates at the Battle of Camden (August 16, 1780): "I condole with you on the disagreable News from the Southward & lament the fate of so many brave Officers & men. After suffering the Extremes of Hunger & Fatigues, to be barely deserted by the militia & pressed on to be sacrificed is truly distressing." Noting the diminishing numbers, Scammell concludes: "What Demon could induce Gl Gates to advance so far towards the enemy with so few men? And why did he retreat so rapidly & leave his brave men behind?"
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