![WASHINGTON, George (1732-1799). President. Letter signed ("Go:Washington") to Colonel Jean Baptiste Gouvion, "Head Quarters", [Totowa, NJ], 20 October 1780. 1 page, folio, integral address leaf, minor fold tear, minor damage to edges, otherwise fine.](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2001/NYR/2001_NYR_09806_0104_000(034555).jpg?w=1)
THE PROPERTY OF A GENTLEMAN
WASHINGTON, George (1732-1799). President. Letter signed ("Go:Washington") to Colonel Jean Baptiste Gouvion, "Head Quarters", [Totowa, NJ], 20 October 1780. 1 page, folio, integral address leaf, minor fold tear, minor damage to edges, otherwise fine.
Details
WASHINGTON, George (1732-1799). President. Letter signed ("Go:Washington") to Colonel Jean Baptiste Gouvion, "Head Quarters", [Totowa, NJ], 20 October 1780. 1 page, folio, integral address leaf, minor fold tear, minor damage to edges, otherwise fine.
WASHINGTON ORDERS THE SECRET PRODUCTION OF SCALING LADDERS IN PREPARATION FOR HIS CAMPAIGN AGAINST NEW YORK CITY
A significant letter by which General Washington orders the secret production of scaling ladders in anticipation of operations against the British garrison holding New York City. In 1780, with the primary British armies operating in the South, Washington believed the city to be vulnerable. Since the Summer of 1776 when he had been forced to relinquish the city, in the wake of defeats at the Battle of Long Island, Washington had anxiously awaited an opportunity to retake the city from the British. He hoped, at last, with French support, to make the attempt: "These allies were not to content themselves with half-measures but were to participate in joint operations for the capture of New York and its defenders, a task that Washington put above all others in desirability and possible results" (Freeman, George Washington, V, p. 161).
Here, Washington secretly informs his engineer at West Point, Colonel Gouvion, of a projected necessity of the campaign: "It is possible in some short time we may have occasion for scaling ladders, for a corps of about a thousand or twelve hundred men. It is of the greatest importance they should be procured with secrecy, and for this purpose I entrust the matter with you without communicating it to the Commanding officer at West Point. You will endeavor to have them made under some pretext of using them as common ladders in your work to avoid suspicion of every body. I rely so absolutely upon your discretion that I am convinced you will manage this matter in the most prudent manner. If you think it cannot be done, without suspicion, you may defer it till further order, but if you think it can, you will set about it immediately."
Unfortunately, Washington's long-anticipated campaign against New York City was never mounted. Colonel Jean Baptiste Gouvion (1747-1792) was one of four French engineers sent to America after a special request from the Continental Congress. After his arrival on July 8, 1777, he played an active role in Continental Army operations. In early October 1780, Gouvion was sent to West Point to join its new commander Nathaniel Greene. His assignment was the strengthening of the post's defenses after the discovery that plans of the vital American position might have been given to the British by the treason of Benedict Arnold. On November 21, Gouvion was ordered to make a reconnaissance of British positions around New York in preparation for the operation in which his ladders would be used.
Not in Writings, ed. J.C. Fitzpatrick, and apparently unpublished.
WASHINGTON ORDERS THE SECRET PRODUCTION OF SCALING LADDERS IN PREPARATION FOR HIS CAMPAIGN AGAINST NEW YORK CITY
A significant letter by which General Washington orders the secret production of scaling ladders in anticipation of operations against the British garrison holding New York City. In 1780, with the primary British armies operating in the South, Washington believed the city to be vulnerable. Since the Summer of 1776 when he had been forced to relinquish the city, in the wake of defeats at the Battle of Long Island, Washington had anxiously awaited an opportunity to retake the city from the British. He hoped, at last, with French support, to make the attempt: "These allies were not to content themselves with half-measures but were to participate in joint operations for the capture of New York and its defenders, a task that Washington put above all others in desirability and possible results" (Freeman, George Washington, V, p. 161).
Here, Washington secretly informs his engineer at West Point, Colonel Gouvion, of a projected necessity of the campaign: "It is possible in some short time we may have occasion for scaling ladders, for a corps of about a thousand or twelve hundred men. It is of the greatest importance they should be procured with secrecy, and for this purpose I entrust the matter with you without communicating it to the Commanding officer at West Point. You will endeavor to have them made under some pretext of using them as common ladders in your work to avoid suspicion of every body. I rely so absolutely upon your discretion that I am convinced you will manage this matter in the most prudent manner. If you think it cannot be done, without suspicion, you may defer it till further order, but if you think it can, you will set about it immediately."
Unfortunately, Washington's long-anticipated campaign against New York City was never mounted. Colonel Jean Baptiste Gouvion (1747-1792) was one of four French engineers sent to America after a special request from the Continental Congress. After his arrival on July 8, 1777, he played an active role in Continental Army operations. In early October 1780, Gouvion was sent to West Point to join its new commander Nathaniel Greene. His assignment was the strengthening of the post's defenses after the discovery that plans of the vital American position might have been given to the British by the treason of Benedict Arnold. On November 21, Gouvion was ordered to make a reconnaissance of British positions around New York in preparation for the operation in which his ladders would be used.
Not in Writings, ed. J.C. Fitzpatrick, and apparently unpublished.