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NELSON, Thomas, Jr., (1739-1789), Signer (Virginia). Autograph letter signed ("Thos Nelson Jr") as Brigadier General, to Thomas Jefferson, Williamsburg, 26 January 1781. 1 page, 4to, integral address leaf in Nelson's hand, small seal hole.
ARNOLD'S RAID AND "THE EFFECT OF THE LATE STORM ON THE ENEMY'S FLEET". A letter written at an especially alarming period, during Benedict Arnold's raid on Northern Virginia (this was Arnold's first command since his desertion to the British). His expedition had been launched in early January and culminated in the capture of Richmond, headquarters of the Revolutionary government, 5-7 January. Nelson here passes on what scant intelligence he has gleaned: "By the return of the Express which brought me your favor of yesterday, I have only to acknowledge the Receipt of it, the present Operations of the Enemy being confined to a Quarter from which I can obtain no Intelligence. On recollection I have not therefore communicated the effect of the late Storm on the Enemy's Fleet. Eight of their vessels were driven ashore, four of which it is supposed will not be gotten off again, but I fear the greatest Advantage cannot be taken of their Distress, the Vessels being on a Coast Chiefly in their Power."
Provenance: Philip D. Sang (sale, Sotheby Parke Bernet, 26 April 1778, part lot 262).
ARNOLD'S RAID AND "THE EFFECT OF THE LATE STORM ON THE ENEMY'S FLEET". A letter written at an especially alarming period, during Benedict Arnold's raid on Northern Virginia (this was Arnold's first command since his desertion to the British). His expedition had been launched in early January and culminated in the capture of Richmond, headquarters of the Revolutionary government, 5-7 January. Nelson here passes on what scant intelligence he has gleaned: "By the return of the Express which brought me your favor of yesterday, I have only to acknowledge the Receipt of it, the present Operations of the Enemy being confined to a Quarter from which I can obtain no Intelligence. On recollection I have not therefore communicated the effect of the late Storm on the Enemy's Fleet. Eight of their vessels were driven ashore, four of which it is supposed will not be gotten off again, but I fear the greatest Advantage cannot be taken of their Distress, the Vessels being on a Coast Chiefly in their Power."
Provenance: Philip D. Sang (sale, Sotheby Parke Bernet, 26 April 1778, part lot 262).