Details
[REVOLUTIONARY WAR, FORT TICONDEROGA.] WAYNE, Anthony (1745-1796), General, Continental Army. Autograph letter signed ("Anty. Wayne") to Benjamin Rush, Ticonderoga, 21 October 1776. 3 pages, 4to, seal hole with losses, catching portions of 9-lines of text (missing words supplied by a later hand), crease reinforced.
"WHETHER AMERICANS OR BRITAINS ARE TO REMAIN MASTERS OF THIS GROUND"
A dramatic letter as Wayne awaits the British blow against Fort Ticonderoga following close upon the British naval victory at the Battle of Valcour Island: "The enemie's fleet and army are within fifteen miles of this place. The first fair wind brings them up; when perhaps they will oblige us to meet them on open ground; our rear being in a great degree neglected...and if they attack us there we shall have warm work." He expects the assault to come against "the Pennsylvania lines," and if it is successful, "the door is open to Albany without even attacking Mount Independence which stands on the opposite side of the lake to us." He runs through the insufficient numbers of men and supplies, but writes movingly about the determination of the soldiers "to defend...or perish in the attempt." Indeed, a contingent of Pennsylvania troops in hospital "demanded a discharge from Dr. Potts swearing they were determined to return to this place and conquer or die with their countrymen & brother soldiers..." The British under Burgoyne held off on their attack, retreating to winter quarters in Quebec. In the spring of 1777, Burgoyne took the fort during his Saratoga campaign. During the winter, however, the troops mutinied against the harsh conditions at the garrison, but Wayne was able to suppress the uprising.
"WHETHER AMERICANS OR BRITAINS ARE TO REMAIN MASTERS OF THIS GROUND"
A dramatic letter as Wayne awaits the British blow against Fort Ticonderoga following close upon the British naval victory at the Battle of Valcour Island: "The enemie's fleet and army are within fifteen miles of this place. The first fair wind brings them up; when perhaps they will oblige us to meet them on open ground; our rear being in a great degree neglected...and if they attack us there we shall have warm work." He expects the assault to come against "the Pennsylvania lines," and if it is successful, "the door is open to Albany without even attacking Mount Independence which stands on the opposite side of the lake to us." He runs through the insufficient numbers of men and supplies, but writes movingly about the determination of the soldiers "to defend...or perish in the attempt." Indeed, a contingent of Pennsylvania troops in hospital "demanded a discharge from Dr. Potts swearing they were determined to return to this place and conquer or die with their countrymen & brother soldiers..." The British under Burgoyne held off on their attack, retreating to winter quarters in Quebec. In the spring of 1777, Burgoyne took the fort during his Saratoga campaign. During the winter, however, the troops mutinied against the harsh conditions at the garrison, but Wayne was able to suppress the uprising.