![[AMERICAN REVOLUTION, CLINTON, HENRY (1730-1795)]. Manuscript, Fort Montgomery, 8 October 1777. 1 page, 4to, minor fold separations and hinged to a mat at top margin.](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2016/NYR/2016_NYR_12262_0367_000(american_revolution_clinton_henry_manuscript_fort_montgomery_8_october110014).jpg?w=1)
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[AMERICAN REVOLUTION, CLINTON, HENRY (1730-1795)]. Manuscript, Fort Montgomery, 8 October 1777. 1 page, 4to, minor fold separations and hinged to a mat at top margin.
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[AMERICAN REVOLUTION, CLINTON, HENRY (1730-1795)]. Manuscript, Fort Montgomery, 8 October 1777. 1 page, 4to, minor fold separations and hinged to a mat at top margin.
A contemporary manuscript copy of Henry Clinton’s secret message to Burgoyne, then trapped at Saratoga—carried by a British spy in a silver ball—swallowed upon discovery—and forcibly removed by New York Governor George Clinton, after “giving the fellow a strong puke."
An unusual piece documenting the final message transmitted from Sir Henry Clinton to John Burgoyne only days before the embattled and surrounded general surrendered at Saratoga. From his base at New York City, Clinton launched a foray up the Hudson in an effort to relieve pressure on Burgoyne, capturing Fort Montgomery on 6 October. Before departing, Clinton sent a spy, Daniel Taylor with a message for Burgoyne: “Nous & voici and nothing now between us but Gates, I sincerely hope this little success of ours may facilitate your operations. In answer to your letter of the 28th September by C.C. I shall only say I cannot presume to order or even advise for reasons obvious. I heartily with you success faithfully yours H. Clinton.” Beneath the transcript, the same writer has added an explanation on how the message was discovered: “The above is a Copy of a letter, which our Govr Geo. Clinton Esqr. has taken out of the Stomach of a Spy or messenger sent by Genl. Sir Henry Clinton to Burgoyne. The Spy’s name is Daniel Taylor, who when taken at New Windsor confessed he was a messenger to Burgoyne but denied he had any letter, but the Govr. giving the fellow a strong puke, soon fetch’d it up, contained in a Silver Ball that opened in the middle by means of a screw.” Provenance: from the estate of a descendant of William Floyd and David Gelston.
Unbeknownst to Clinton, Burgoyne had already launched a desperate attack on American positions near Bemis Heights on 7 October, but was repulsed by the Continental Army under Gates. Meanwhile, in New Windsor, Daniel Taylor was tried and hung as a spy on 16 October. The following day, Burgoyne offered his sword in a formal capitulation ceremony at Saratoga. The victory proved to be one of the critical turning point of the war. Not only had the British lost a valuable army who would remain in captivity until the close of the war, the victory convinced Louis XVI to recognize American independence and enter the conflict as an ally.
A contemporary manuscript copy of Henry Clinton’s secret message to Burgoyne, then trapped at Saratoga—carried by a British spy in a silver ball—swallowed upon discovery—and forcibly removed by New York Governor George Clinton, after “giving the fellow a strong puke."
An unusual piece documenting the final message transmitted from Sir Henry Clinton to John Burgoyne only days before the embattled and surrounded general surrendered at Saratoga. From his base at New York City, Clinton launched a foray up the Hudson in an effort to relieve pressure on Burgoyne, capturing Fort Montgomery on 6 October. Before departing, Clinton sent a spy, Daniel Taylor with a message for Burgoyne: “Nous & voici and nothing now between us but Gates, I sincerely hope this little success of ours may facilitate your operations. In answer to your letter of the 28th September by C.C. I shall only say I cannot presume to order or even advise for reasons obvious. I heartily with you success faithfully yours H. Clinton.” Beneath the transcript, the same writer has added an explanation on how the message was discovered: “The above is a Copy of a letter, which our Govr Geo. Clinton Esqr. has taken out of the Stomach of a Spy or messenger sent by Genl. Sir Henry Clinton to Burgoyne. The Spy’s name is Daniel Taylor, who when taken at New Windsor confessed he was a messenger to Burgoyne but denied he had any letter, but the Govr. giving the fellow a strong puke, soon fetch’d it up, contained in a Silver Ball that opened in the middle by means of a screw.” Provenance: from the estate of a descendant of William Floyd and David Gelston.
Unbeknownst to Clinton, Burgoyne had already launched a desperate attack on American positions near Bemis Heights on 7 October, but was repulsed by the Continental Army under Gates. Meanwhile, in New Windsor, Daniel Taylor was tried and hung as a spy on 16 October. The following day, Burgoyne offered his sword in a formal capitulation ceremony at Saratoga. The victory proved to be one of the critical turning point of the war. Not only had the British lost a valuable army who would remain in captivity until the close of the war, the victory convinced Louis XVI to recognize American independence and enter the conflict as an ally.