细节
WASHINGTON, GEORGE, President. Autograph letter signed ("G:Washington") to George Baylor, "Col[onel] of a Reg[imen]t of light Dragoons," Morristown, N.J. 15 February 1777. 2 pages, small 4to, 203 x 163 mm. 8/1/16 x 6.3/8 in.), integral address leaf (separated) with recipient's docket, on English-made paper with Brittania and "Pro Patria" watermark (rather ironically), neatly laminated with clear tissue, otherwise in very good condition. [With:] A cavalry sabre, reputedly of Revolutionary war vintage [Baylor's?], 42 107 cm. from pommel to blade, tip hilt stamped "Potter," leather grip with beaded brass wire encirclement, worn.
WASHINGTON AND TWO NAMESAKES
Writing long after his victories at Trenton and Princeton (26 December and 3 January), from winter camp at Morristown, Washington seeks a favor for two young relatives: "Dear Baylor, Two young Gentlemen, namesakes of mine, the one son to Mr. Lawrence Washington, the other to Mr. Robert Washington, both of Stafford County [Virginia], are desirous of entering into the Horse Service [dragoons]. If therefore, you have not disposed of all the Cornetcies in your Regiment, I should be glad if you would appoint each of them one. I am very sincerely..." Published in Writings, ed. J.C. Fitzpatrick, 7:154.
The General's attempt to secure a post in the dragoons for his two namesakes failed. Baylor (1752-1784), from an important Virginia family, had recently carried the news of Washington's victory at Trenton and a captured flag to Congress; on Hancock's recommendation he was promoted to command the 3rd Continental Dragoons and presented with a new horse. He replied to Washington on 17 March that due to the delay in receiving Washington's letter, all the vacancies in his regiment were, regrettably, filled. (2)
WASHINGTON AND TWO NAMESAKES
Writing long after his victories at Trenton and Princeton (26 December and 3 January), from winter camp at Morristown, Washington seeks a favor for two young relatives: "Dear Baylor, Two young Gentlemen, namesakes of mine, the one son to Mr. Lawrence Washington, the other to Mr. Robert Washington, both of Stafford County [Virginia], are desirous of entering into the Horse Service [dragoons]. If therefore, you have not disposed of all the Cornetcies in your Regiment, I should be glad if you would appoint each of them one. I am very sincerely..." Published in Writings, ed. J.C. Fitzpatrick, 7:154.
The General's attempt to secure a post in the dragoons for his two namesakes failed. Baylor (1752-1784), from an important Virginia family, had recently carried the news of Washington's victory at Trenton and a captured flag to Congress; on Hancock's recommendation he was promoted to command the 3rd Continental Dragoons and presented with a new horse. He replied to Washington on 17 March that due to the delay in receiving Washington's letter, all the vacancies in his regiment were, regrettably, filled. (2)