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Lot 1
Washington, George (1732-1799) Autograph letter signed, Valley Forge, 22 April 1778
5 – 15 November 2022, 12:00 EST
Skinner Marlborough, MassachusettsSold for US$63,375 inc. premium
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Washington, George (1732-1799)
Autograph letter signed, "Go: Washington," 2 pages on a single leaf (watermarked posthorn), Valley Forge, 22 April 1778, to Major General Charles Lee, endorsed in upper left corner by William Goddard "Friendly & pleasant Letter from Gen. W. to. G. L. to be returned to WG" stained, a bit brittle, several short tears and splits, lower left quadrant completely detached. 8 7/8 x 7 1/4 in.
After Lee's capture by the British, Washington worked to ensure his exchange. The American Commissary-General of Prisoners, Elias Boudinot, arranged with his British counterpart to exchange Lee for General Richard Prescott. From Valley Forge, Washington writes, "Mr. Boudenot, at Com[missar]y Loring's request, met him at Germantown yesterday; from whence he is just return'd, and after having agreed on a final exchange of yourself, and other Officers, with that Gentleman.
"That delay may not produce danger, I shall send a flag to morrow for your parole—when obtaind, I shall most cordially, and sincerely, congratulate you on your restoration to your Country and to the Army—I could not however refrain, till this happy event should take place, rejoicing with you on the probability of it and to express my wish of seeing you in Camp, as soon as you can possibly make it convenient to yourself, after you are perfectly at liberty to take an active part with us; of which I shall not delay giving you the earliest notice", Valley Forge, 22 April 1778
After Lee's capture by the British, Washington worked to ensure his exchange. The American Commissary-General of Prisoners, Elias Boudinot, arranged with his British counterpart to exchange Lee for General Richard Prescott. From Valley Forge, Washington writes, "Mr. Boudenot, at Com[missar]y Loring's request, met him at Germantown yesterday; from whence he is just return'd, and after having agreed on a final exchange of yourself, and other Officers, with that Gentleman.
"That delay may not produce danger, I shall send a flag to morrow for your parole—when obtaind, I shall most cordially, and sincerely, congratulate you on your restoration to your Country and to the Army—I could not however refrain, till this happy event should take place, rejoicing with you on the probability of it and to express my wish of seeing you in Camp, as soon as you can possibly make it convenient to yourself, after you are perfectly at liberty to take an active part with us; of which I shall not delay giving you the earliest notice", Valley Forge, 22 April 1778

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