Unique pairing of ALSs from both sides of the Revolutionary War, penned on a single bifolium sheet, pertaining to the aftermath of the Siege of Ninety-Six. From May 22 to June 18, 1781, Continental Army Major General Nathanael Greene led 1,000 troops in a siege against the 550 Loyalists in the fortified village of Ninety Six, South Carolina. Despite having more troops, Greene was unsuccessful in taking the town, and was forced to lift the siege when Lord Rawdon approached from Charleston with British troops. These significant letters document Greene's withdrawal from the siege and subsequent pursuit of Rawdon's forces.
The British side of the correspondence by Lt. Col. Alexander Stewart, signed "Alex: Stewart," one page, 7.25 x 9.25, July 1, 1781, to Lord Rawdon, in full: "I have been honored with your Lordship's letter from Ninety Six of the 27th of last month, upon receiving intelligence from your Lordship of Green's having retired, and the siege being raised, I was immediately ordered back by Colonel Gould to this place, so it will be impossible for me to join your Lordship at the time and place you wished"; on the integral leaf is an ALS by Major J. Burnet, a member of Nathanael Greene's staff, signed "J. B.," July 5, 1781, to Lt. Col. Morris: "The enemy my dear Sir retired towards Charles town. They marched 20 miles after 1 o'clock P.M. yesterday. Gen'l Marion, Colonels Washington & Lee, are in this front. The Gen'l will cross…this evening and give his Lordship every opposition in his power. You will communicate to Gen'l Huger any intelligence contained in Gen'l Greene's letters which may be necessary. The army will take post near this place…Greene returns & prepares for operating against Cruger." In very good to fine condition, with splitting to the folds, and small areas of paper loss, not adversely affecting readability.
