Important pairing of Revolutionary War–dated letters related to the capture of Charleston by the British in 1779, and their evacuation of the city in 1782—virtually the last act of the Revolutionary War in the Southern states—highlighted by an autograph letter signed by Horatio Gates (1727-1806), a former British soldier who served as an American general during the Revolutionary War, controversially taking credit for the victory at Saratoga. Includes:
The first letter, written by Gates, expresses false hope prior to the British capture of Charleston:
ALS signed "Horatio Gates," one page both sides, 7.75 x 9.25, June 26, 1779. Handwritten letter to Major General Benjamin Lincoln, who would oversee the largest American surrender of the war at the 1780 siege of Charleston. In part: "With inexpressible satisfaction I received the Glorious News of the Success of The Army under your command in South Carolina. It has reached us by many different channels, that we give the same credit as if we saw your public Letter authenticated by that standard of Truth Charles Thompson…I hope this will find you at Philadelphia, on your way to Hingham, where you ought to enjoy that repose, you have been so long a Stranger to. I entreat the Favour you will take providence in your Route, where you can rest…& where Mrs. Lincoln will, I am confident upon your Summons, most cheerfully meet Her General…The Bearer, Captain Branch, is an honest deserving Veteran, who has…suffered a most painfull captivity, by endeavouring to serve Our Cause; I have this day wrote to the late president Mr. Laurens in his Favour, who will acquaint you with his unfortunate History." Gates dramatically overestimates Lincoln's success in the South: within a year, he would be forced to surrender more than 5,000 men to Lieutenant General Sir Henry Clinton.
The second letter, sent to 'Mad Anthony' Wayne, has commentary on negotiations for the end of the British occupation of the city:
ALS signed "M. Simons," one page, 6.25 x 7.5, December 12, 1782. Handwritten letter to General 'Mad Anthony' Wayne, in part: "On my return to Town I mentioned the Conversation that passed between us relative to the evacuation of the Town to Major Wemys in consequence of what passed between him & myself…Major Wemys says that Genl. Leslie wishes the understanding to be kept up but thinks it will be better for your troops to take possession of the Town as his rear Guard embarks…You shall be inform'd by Genl. Williamson tomorrow morning the exact time that the embrakation will take place." Docketed on the reverse in Wayne's hand, "12th Dec. 1782 from Colo. M. Simons." The British completed their evacuation of Charleston two days later, on December 14, 1782. Their rear guard marched for Gadsden's Wharf, located on the Cooper River, where they boarded ships and sailed into the harbor, ending over two years of British occupation.
In overall fine condition.
