Commander-in-chief of the British army during the Revolutionary War whose reputation was damaged due to allegations that he was responsible for conducting an early form of germ warfare against warring Native Americans, a group he and others of his era held in extremely low regard. French and Indian war-dated LS signed “Jeff. Amherst,” one page, 8 x 13, May 31, 1762. Letter to Lieutenant Donald Campbell of the Royal Americans in Virginia. Written less than a year before Indians at Detroit would kill Campbell during Pontiac’s Rebellion, Amherst inquires about the state of recruitment. In full, “On the 18th Instant the Ranger Arrived here, and the Master Delivered me your Letter of the 15th. with one from Lt. Governor [Francis] Fauquier, which I have already Answered by post, and now enclose you a Duplicate thereof, which you will Deliver to him. I send this by the William Transport, of 128 tons, W[illia]m Rawle Master (having discharged the Ranger) who has received the Like Orders that were given to the Master of the Ranger and is Victualled in the same manner for Ninety Men for Six Weeks, so that I have only to Recommend to you to forward the Recruiting as much as in your power, and I can have no Objection to your Enlisting any Volunteers, you may find, for which you shall have the Same. Allowance that is made to the Provincial Officers provided I can Approve of the Men: You will however on Every Occasion, Consult with the Lt. Governor, & take his Advice.” In fine condition, with old tape remnants along right edge, a couple small fold separations, and clipped upper left corner. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
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