Brigadier general in the Continental Army (1726–1806) who proved himself a capable administrator and who played a major role in the American victory at Saratoga in 1777. In 1778, he permitted his name to be associated with the “Conway Cabal,” a plot to have Gates supplant Washington as commander in chief; though not formally implicated, Gates never truly regained Washington’s friendship or trust, and his role in the war was thereafter greatly reduced. He retired to his Virginia plantation in 1783. ALS, one page both sides, 7.25 x 9, May 28, 1800. Letter to an unidentified gentleman regarding a financial matter. In part: “Mr. John Seton & his Lady…just come to town & we were to have dined with them yesterday…but that Annual Confusion that [?] hold of every House in this Quarter of the World obliged my Mary to stay at home to regulate it…I wrote a few days ago to Gouvernor Lie, & persuaded Him to pay into your hands one Thousand Dollars on the 20th of next month…He has three years running Annually sent his written excuse for not closing amounts between us. I do not now require more than half the sum due…The Gentlemen who have my money in their hands pay me only six pr. cent for it, where as Banks, Funds pay full Nine but in the mean time I received neither principle or interest from them.” In very good condition, with intersecting mailing folds, scattered light toning and soiling, some lightly affecting signature, and docketing to left edge of reverse. RRAuction COA.
