American soldier and statesman who was a delegate to the Continental Congress, US senator from New York, and secretary of war (1758–1843). War-dated ALS signed “J. Armstrong,” one page, 8 x 9.75, July 9, 1813. Letter to Brigadier General Henry Burbeck, commanding in New London warning of a British attack and providing information sent to him by the governor of Virginia. In part: “’From the deserters now on their way to New York with the other information collected in the neighborhood I am enabled to give you the following particulars. Admiral Cockburn with a 74 & Troop ship has sailed for New London; that the other ships as soon as they are watered will follow; that two frigates have already dropped down to the roads & will be followed by the tenders & barges & that the object is the destruction of our frigates at New London. The Admiral, the better to secure his object, has left his flag behind him.’ Communicate the above to the Commander. I shall send you Lt. Jameson of the 5th Infy. As an Asst. Adjt. Gen. If the British put themselves before your forts giving them nothing but red hot balls & plenty of them. If Benjamin’s recruits are insufficient to garrison & cover the forts call in some militia.” Second integral page bears a hand addressed and free franked address panel by Armstrong, “Brig. Gen. Burbeck Comg. New London,” and franked in the lower let, “War Dept. J. Armstrong.” In very good condition, with intersecting folds, one through a single letter of signature, scattered toning to both pages, paper loss to second integral page from wax seal, and a mailing fold through a single letter of franking signature.
In this key letter to Burbeck, Secretary of War Armstrong cautions the Connecticut commander about the dastardly British Admiral George Cockburn, who had gained a reputation for ruthlessly attacking American shipping, disrupting commerce, and raiding ports. About two weeks before this missive was sent, Virginia’s governor reported, British landing parties assaulted Virginia and overwhelmed the militiamen protecting the outskirts of Hampton. In a shocking turn of events, British soldiers raped and murdered residents as well as stealing and destroying property. Information gathered from deserters indicated that British transports, under Cockburn’s command, were now sailing to New London, threatening the Connecticut port. “That the object is the destruction of our frigates at New London,” Armstrong warned...though the parties involved feared the carnage would not stop there. With this information from Armstrong and the governor in hand, Burbeck organized the state militia, and continued in command of New London until the end of the war. Historically significant correspondence during a decidedly volatile period of the war. RRAuction COA.
