American general (1718–1790) who played a pivotal role in the planning and execution of the Battle of Bunker Hill. Revolutionary War-dated LS, one page both sides, 7.25 x 9, Camp Reading, February 11, 1779. Letter reads, in full: “This Letter will be handed you by Mr. Gray, who has been ordered by Governor Trumbull, to purchase Flower [sic] for the Supply of the Guards on the Sea Coast of this State—Mr. Gray it seems has a permit from Governor Clinton to import a Quantity for that purpose, under the inspection of Mr. Leak, A. C. P. at Bedford—part of which has been bought out, & the remainder (paid for by this State) is not permitted to come. Colonel Fitch the Commissary for the State, informs me that the Guards on the Sea Coast, must all be removed, unless Flower [sic] can be obtained to subsist them. For these reasons I cannot but think it will be of advantage to the public in General, that, which remains unexported, on that permit, may be bought out without further difficulty.” Matted and framed with an engraved portrait of Putnam to an overall size of 15 x 27. In fine condition, with intersecting folds, one through a single letter of signature, and a small brush to beginning of signature.
An ideal location for supporting the crucial fortress of West Point in case of attack, maintaining order in Westchester County, and protecting the Danbury supply depot, Redding, Connecticut became the home of Israel Putnam’s division of the Continental Army for the winter of 1778-79. Having endured not only the horrors of battle, but also intense cold, hunger, even nakedness due to extreme undersupplying from the government, desertion was widespread and quickly becoming Putnam’s biggest problem. Simultaneously sympathetic to their position and frustrated by his thinning ranks, he worked to gain food and supplies for the troops (as seen in this letter) while at the same time taking a brutal stand against desertion. When a soldier in his camp was caught attempting to flee on February 6, 1779, Putnam decided to make an example of him. Five days after writing this letter, Putnam watched as the soldier was gruesomely executed by a firing squad, then ordered his men to march past the mangled body as a warning to potential deserters. An important letter from the bold and decisive general, struggling to obtain even the bare minimum for his depleted men. Oversized. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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