Former British soldier (1727-1806) who served as an American general during the Revolutionary War, controversially taking credit for the victory at Saratoga. Revolutionary War-dated LS signed “Horatio Gates, Major General,” one page, 7.75 x 12.25, May 13, 1779. Letter to "Benjamin Steele, Esq'r, Deputy Pay Master Gen'l of the Army in the State of Rhode Island," in part: "Pay Robert Williams Esq'r, Pay Master to Lt. Col. Wm. S. Smith's Regiment the sum of Four thousand Eight hundred twenty two Dollars." Signed at the conclusion by Horatio Gates, and countersigned by his aide-de-camp, "By the General's Command, Isaac Pierce, A.d.Camp." Additionally endorsed by Robert Williams to acknowledge receipt of said funds. Impressively cloth-matted and framed with an engraving of Gates on horseback and a map of the Battle of Saratoga to an overall size of 25 x 26.5. In fine condition, with slightly irregular light toning.
A significant wartime letter signed by Gates, directing monies to the regiment commanded by William Stephens Smith, who Gen. George Washington later pronounced as 'one of the best Battalion officers' of the Continental Army. He led his regiment at the Battle of Monmouth, the Siege of Rhode Island, the expedition against the Iroquois Confederacy in Upstate New York, and the Battle of Springfield, then became the inspector and adjutant general of the Marquis de Lafayette’s light infantry division. Smith would go on to marry Abigail 'Nabby' Adams, the daughter of President John Adams, and so was a brother-in-law of President John Quincy Adams.
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