Revolutionary War-dated ALS signed “T. Edwards,” one page both sides, 6.25 x 8, March 31, 1781. Addressed from West Point, New York, a handwritten letter from Thomas Edwards (1753-1806), deputy judge-advocate of the Continental Army, sent to Colonel Henry Jackson, commander of the 16th Massachusetts Regiment. In the letter, Edwards provides details of General Nathanael Greene's report to General Washington after the Battle of Guilford Court House. In part: “His Excellency [General Washington] has rec’d letters from Genl. Greene informing that Genl. Greene on the 16th Ins’t (I think) attacked Lord Cornwallis when a severe engagement ensued, wherein we lost 500 killed & wounded & the Enemy it is said 700. Night put an End to the Contest, both parties retiring from the Field without burying their Dead. Genl. G. intended attacking his Lordship the next Morning but a Storm prevented, he intends it however the first Opportunity – he is superior to Cornwallis, says the Continentals behaved to Admiration, & the Militia as well as could be expected of Militia.” In fine condition. The battle was fought on March 15, 1781, at modern-day Greensboro, North Carolina, where 2,100 British troops under Lieutenant General Charles Cornwallis met 4,500 American soldiers commanded by Continental Army Major General Nathanael Greene. Although technically a defeat for the Continental Army, Greene inflicted significant damage on the British Army, resulting in a strategic victory for the Americans and leading up to the British surrender at Yorktown later in the year.
