American Revolutionary War Autograph Letter Signed Jonathan Tyson

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By Early American History Auctions

Jun 1, 2019

Set Reminder 2019-06-01 12:00:00 2019-06-01 12:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Historic Autographs, Colonial Currency, Political Americana & Revolutionary War Era https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/early-american-history-auctions/historic-autographs-colonial-currency-political-americana-revolutionary-war-era-4152
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• Lot Description
  American Revolution
  British General John Burgoyne to Attack Albany, New York, as General William Howe Marches on Philadelphia
  July 25, 1777-Dated Revolutionary War, Autograph Letter Signed, "Jhn. Tyson" written to Major Nicholas Quackenbush, with Integral Mail Cover, Choice Extremely Fine.
  An highly important Historic Revolutionary War critical military intelligence content Letter written in brown ink on fine period laid paper measuring 8" x 12". This Letter was written to Major Quackenbush from Continental Village in upstate New York, near Albany. The content essentially states that the American forces were able to push back British Major General Burgoyne's army in his attempt to take Albany. This was during the British Saratoga Campaign, that ended with the "Battle of Saratoga" and the capture of Burgoyne and his army. What is interesting is that it also mentions General Howe's military campaign of 1777 known as the "Philadelphia Campaign" in his attempt to take the city of Philadelphia and capture the American Continental Congress. This military campaign ended in the famous celebrated 1778 Continental Army encampment at Valley Forge.
  
  This important Letter is very special in content as it mentions two of the major military campaigns during the Revolutionary War. It was written during the Saratoga Campaign, just over a month before the Battle of Saratoga itself. Major Quackenbush is hereby informed that between some British being captured around Albany, and the remainder of the British troops being headed towards Philadelphia, he has a clear route to eventually engage Burgoyne at Saratoga. This important original Letter reads, in full:
  
  "Continental Village July 25th, 1777. --- Dear Sir --- I have enclosed you a letter which came from Albany. We have heard reports here that our people have killed & taken a number of the enemy. If it be true you will be easy at Albany. Most of our troops are marching towards Philadelphia as the enemy are moving that way. We are all in the old situation at the village. This will be handed you by N. Phelps. I am with hopes of seeing you soon here. Dear sir your very humble servant Jonathan Tyson. P.S. I can't find the letter and the gentleman is in haste. I suppose it is from your daughter and if i find it I will take care of it."
  
  Minor paper loss at corners and some light age toning, else fine condition.
  
  
  Major Nicholas Quackenbush (1734-1813). Continental Army Assistant Quartermaster General (1775-1783).
  
  A member of a powerful Dutch family in the Hudson River Valley, Nicholas Quackenbush sided with the Revolutionary cause in the 1760s through 1780s, serving as Assistant Deputy Quartermaster to the Continental forces in Albany with rank as Major.
  
  A major trade and transport route linking British-held New York City with the Iroquois country, Canada, and to the settlements along the Mohawk River, the Hudson Rivier was a strategic keystone for both Patriot and Redcoat. It was the focus of particularly bitter contestation. From the fight for Fort Ticonderoga and invasion of Quebec at the start of the armed struggle, to Benedict Arnold's West Point plot, to the final evacuation of British troops in 1783, control of the Hudson was viewed as critical to military success.
  
  While the position of Quartermaster may seem less than glorious, it is one of those posts on which the success of any army hangs. Concerned with the details of provisions, tents, wood for fire, shoes, and shipping, the records of the Quartermaster reveals much about the inner workings of the Continental Army as it sought to avoid destruction by their superior British foes, and about relations with the populace of upstate New York.
  
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