Rev. War Philadelphia Letter Days Prior to British General Howes Occupation

About Auction

Live

Autographs-Colonial-Political-Americana

By Early American History Auctions

Mar 20, 2021

Set Reminder 2021-03-20 12:00:00 2021-03-20 12:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Autographs-Colonial-Political-Americana https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/early-american-history-auctions/autographs-colonial-political-americana-6509
330 Lots of Rare, Historic Autographs, Americana, Civil War Era, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Slavery & Black History, Revolutionary War Era, Colonial America, Federal Period, War of 1812, Colonial Currency, Indian Peace Medals & more... Early American History Auctions auctions@earlyamerican.com

View Full Catalog (325)

• Lot Description
  American Revolution
  1777 Revolutionary War Letter Just Days Prior to British General Howe's Occupation of Philadelphia
  September 8, 1777-Dated Revolutionary War Period, Autograph Letter Signed, "Jn Turner," Philadelphia, PA, Choice Very Fine.
  Original 1 page Letter, measuring 13" x 8," written by John Turner to "Capt. William Smith of the 3d Class of Philadelphia Militia, Commd. By Colo. Jona [Jonathan] B. Smith, Brandywine Mills," asking for advice should the British Army move on Philadelphia. Here, Turner writes, in full:
  "Dr. [Dear] Sir - I think it Prudent to know what you mean to do in case the famous City of Philda. Cannot be Saved, and you Cannot be able to Leave your duty (God Forbid it Should hapen) but at the same time it is Acting The Part of a good Genl. to be prepared for a Retreat your advice in Case your absent will not a Little Contribute to make Easy your Humble Serv: as I think and look upon it to be my duty to take Care of your Interests as if it were my own for the favours you have done and Offered, I am with Respect Dr. [Dear] Sir - Your very Humble Serv - Jn Turner"
  He then adds: "Dr. Sir, please to give my Compliments to Mr. Manifold and all that Enquire after your Humble Serv. J.T. N.B.Carson, Leland, Holingsworth, Lawrence &c are pd. [paid] and about Twelve hundred Dollars in Bank - and goods wholesale to be Bought tomorrow I will purchase as many woolen Hose in market as I can. A Great Qty. of goods is pack'd Ready for flight by a member in Town - J. T." (An accounting follows of persons and goods paid.)
  In the following days, the Americans would battle the British Army at Brandywine Creek. The on September 11th, the American Army would be forced to withdraw toward Philadelphia. The Continental Congress would soon flee to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, on September 19th, 1777. The pursuing British Army under the Command of General William Howe, would triumphantly march into Philadelphia on September 26, 1777. They would occupy that city until the following Spring of 1778.
  Commanding General George Washington and the Continental Army would wait them out, suffering that terrible Winter at Valley Forge, PA. This great content, historic letter, vividly illustrates the great panic which reigned in Philadelphia preceding the British advance. Aside from some light folds, a few marginal tears and light toning, this rare Document remains whole and fully readable. Even the written text is very dramatic in it's strong, deliberate strokes, written in dark brown. An important Revolutionary War Letter with truly exciting content, preparing for the military fall of the City of Philadelphia in September of 1777.
  
  Our Auction Contents:
  
  Black History & Slavery: (Lots 1 - 63)
  Abraham Lincoln Related: (Lots 64 - 74)
  Historic Autographs: (Lots 75 - 235)
  Colonial America: (Lots 236 - 261)
  Revolutionary War: (Lots 262 - 304)
  George Washington Related: (Lots 305 - 306)
  Early American Guns & Weapons: (Lots 307 - 318)
• Shipping Info

  • Early American provides in-house worldwide shipping. Please contact us directly if you have questions about your specific shipping requirements.

• Buyer's Premium
  • 23.00 %