Wayne, Anthony, Continental General

Autograph letter signed ("AntyWayne"), 1 1/4 pages, 4to (8 7/8 x 7 1/4 in.; 225 x 185 mm), Charlestown [i.e., Charleston, South Carolina], 3 December 1782, to General Nathaniel Greene, complaining about the lack of provisions, integral address leaf; seal tear on address leaf repaired. Tan cloth folding-case, tan morocco spine.

Less than a fortnight before the British evacuate Charleston, Wayne complains to General Nathaniel Greene about the lack of provisions for American troops, which could provoke mutiny and desertions. "The troops in  town have now been six days without receiving a particle of meat, nor is there a single pound of rice in the place! We have every reason to expect very disagreeable consequences, human nature can not, nor will not long endure such treatment! A number of Cattle & sheep are now in town. Application has been made to Mr Hart & to the Governor for authority to take a few of them to relieve the cravings of nature for a day. This request has been peremptorilly refused The soldiery are outragious: will you be so good as to give an order to take one days provision: or shall I do it, to prevent worse consequences."