Warner, Seth

Autograph letter signed ("Seth Warner"), also signed by Peleg Sunderland, 1 page (12 1/4 x 7 3/4 in.; 310 x 196 mm), Crown Point, New York, "12 May 1775, 11, Clock Evening," to the Governor, Council, and General Assembly of Connecticut in Hartford; formerly folded, small dampstain, a few ink smudges, thin edges of verso somewhat lighter in color from former matting, tiny fold tear touching one letter. Blue half-morocco drop-box.

Learned Hebard of Lebanon, CT (1799-1877)

L.E. Chittenden, The Capture of Ticonderoga (Proceedings of the Vermont Historical Society, 8 May 1872), p. 109 from prior publication in Dartmouth Magazine (May, 1872)

formerly folded, small dampstain, a few ink smudges, thin edges of verso somewhat lighter in color from former matting, tiny fold tear touching one letter.
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Lieutenant Warner reports to the Connecticut Assembly on the capture of Crown Point, the letter that establishes the date of that event.

The capture of Fort Ticonderoga and nearby Fort Crown Point were strategic victories in the effort to isolate the British-controlled northern provinces from their outposts to the south. The forts were also the source of much-needed artillery and muskets. Though the larger-than-life figures of Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold are associated with these exploits, Allen's lieutenant Seth Warner (1743-1784) fought in both engagements and led the expedition to Crown Point. He went on to become Colonel of a regiment in 1776, and his timely arrival with his regiment at Bennington on 16 August 1777, saved the day for the Americans. Peleg Sunderland was another of the Green Mountain boys.

Warner reports: "Yesterday we took possession of this Garison in the name of the Country, we find great quantyties of Ordinance Stores & very little provision; we have had parties Out Several days watching Every Passage to Canady by land & water, have Taken Two mails, have not examined them Very particuly, find nothing material in English, some letters in french & high dutch which we could not read."

He notes that he has a party watching Lake Champlain "to stop any news going to Canady as we want to have the Sloop Return from St. Johns & make a prise of her, she will be well loaded, Allen informs us a bark Canoe has been Seen Standing for Canady three miles north of his station on the lake by which means we Suppose Govr. Carlton will hear what we have done before this Comes to hand, he is a man of war, you can guess what measures he will take, we determine to fight them, we Should be Glad of assistance of men, provision & Powder, & beg your advice whether we shall abandon this place & Retire to Ticonderoga or proceed and take St. Johns Shambalee [Chambly] ..."