Webb, Samuel Blachley

Autograph letter signed ("Sam. B Webb"), 4 pages (12 3/4 x 7 3/4 in.; 324 x 197 mm), "Quarters in Norwalk," Connecticut, 5 December 1777, to Thomas Mumford; formerly folded, light dampstain on first page, small fold tear in left margin. Blue half-morocco clamshell box.

formerly folded, light dampstain on first page, small fold tear in left margin
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

A long newsy letter to an old friend.

Webb (1753-1807) was at this time aide and secretary to General Washington. He took part in the Battle of Long Island, and was wounded at the Battles of White Plains and Trenton. After taking part in the Battle of Princeton, Webb returned to Connecticut and used his inheritance to raise and equip a regiment at his own expense, of which he was commander with the rank of Colonel. Five days after this letter was written, Webb was taken prisoner during General Parson's expedition on Long Island and remained a captive until his exchange in 1781. Thomas Mumford was a merchant in Groton, Connecticut, whose son Giles,  serving in Webb's regiment, was also captured.

Webb begins by thanking Mumford for procuring shoes and stockings for his regiment, he is unable to assist Carter in obtaining "hydes," and begs indulgence for writing his letter as he finds time: "How can you my friend or any other Gentleman expect to hear of anything of consequence being done in this quarter — have we not during the whole Campaign been most shamefully neglected ..." He notes that there had been a reduction in troops " ... to a handfull by the repeated calls of General Washington, & agreeable to his advice the Militia from this State were called to supply the place." They came, but too late, after a month's requisition. The brigade of Massachusetts militia was to return home, "the Governor and Council of Connecticut were call'd on but absolutely refused her aid," and finally "we are now reduced to Genl. Parson's Brigade consisting of (short of) a 1000 and Col. Ely's Regiment — what then can our friends expect of us, are we with this handfull to offer Battle to three times our numbers — & they strongly entrenched — unreasonable ..." and goes on to discuss the movements they have been directed to make.

"We are surprised at hearing no particulars from our Southern Army of moment ... Lord Cornwallis has recrossed the Delaware — General Green has returned to Genl. Washingtons Camp - this is our last intelligence, abt. eight days.— Some of the Enemy's transports have got up to Philadelphia, — we think it not possible the two Armies can be inactive long ..."