- 2082
JOHN ANDRÉ. AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED, 19 FEBRUARY 1780, TO GREGORY TOWNSEND, ESQ.
估價
20,000 - 30,000 USD
招標截止
描述
- Autograph letter signed ("John André D. Adjt. Gen.") to Gregory Townsend, Esq., Assistant Commissary General of the British army, relaying Sir Henry Clinton’s authorization to purchase rum
One page (12 5/8 x 7 7/8 in.; 320 x 200 mm) on a bifolium (watermarked J Taylor | seated liberty), integral address leaf in André's hand, with recipient's docket, Head Quarters [New York City], 19 Feb[ruary] 1780; closed repair to seal not affecting text.
來源
Christie's New York, 3 December 2007, lot 100
Condition
One page (12 5/8 x 7 7/8 in.; 320 x 200 mm) with integral address leaf in André's hand, and recipient's docket, Head Quarters [New York City], 19 Feb[ruary] 1780; closed repair to seal hole not affecting text.
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.
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.
拍品資料及來源
A rare war-time letter from British officer and spy John André, seven months before his capture and execution for his plotting with Benedict Arnold Following his arrival in America in 1774, John André quickly proved himself to be an officer of exceptional ability. After serving as an aide to Major General Charles Grey, André was appointed to the post of Deputy Adjutant General to British commander-in-chief Sir Henry Clinton in October 1779, at the young age of 28.
Benedict Arnold had first bruited his treasonable overtures to Clinton in May or June 1779, when he found himself seriously in debt and resentful of an accusation that he used his military office for private gain. Over that summer, Arnold gave military information of the highest importance to Clinton such as troop movements, number of troops, dispositions of supplies. Acting as the British Army's contact with Arnold, André proved adept at navigating the surreptitious communications and negotiations, infamously using the code names "Lothario" and "John Anderson" in his communications.
In this attractive letter, written just seven months before the discovery of his clandestine activities, André writes to the Assistant Commissary General of the British army relaying Sir Henry Clinton’s authorization: "The commander in chief [Clinton] bids me inform you with respect to the Rum, that you are to make such an agreem't with the owner as you think, considering circumstances. Mr. Weir will approve."
André was captured with incriminating papers from Arnold in his boots on 23 September 1780 by three militiamen as he tried to make his way through American lines to Tarrytown. Arnold learned of André's capture on the morning of the 25th and fled down river to the safety of the H.M.S. Vulture, just before General Washington arrived at Arnold's headquarters. André was taken by barge to Stony Point on the 28th. His trial took place on the 29th, and he was condemned as a spy. Despite his entreaties to Washington to be executed by firing squad, he was executed by hanging on 2 October in Tappan.
Benedict Arnold had first bruited his treasonable overtures to Clinton in May or June 1779, when he found himself seriously in debt and resentful of an accusation that he used his military office for private gain. Over that summer, Arnold gave military information of the highest importance to Clinton such as troop movements, number of troops, dispositions of supplies. Acting as the British Army's contact with Arnold, André proved adept at navigating the surreptitious communications and negotiations, infamously using the code names "Lothario" and "John Anderson" in his communications.
In this attractive letter, written just seven months before the discovery of his clandestine activities, André writes to the Assistant Commissary General of the British army relaying Sir Henry Clinton’s authorization: "The commander in chief [Clinton] bids me inform you with respect to the Rum, that you are to make such an agreem't with the owner as you think, considering circumstances. Mr. Weir will approve."
André was captured with incriminating papers from Arnold in his boots on 23 September 1780 by three militiamen as he tried to make his way through American lines to Tarrytown. Arnold learned of André's capture on the morning of the 25th and fled down river to the safety of the H.M.S. Vulture, just before General Washington arrived at Arnold's headquarters. André was taken by barge to Stony Point on the 28th. His trial took place on the 29th, and he was condemned as a spy. Despite his entreaties to Washington to be executed by firing squad, he was executed by hanging on 2 October in Tappan.