Raynor HCA 2013-01
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/10/2013
Autograph document, 1 p., 13" x 7.75", February 1780, no place. Headed "The Connecticut Line for Refreshments", the document lists ten officers, their regiments, and foodstuffs purchased. Supplies include brown sugar, coffee, "W[est I[ndian] Rum", "Plain Cloth", "Loaf Sugar", "Spice" and other articles. For instance, Colonel Samuel Webb purchased 22 gallons of West India Rum on Feb. 21, 1780. The recipients include General Samuel Parsons who, with Ethan Allen, captured Fort Ticonderoga in a surprise raid in 1775. Other officers listed include Colonel Samuel B. Webb, Lieutenant John Sherman, Captain Jonathan Heart, Ensign Schiel Galpin, Captain James Morris, Ensign George Cotton, Captain Edward Ells, Lieutenant James Olmstead, and Ensign James Benjamin. Parsons later became commander of the defenses in the Hudson Highlands and upon the retirement of Israel Putnam, commander of the Connecticut Line. In the late nineteenth century, Parsons was found to be a traitor. A letter of July 8, 1781 written to British General Sir Henry Clinton was discovered in which Parsons revealed the disposition of American supplies and fortifications, as well as the position of the French forces under Rochambeau. Usual folds with very light toning, one small hole due to ink erosion at top left, else very fine condition.
Click on a thumbnail above to display a larger image below
Hold down the mouse button and slide side to side to see more thumbnails(if available).
Click above for larger image.