The War of 1812 General, On his Way To The Battle, Requests Armament

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/21/2015

BROWN, Jacob (1175-1828) was an American army officer in the War of 1812. His successes on the northern border during that war made him a hero. In 1821, he was appointed Commanding General of the United States Army and held that post until his death.Autograph letter Signed, West Bloomfield, N.Y. Aug. 30, 1814, [1]p plus integral address leaf. Quarto, on a folded folio sheet. Old fold lines. Minor soiling. Near fine. In a green half morocco and cloth clamshell case, spine gilt. A hasty note written by Major General Jacob Brown to New York politician Nathan Williams, requesting more arms and equipment for the siege of Fort Erie, currently underway. The Americans, led by Brown, captured Fort Erie on July 3, 1814. British forces, led by Lt. General Gordon Drummond, engaged the Americans at the bloody Battle of Lundy's Lane on July 25th, where Brown was wounded; the Americans retreated to Fort Erie, and Brown was sent off to convalesce. After repeated sorties and engagements, the American commander, General Gaines, was gravely wounded and Brig. General Eleazer Ripley - who thought the whole operation was doomed to failure - took command. Brown, though not quite recovered from wounds taken at the battle of Lundy's Lane the previous month, was sent to replace the pessimistic Ripley as the commander of the Fort. Brown had made a name for himself at the battles of Sackett's Harbor and Lundy's Lane, and his actions at the Siege would cement his position as a national hero, winning him the Congressional Gold Medal in November 1814. Brown jotted this note before setting out to command the troops at the Fort. He writes: "My dear Sir I am so far on my way towards Buffalo. The militia turn out better than was expected. We shall I fear be deficient in arms. You will jump into your easy carriage and ride to Rome as fast as possible upon the receipt of this and see that the keeper of the arsenal there forwards fifteen hundred stand with equipments compleat with all the rapidity possible. Your attention is of much importance." A wonderful letter, written by Major General Jacob Brown on his way to the battle that would ensure his lasting fame.

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).