Lot 186: Revolutionary War Letter, General John Stark to Colonel Willett

John Stark, General in the Revolution, Manuscript Letter Signed, 2pp. folio, "Head Quarters, Albany, August 1781". To Colonel Marinus Willett, legendary military leader, businessman, and eventual mayor of New York City. Addressed on internal leaf to Col. Willet at Fort Rensselear. Colonel Willet, in command of the troops in the Mohawk Valley. General Stark informs him that he has ordered a party under Captain Livingston to join his forces immediately, and that he has made arrangements to send beef cattle and other supplies, but laments that fact that he has no paper supplies to share. Stark also asserts his independence regarding troop movements, "...I had a plan then in my mind (that is now settled) when I sent them there, but Governor Clinton knew nothing of the matter. My command is independent of him. Perserverance overcomes all difficulties..." Good arhival condition, light foxing, small hole and splits along folds, see photos. Colonel Willett's side of the correspondence appears to be in the Willet Family archive in the New York State Library. Mounted in a double windowed presentation frame showing both sides, along with an image of General Stark. Provenance: Lot 370, The James Lorimer Graham Collection, Parke-Bernet Galleries, NY, Sale 1825, April 29, 1958.

Price Realized: $1,600

Share or Email This Lot

View all Manuscripts Lots in this Auction

View all Lots in the Fine Americana and Advertising Auction