Beschreibung:

AMERICAN REVOLUTION]. A group of 13 Autograph letters signed and 1 document signed of Christopher P. Yates (Captain, 2 n d New York Regiment, Continental Line), and Abraham Yates (1724-1796, New York State Senator) primarily written during the critical Fall of 1777 with references to the Saratoga and Germantown campaigns. This vivid group of letters from an officer of the Continental Line and his brother, an elected official, includes: YATES, C. ALS, Stillwater, 6 August. 1 p., folio . During the retreat before Burgoyne's army, reporting: "by the Orders and Movements I observe that we mean to use every Exertion to affect a stand here." -- YATES, A. ALS, Kingston, 19 August 1777. 1 p., small 4to . Addressing concerns about abandoning the city and noting he has heard the good news from Bennington -- YATES, A. ALS, 23 August 1777. 1½ pp., small 4to . Expressing concern for his family and that his possessions may be destroyed. -- YATES, A. ALS, Kingston, 25 August 1777. 1½ pp, small 4to . Relaying (inaccurate) military news: American troops advancing towards Brooklyn Ferry and on Staten Island and the supposed retreat of the enemy to Ft. Washington. -- YATES, C. ALS, Palatine, 31 August 1777. 1½ pp., folio . Expressing concern about his family and farm and noting "After the Enemies Flight from Fort Schuyler for a Retreat I cannot call it, the General indulged me with leave." -- YATES, A. ALS, Kingston, 13 September 1777. 1 p., small 4to . Concerning an engagement in which "500 of ours met with 2000 of the Enemy" causing equal losses of "about 50 killed and wounded." -- YATES, A. ALS, Kingston, 15 October 1777. 1½ pp., small 4to . Relaying news of THE BATTLE OF GERMANTOWN: "Washington got the Better of Howe in a Battle at a place called Chestnut Hill w[h]ere the Enemy have been Drove from with the loss of 2600 Killed, Wounded and taken." He continues by sharing a second report that "Washington have drove Howe 14 miles from Philadelphia and has near the Half of Howes Army Prisoners" and noting "if it is not true now it will be so before long...[as reports indicate] Washington's Army soon will be so strong that Washington will have Howes army as Gates has Burgoynes." -- YATES, A. ALS, [Kingston, 15 October 1777]. 2 pp., small 4to. Sending extracts from a report of Governor Clinton which states that the enemy fleet has been spotted near New Windsor [on the Hudson] and noting they will "give them a reception they may not like." -- YATES, A. ALS, [Kingston], 16 October 1777. 1 p., folio . Noting that enemy boats are near by attempting a landing and shots were exchanged. He expresses confidence that if the British think they can land "they will find themselves mistaken." -- YATES, A. ALS, "Marble Town," 19 October 1777. 1½ pp., small 4to . Noting that their location is safe but that they might not fare as well as Albany. -- YATES, A. ALS, "Marble Town," 27 October 1777. 1 1/3 pp., small 4to . Expressing concern over state finances, a debt owed them by Congress and requesting that he get £2000 from Gates. -- YATES, C. ALS, Palatine, 29 November 1777. 2 pp., folio . Expressing concerns about his health and his occupation and asking that his request for discharge be sent to Gates. -- YATES, C. Palatine, 4 December 1777. 3 pp., folio . Stating his desire to be discharged, because he enlisted for the purpose of "serving my country...[until] the System of Government was established" and now wishes to return to civilian life. -- YATES, A. DS, New York, 10 October 1787. 1 p., oblong 4to . Receipt of payment for service in the Continental Congress. Together 14 items . (14)