GERMAIN, George Sackville, British Sec. of State for the American Colonies (1775-82) . Autograph letter signed ("Geo:Germain"), to an unidentified correspondent, Stoneland Lodge, 13 July 1775. 2 pages, 4to . Fine. "LORD NORTH MUST SEE THE NECESSITY OF MAKING THEM SUE FOR PEACE" A remarkably outspoken letter on the American crisis, written three months after Lexington and Concord and (unknown to Germain) 10 days after the Declaration of Independence. Germain, who in November would be named Secretary of State for the Colonies, evaluates the British commanders and vows that no further accomodations with the rebellious colonies is now possible: "We shall soon have very interesting news from Boston, as I never can believe that Howe will be subject to be blockd up in that town many days after the arrival of the transports from Ireland; unless that [Thomas] Gage is amused by proposals from the Congress. I am curious to know what the terms are, which are agreed to, after rejecting those proposed by Dickinson [the Olive Branch petition]. I confess I am in no humour to treat lite. The Colonies have felt the power of this Country, their insolence would be insupportable if any accommodation now took place. Lord North [British Prime Minister] must see the neccessity of making them sue for Pardon, and when that happens, I shall not wish for any preasures[?] of rigour." Predicting that Henry Clinton will replace Howe, he continues: "If the war goes on another year I have no doubt of seeing the Command both of the Fleet and the Army in different hands. But the misfortune is that the Event of this important Campaign must depend upon the present General and Admiral. I declare I have more dependence upon Lord Norths good Luck than upon the Abilities of our Commanders, I trust it will not forsake him in this Instance." Germain (1716-1785), had a disastrous military career and narrowly escaped being executed for cowardice. As Secretary of State during the rest of the course of the Revolution, he tried ineffectually to direct the war from England. His favoritism of Cornwallis and Burgoyne and continuing personality conflicts with Howe, Carleton and Clinton resulted in fatal strategic errors, best exemplified in the case of Burgoyne's failed offensive.
GERMAIN, George Sackville, British Sec. of State for the American Colonies (1775-82) . Autograph letter signed ("Geo:Germain"), to an unidentified correspondent, Stoneland Lodge, 13 July 1775. 2 pages, 4to . Fine. "LORD NORTH MUST SEE THE NECESSITY OF MAKING THEM SUE FOR PEACE" A remarkably outspoken letter on the American crisis, written three months after Lexington and Concord and (unknown to Germain) 10 days after the Declaration of Independence. Germain, who in November would be named Secretary of State for the Colonies, evaluates the British commanders and vows that no further accomodations with the rebellious colonies is now possible: "We shall soon have very interesting news from Boston, as I never can believe that Howe will be subject to be blockd up in that town many days after the arrival of the transports from Ireland; unless that [Thomas] Gage is amused by proposals from the Congress. I am curious to know what the terms are, which are agreed to, after rejecting those proposed by Dickinson [the Olive Branch petition]. I confess I am in no humour to treat lite. The Colonies have felt the power of this Country, their insolence would be insupportable if any accommodation now took place. Lord North [British Prime Minister] must see the neccessity of making them sue for Pardon, and when that happens, I shall not wish for any preasures[?] of rigour." Predicting that Henry Clinton will replace Howe, he continues: "If the war goes on another year I have no doubt of seeing the Command both of the Fleet and the Army in different hands. But the misfortune is that the Event of this important Campaign must depend upon the present General and Admiral. I declare I have more dependence upon Lord Norths good Luck than upon the Abilities of our Commanders, I trust it will not forsake him in this Instance." Germain (1716-1785), had a disastrous military career and narrowly escaped being executed for cowardice. As Secretary of State during the rest of the course of the Revolution, he tried ineffectually to direct the war from England. His favoritism of Cornwallis and Burgoyne and continuing personality conflicts with Howe, Carleton and Clinton resulted in fatal strategic errors, best exemplified in the case of Burgoyne's failed offensive.
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
