WASHINGTON, George. Partial autograph letter signed (“G:o Washington”), as Commander-in-Chief, to Massachusetts Bay Council, [26 February 1776]. 2 page fragment (one leaf, recto and verso), 18-lines of the opening portion of the letter, 5-lines at the conclusion; approximately 11-lines lost; Vander Ley watermark .
WASHINGTON, George. Partial autograph letter signed (“G:o Washington”), as Commander-in-Chief, to Massachusetts Bay Council, [26 February 1776]. 2 page fragment (one leaf, recto and verso), 18-lines of the opening portion of the letter, 5-lines at the conclusion; approximately 11-lines lost; Vander Ley watermark . “I AM MAKING ALL POSSIBLE PREPARATION TO TAKE POSSESSION OF THE HEIGHTS OF DORCHESTER” A pivotal moment early in the Revolutionary War as Washington drives the British out of Boston. “As I am making all possible preparation to take possession of the heights of Dorchester (which I expect I shall be able to accomplish by the last of this week) it is expected that this, if anything can, will bring the Enemy out of Boston to oppose, as at Charlestown, our erecting any works there. To weaken our lines on the north side of Cambridge River too much, with a view to strengthen those of Dorchester, before any move is made that way by the Enemy, might expose an opening they would gladly avail themselves of, and to delay it til an attack is begun would be too late, as the contest will soon be decided for or against us, after this happens […] please to fix with General Thomas (who waits upon you on purpose) upon the signals to be given, and issue your notice thereof accordingly…” In the lost portion of the letter, Washington asked the Massachusetts Bay Council to make available the militia nearest Dorchester and Roxbury to be ready “to repair the lines at those places, with their arms, ammunition & accoutrements instantly upon a signal.” Henry Knox arrived at the end of February with the guns of Fort Ticonderoga, a stupendous feat of military logistics that gave Washington the firepower he needed against the British. But he had to get the guns into place on Dorchester Heights. On 4 March 1776, under cover of darkness and after two days of diversionary bombardment of Cambridge, General Thomas led a party of 2,000 troops who worked quietly but determinedly through the night, with Washington present and encouraging them, to build the cannon placements that stared back at the British when they awoke on the 5th. A late day snowstorm forced Howe to scrap his planned attack against the Heights. On 17 March the British evacuated Boston, leaving it free the remainder of the war. Published in Fitzpatrick 4:350-351.
WASHINGTON, George. Partial autograph letter signed (“G:o Washington”), as Commander-in-Chief, to Massachusetts Bay Council, [26 February 1776]. 2 page fragment (one leaf, recto and verso), 18-lines of the opening portion of the letter, 5-lines at the conclusion; approximately 11-lines lost; Vander Ley watermark .
WASHINGTON, George. Partial autograph letter signed (“G:o Washington”), as Commander-in-Chief, to Massachusetts Bay Council, [26 February 1776]. 2 page fragment (one leaf, recto and verso), 18-lines of the opening portion of the letter, 5-lines at the conclusion; approximately 11-lines lost; Vander Ley watermark . “I AM MAKING ALL POSSIBLE PREPARATION TO TAKE POSSESSION OF THE HEIGHTS OF DORCHESTER” A pivotal moment early in the Revolutionary War as Washington drives the British out of Boston. “As I am making all possible preparation to take possession of the heights of Dorchester (which I expect I shall be able to accomplish by the last of this week) it is expected that this, if anything can, will bring the Enemy out of Boston to oppose, as at Charlestown, our erecting any works there. To weaken our lines on the north side of Cambridge River too much, with a view to strengthen those of Dorchester, before any move is made that way by the Enemy, might expose an opening they would gladly avail themselves of, and to delay it til an attack is begun would be too late, as the contest will soon be decided for or against us, after this happens […] please to fix with General Thomas (who waits upon you on purpose) upon the signals to be given, and issue your notice thereof accordingly…” In the lost portion of the letter, Washington asked the Massachusetts Bay Council to make available the militia nearest Dorchester and Roxbury to be ready “to repair the lines at those places, with their arms, ammunition & accoutrements instantly upon a signal.” Henry Knox arrived at the end of February with the guns of Fort Ticonderoga, a stupendous feat of military logistics that gave Washington the firepower he needed against the British. But he had to get the guns into place on Dorchester Heights. On 4 March 1776, under cover of darkness and after two days of diversionary bombardment of Cambridge, General Thomas led a party of 2,000 troops who worked quietly but determinedly through the night, with Washington present and encouraging them, to build the cannon placements that stared back at the British when they awoke on the 5th. A late day snowstorm forced Howe to scrap his planned attack against the Heights. On 17 March the British evacuated Boston, leaving it free the remainder of the war. Published in Fitzpatrick 4:350-351.
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
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