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Lot #223
Patrick Henry

Scarce 1779 letter from Governor Henry not long after the Portsmouth raids

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Estimate: $8000+
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Description

Scarce 1779 letter from Governor Henry not long after the Portsmouth raids

Revolutionary War-dated ALS signed “P. Henry,” one page, 6 x 7.75, May 22, 1779. Letter to “The honble. the Speaker of the House of Delegates.” In full: “I have the Honor to transmit to you for the perusal of the general assembly a Letter from Brig. General Allen Jones. The Express who brought it waits impatiently & may perhaps convey to the State of North Carolina any Determination which the Assembly may please to form on the Subject of Genl. Jones’s Letter.” Professionally inlaid into a slightly larger sheet. In fine condition.

In 1779, Brigadier General Allen Jones served as a senator of North Carolina as well as a member of the Continental Congress. The final months of Henry’s first term as Virginian governor proved decidedly hectic when a Royal Navy expeditionary force of 1,800 soldiers sailed from Sandy Hook and landed at Hampton Roads on May 10, 1779, easily seizing Portsmouth before plundering the Virginia countryside. Jones’s urgent letter is likely in response to the movements of General Wilhelm von Knyphausen, a commander of Hessian forces occupying the areas of New York City. Handwritten letters from Henry remain quire scarce and are highly sought after. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autographs And Artifacts
  • Dates: #475 - Ended May 11, 2016





This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
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