Signer of the Declaration of Independence from Massachusetts (1744–1814) who later served as vice president under James Madison. His name entered the language as a result of his support of politically advantageous redistricting, which became known as ‘gerrymandering.’ War-dated ALS signed “El. Gerry,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 6.5 x 8.25, July 7, 1777. Gerry complains to James Warren about the defense of Ticonderoga, and writes about the Pennsylvania Test Act, one of many such acts passed by the states to require oaths of allegiance. In full: “Since my last nothing new occurs, save ye approach of ye Enemy towards Ticonderoga. By returns from General St. Clair of ye 25th June, it appears that ye eleven Battalions ordered from New Hamshire & Massachusetts Bay, which should contain near 8000 men, are very deficient, insomuch that he then had but 2000 effective men rank & file to defend that important post. This is so inadequate to the Force that will be brot against it, if the Enemy means to attack, that We have no other prospect but the Loss of the post, & I fear the Cause that will be said to be the Deficiency of the Batalions mentioned.
I wish that a speedy Enquiry may be made into this matter, in which ye Eastern States & N York are particularly interested as ye post being lost ye Enemy will advance towards ye Head of ye Country & afford additional Trouble to ye Inhabitants thereof. I think however that they will finally have Reason to repent an Event that they may now consider as advantageous, if the Militia of those States exert themselves with their wanted Spirit. The great Advantages arising to a State from such a Spirit have not only been realized by the Massachusetts Bay, & South Carolina, but also by the Jersies, which has been found by the Enemy too warm a Climate for a longer residence. Congress on this day to take into Consideration ye State of ye northern Department, & I wish that ye Batalions may be immediately recruited to their full Complem[en]t probably a reinforcement of ye Militia to Serve for ye Campaign will be tho’t necessary by Congress. I enclose you ye Test Act of this State, which is so well digested that I wish similar Acts may be adopted by ye other States.” Brief postscript reads, “Not being able to procure a paper with the Test, I suppose you will find it wth such of the printers as take Dunlaps papers. I have sent one to Mr. Gerry of M[arble]head." Letter has been professionally silked to repair several separations. In very good condition, with aforementioned silking, intersecting folds, one through a single letter of signature, repaired total separation to hinge, uniform toning, and repair to paper loss to lower left corner of second page.
In this letter to Warren, a Son of Liberty who fought in the Battle of Bunker Hill, Gerry laments how poorly Ticonderoga is defended and how easily it could be taken, if the British chose to attack, due to the small number of troops and their lack of experience. His concern over Ticonderoga's safety and thoughts of a possible British attack were very timely considering this letter was written the day after St. Clair, the commanding officer and source of Gerry's information, surrendered the fort to the British. This caused a huge public uproar and let to St. Clair being court-martialed. Though the court and the facts exonerated him, he was never again given battlefield command. This is a fascinating letter by one of the founding fathers predicting one of the most devastating American losses days before he would learn that his fears had already come true. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for
$100.00
*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.
We use cookies on this site to improve your experience. By using this site, you accept our use of cookies. To learn more, please see our Privacy Policy.
