Superb ALS signed “P. Henry,” one page both sides, 7 x 9.25, December 1, 1792. In part: "It gives me no small Degree of Regret that in Return for your agreeable communications I am about only to give you trouble. Col. Lyme with whom you know my Connection furnished Wm. Aylett the continental Commissary a larger Quantity of Flour…Since Col. Aylett's Death his Son is marry'd to my Daughter & I am connected with both partys…it was brought by Col. Lyme ag'st Phil Aylett my Son in Law…But the opinion of the Court—was discovered to be that as Col. Wm. Aylett acted as a public agent…the contract…ought to be a charge against the United States…Leave to trouble you further by recommending General Joseph Martin as a proper person to be trusted in the Indian Affairs, especially those which relate to the Cherokees. He was agent for this state during the War, & at every Hazard persevered so as to prevent any material damage from that Tribe, altho efforts backed by vast presents were incessantly used…to incite them to Hostilitys. He tells me he can influence…their Leadership to Congress & is very sanguine in his opinion that a War with that Nation may be avoided by proper management." Professionally silked on both sides due to its evident brittle nature, and in good to very good condition, with areas of restored paper loss which has resulted in the loss of some text and the bottom of the "y" in Henry's signature. In 1777, Governor Patrick Henry appointed General Joseph Martin as Agent and Superintendent for Indian Affairs for the State of Virginia, a role well-suited to his experience among the Cherokee in the Appalachian wilderness; he served in the same capacity for the state of North Carolina from 1783 to 1789. During the Revolutionary War, Martin's diplomacy both prevented Indian attacks on American colonists and enabled the Continental Army to achieve victory over the English at the Battle of Kings Mountain, a decisive turning point in the war. Although Martin on occasion was forced to fight against Indians during the Cherokee–American wars, he was often deemed too lenient on tribes and, in light of the maligned Treaty of Hopewell, his agent commission was never renewed. Henry remained a strong advocate of Martin and routinely suggested his name for various appointments. A fascinating letter with superb content related to a legendary envoy of the American Revolution. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
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