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British soldier turned Virginia planter (1732-1782) and Continental Army officer in the Revolutionary War. Lee is most notorious for his actions during the Battle of Monmouth, where he disobeyed orders from George Washington and retreated directly into the general and his advancing troops, earning Lee a public rebuke. Lee was court-martialed for ‘inappropriate language’ and relieved of command for one year. Revolutionary War-dated ALS, one page, 6.25 x 7.75, March 22, 1778. Lee writes from British-occupied New York City to John Thomas in Bedford, New York, concerning a prisoner exchange. In full: “Mr. Nehemiah Marshal of N. Rochelle has been let out on his parole and will be totally liberated but on condition that Isaac Gidney of Rye Neck is exchanged for him–this Gidney is suppos’d to be Prisoner at Hartford in Connecticut. As I am engagd in honors and as Mr Marshal is so importantly interested in it I must request that you will address a letter on the Subject to Hartford in my name–and request that Gidney may be immediately sent into N York and you will oblige, Sir, your Most Obedt humble Servt.” Detached second integral page bears an address panel in Lee’s hand. A few partial separations to intersecting folds to letter, scattered toning and foxing, and light creasing. Second integral page is soiled, with areas of paper loss and tape repairs to folds, otherwise very good condition.
John Thomas, the recipient of this letter, was a member of the ‘Committee who represent the Inhabitants of West Chester County.’ Isaac Gidney, referenced here by Lee as he was held in British hands, was a Rye loyalist who was among those who had earlier signed a resolution declaring their ‘great desire and full resolution to live and die peaceable subjects to our gracious sovereign King George the Third, and his laws.’ Despite Lee’s efforts here to exchange Gidney for another prisoner and provision “that Gidney may be immediately sent into N York,” he did not return to the British-occupied city. Rather, he went to his home in Mamaroneck…where he was soon recaptured by American troops. An intriguing ‘behind the scenes’ look at prisoners of war during the revolution. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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