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Lot #217
Nisbet Balfour Revolutionary War-Dated Autograph Letter Signed on Francis Marion's Guerrillas: "Show the Americans, that they are not with impunity to escape, while the lives of so many of their followers are in our possession"

"Show the Americans, that they are not with impunity to escape, while the lives of so many of their followers are in our possession"

Estimate: $400+

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Server Time: 6/19/2026 10:31:38 AM EDT
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Description

"Show the Americans, that they are not with impunity to escape, while the lives of so many of their followers are in our possession"

British soldier (1743–1823) in the American Revolutionary War, who was in command of Charleston while Cornwallis went on his Camden Expedition. Revolutionary War–dated ALS signed “N. Balfour,” one page, 7.75 x 9.5, April 17, 1781. Handwritten letter from Charleston to Captain Saunders, arranging the delivery of a letter to Francis Marion—the 'Swamp Fox' of the South Carolina guerillas—whose forces were wreaking havoc on the British. In full: "The bearer Mr. Alston, is to be allowed to return upon his plantation unmolested and carries a letter for Marrian [sic] complaining of the horrid murders committed daily by the Banditti who infest the country. If you can get it safely to him, without a risk, I beg you will, if not the bearer will carry it, for I am anxious to have it delivered, being determined to retaliate most amply for the numberless outrages which disgrace humanity—and to show the Americans, that they are not with impunity to escape, while the lives of so many of their followers are in our possession." In fine condition, with scattered light staining.

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