Nathanael Greene autograph letter signed ("Nath Greene"). One page, 9.5" x 14.25", "Camp at Timms tavern" [South Carolina]; June 26, 1781, to "Capt. William Thomson". Docketed. A grateful Major General Greene thanks the hero of Sullivan's Island for his "patriotism and zeal." While stationed in South Carolina, Greene received word from Colonel William "Old Danger" Thomson (1727-1796), who Greene mistakenly addresses as a captain, of his intention to retire. Thomson had been the commander of the 3rd South Carolina Regiment (the Rangers) and the Orangeburgh District of South Carolinian militia. He is recognized as the hero of the Battle of Sullivan's Island in 1776, when Thomson's riflemen rebuffed an attempt by Gen. Clinton to land a contingent of British soldiers on the northern end of the island. Despite commanding a significantly smaller force, Thomson held the position, at times firing on the enemy at point-blank range, until the high number of British casualties compelled them to fall back. He went on to see action throughout the Cherokee Expedition, including at the battle of Lindley's Fort, and later in 1779, at the Battle of Stono Ferry and the sieges of Savannah and Charleston. After the fall of Charleston, Thomson and the 3rd S.C. Regiment were captured by the British. He was quickly paroled and agreed to serve General Greene as a volunteer without command until 1781, when he indicated his intention to step down. Greene replied with this grateful letter to the battle-wearied patriot, thanking him for his service. He writes, in full: "Col. Harrison informs me that you are desirous of returning home. The time and manner of your continuing with the Army since your Regiment was reduced subject to the command of others of inferior rank reflects the highest honor upon your patriotism and zeal; the importance of your services, and the good conduct you have manifested upon every occasion, deserve my acknowledgements and particular thanks. You have my permission to return to your friends, with my best wishes for your health and happiness." Signed, "Nath. Greene." After Thomson's capture in 1780, the British took over his home of Belleville and turned it into a stockade fortification. An attempt made to retake the area on February 22, 1781 by Brig. Gen. Thomas Sumter failed, and the house remained occupied until General Francis Marion forced the British from the nearby Fort Motte on May 8, 1781. Undoubtedly his home's liberation the month before played a part in Thomson's decision to resign. An admirable war-dated letter from General Greene to a Revolutionary War hero. It is accompanied by a typed transcription and an engraved portrait of Greene in uniform by H. B. Hall, Jr. Condition: Light scattered soiling and foxing. HID03101062020 © 2022 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

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