Lot 2117 email save

1779, American Revolutionary War Letter -Brooklyn

Sign In to see what this sold for

American Revolution

---

Excellent Content Tory Royalist in Brooklyn War Letter

January 24, 1779, American Revolutionary War Letter, Brooklyn, New York, Choice Fine.
Autograph Letter Signed, "Fred'k De Peyster as Assistant to the Honorable Colonel [William] Axtell". This original letter is boldly written in brown ink, on 2 pages of a 4 page leaf, and measures 9.5" x 7.25". It was composed at "Flat Bush" by a Tory Royalist in Brooklyn, New York and the integral (self mailing envelope) still has some remnants of the original red wax seal. In this letter, De Peyster transmits Colonel Axtell's orders to Captain Nicholas Schenck in the "Flatlands" [now Canarsie], in part:
"warn Every and each Respective farmer in the District...that they Thrash all their Grain Viz. Wheat, Rye, and Oats & Cart the Straw Immediately to the Magazine at Brooklin. You will...acquaint them all that if they do not...their hole [sic] provinder Will be taken without fee or Reward and if on the Contrary Carted Immed., Certificates will be Given of the Quantity's Receiv'd and payment made both for the Article and Transportation According to the Regulations Establish'd by His Excellency the Commander In Chief ..." He then commands Schenck to determine how much each farmer has, and to "Make your Return by Wednesday Noon."

Also, it appears that Schenck has done some of his arithmetic for his returns, on the blank verso of the address leaf. There is some overall light toning with edge and fold wear, including some small holes where some folds meet, otherwise in very good condition. This original letter shows a great view of life in New York, which, just after the Battle of Long Island in 1776, became a Tory stronghold for the rest of the Revolutionary War. Once peace with England was reached, Axtell's home was confiscated and he was forced, like many prominent Tory Royalists, to return to England.

In the political tradition of some English-speaking countries, the term Tory has referred to a variety of political parties and creeds since it was used in the late 17th century to describe opponents to the Whigs. The term, derived from Tóraidhe, was originally used to refer to an Irish outlaw and later, often applied to any Confederate or Royalist in arms.[1] English and British Tories from the time of the Glorious Revolution up until the Reform Bill of 1832 were characterized by strong monarchist tendencies, support of the Church of England, and hostility to reform, while the Tory Party was an actual organization which held power intermittently throughout the same period.

Early American will accept payment by check or credit card.

View Early American next auction.

Similar lots up for auction