military 396. Henry Knox Letter Signed. Revolutionary War general, first United States Secretary of War, and founder of the military school that became West Point (1750–1806). LS signed “H. Knox,” one page both sides, 7.75 x 12.5, January 29, [1790s]. Official War Office letter to Revolutionary War veteran Sharp Delany, who was appointed by George Washington as first Collector of Customs in Philadelphia. In part: “The Secretary of the Treasury has informed me that he has written to you on the payment of the first moiety of the Invalid Pensioners within the State of Pennsylvania, and that he has arranged with you the funds for that purpose. I shall transmit you a list of the said pensioners which has been received at this office, which is exactly to govern your payments.” In very good condition, with edge tears and paper loss, and old tape repairs to nearly complete separations along very fragile horizontal folds. Starting Bid $200
Tremendous, content-rich handwritten letter from Steuben—“Our President is still on his tour of the Holy Land; he receives and gives beautiful speeches everywhere”
397. Friedrich von Steuben Autograph Letter Signed. ALS in French, signed “Steuben,” three pages on two adjoining
sheets, 7.25 x 9, November 3, 1789. Handwritten letter to French diplomat Elénor-François-Elie, Comte de Moustier, in part (translated): “Since your departure nothing here has happened that merits your attention. Our President is still on his tour of the Holy Land; he receives and gives beautiful speeches everywhere. In ten days he will return to our capital. We have very little direct news of what is going on where you are. Jefferson has still not arrived, and your cursed ship still moves as slowly as a turtle to keep us in the dark. We get all our news via London, as dark as the smoke out of their chimneys. A lot of your ministers have been disgraced, courtiers exiled, robins chased to England and all are disheartened. Reading the articles about France, I feel transported to the century of Honorius. France stands for the Eastern Empire, and Paris for Constantinople.” In fine condition. Starting Bid $500
Hundreds of more items are listed online at www.RRAuction.com | 79
