Endorsing the cavalry appointment of a fallen officer's son - photo 1
Endorsing the cavalry appointment of a fallen officer's son - photo 2

Endorsing the cavalry appointment of a fallen officer's son

Lot 178
28.01.2025 10:00UTC -05:00
Classic
Sold
$ 10 710
AuctioneerCHRISTIE'S
Event locationUSA, New York
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Archive
ID 1360894
Lot 178 | Endorsing the cavalry appointment of a fallen officer's son
Estimate value
$ 2 000 – 3 000
MUHLENBERG, Peter (1746-1807). Autograph letter signed ("P. Muhlenberg") to Colonel Anthony Walton White, Cumberland Courthouse, 14 August 1782.

One page, bifolium, 210 x 169mm. Integral transmittal leaf addressed in his hand (dustsoiling along some creases, with one small, partial separation not affecting text, minor loss from seal tear). Encapsulated.

After the death of a notable military officer, Muhlenberg recommends his son for a cavalry position. After receiving no response to his prior letters in December and April, an irritated Muhlenberg warns the colonel that "this Autumn I fancy we shall have all the news Northward, & if you do not turn out a better Correspondent, believe me you shall not have a tittle of news". Thereafter, Muhlenberg informs Col. White that everything is perfectly quiet, though the French fleet housed at the nearby Capes has gone to Rhode Island -- "whether on some enterprise, or to refort is still in doubt". Finally, Muhlenberg recommends the appointment of Lieutenant Archibald Campbell, son of notable Lieutenant Colonel Richard Campbell, to White's cavalry regiment: "In my last I took the Liberty to recommend Lieut. A. Campbell to you for an appointment in Your Reg. if possible & agreeable. He is a worthy Young Man, who wishes much to Serve in the Cavalry. He is the son of the Old Horse who fell at Eutaw, I fancy you were acquainted with him".

Lieutenant Colonel Richard Campbell (c.1730-1781) was a well-regarded officer during the revolution, serving nearly six years through six major battles, including Brandywine, Germantown, Guilford Courthouse, and suffering injuries at the Battle of Camden. At the start of his military career, Campbell was assigned to lead one of two companies under Muhlenberg’s 8th Virginia Company in 1775, with both men stemming from Dunmore County – Campbell being the county's sheriff, and Muhlenberg leading the county’s Committee of Safety and Correspondence. Killed while leading the Virginia line during the Battle of Eutaw Springs, Campbell's superior Nathanael Greene would call him a “brave, active, and intrepid Soldier.” Provenance: Anthony Walton White — by descent to the consignor.
Place of origin:USA
Auction house category:Letters, documents and manuscripts
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