Reorganizing the Virginia militia to resist Cornwallis - photo 1
Reorganizing the Virginia militia to resist Cornwallis - photo 2
Reorganizing the Virginia militia to resist Cornwallis - photo 3
Reorganizing the Virginia militia to resist Cornwallis - photo 4

Reorganizing the Virginia militia to resist Cornwallis

Lot 137
27.06.2024 00:00UTC +00:00
Classic
Starting price
$ 100
AuctioneerCHRISTIE'S
Event locationUnited Kingdom, London
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ID 1236368
Lot 137 | Reorganizing the Virginia militia to resist Cornwallis
Estimate value
$ 10 000 – 15 000
NELSON, Thomas, Jr. (1738-1789). Manuscript document signed ("Thos Nelson Jr") as Governor of Virginia, "War Office", Richmond, 24 July [1781].

Two pages, 195 x 315 mm. (sight), (lightly browned, docketed, scattered holes from ink erosion effecting text). Unexamined out of frame.

One month after assuming the role of Virginia Governor, Nelson signs an order to reorganize Virginia forces to resist British incursions in the months leading to the Siege of Yorktown. With numerous corrections and emendations. "All Soldiers belonging to the regiment formerly known by the names of the first and Second State, the State garrison, and State Artillery, are directed forthwith to join the new regiment composed of those Several corps. All Soldiers belonging to Col. Slaughter’s command, who are now on this side [of] the Allegheny, are to hold themselves subject to this order..." To further bolster ranks, Nelson also permits a conditional pardon for prior deserters whom surrender themselves and serve an additional six months, warning that "those that neglect this humane offer may be assured that no pains shall be spared to apprehend them and bring them to the Severest punishment". Interestingly, the order indicates that non-complying deserters shall "expose themselves to the penalties by Law", yet a clause condemning them to "five years service" was crossed out. The orders also designate various rendezvous points, including "Williamsburg, Fredericksburg, Price Edward court house, Staunton, and Winchester, and the general rendezvous will be Goochland court house."

Fearing his inability to serve the needs of a state under invasion by the British, Thomas Jefferson had declined reelection as Virginia Governor in June 1781. Nelson was elected to fill his seat and was also appointed commander-in-chief of the Virginia militia, where he was given near-dictatorial powers to combat the invading forces. His efforts to secure critical supplies for the siege helped ensure victory over the British, but his heavy-handed methods alienated many Virginians. In November of that year, Nelson resigned as Governor due to health concerns. Sickly and heavily in debt from his former contributions to the war effort, Nelson would succumb to asthma eight years after his resignation, reportedly "buried in an unmarked grave to keep creditors from finding his body and holding it as collateral." (Boatner) Provenance: Paul Francis Webster (his sale, Sotheby’s, New York, 24 April 1985, lot 159) – Arthur J. Stegall Jr. Collection.
Artist:Thomas Nelson II (1738 - 1789)
Place of origin:USA
Auction house category:Letters, documents and manuscripts
Address of auction CHRISTIE'S
8 King Street, St. James's
SW1Y 6QT London
United Kingdom
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13.06.2024 – 27.06.2024
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