A Scarce Autograph Letter Signed By Major General John Sullivan During The War

JOHN SULLIVAN (1740-1795). An American Revolution general, Sullivan fought at the siege of Boston in 1775 and 1776, as well as Long Island, Trenton, Princeton and Brandywine. In 1778, he headed the forces that sieged Newport. After the war, he served in the Continental Congress, New Hampshire’s attorney general and President, and a Federal judge. ALS. 1pg. 7 ½” x 9”. Jany 14, 1779. No place. An autograph letter signed “General Sullivan” to Colonel Henry Jackson: “General Sullivan presents his Complimts [sic] to Colo Jackson begs the favor of him to order the two Boxes be Sent Down to be opened & the fowles exposed to the Air to present their being Sported also the two Barrels belonging to a Brother Taylor.” The document has Sullivan’s writing on the back, addressing it to Jackson; Jackson (1747-1809) was made colonel of the 16th Massachusetts regiment, fought in Rhode Island in 1778, and was Major General of Massachusetts militia. Less than six months after this letter, Sullivan led 4,000 troops on a sweep through New York State, punishing the Native Americans and their British allies. The document has a slight seal tear that affects nothing, and a square stain that touches the last line of text and the date.