Description:

Tompkins Daniel

Daniel D. Tompkins Superb War of 1812 LS

 

2pp letter signed by Daniel D. Tompkins (1774-1825) as "Daniel D. Tompkins" on the second page at upper right. Signed in Albany, New York on September 14, 1812. On bifold cream paper. Integral address leaf with remnant of original wax seal visible on the blank third page. Very good to near fine condition, with expected toning, light stains, and a few closed tears at folds. 7.75" x 10".

 

New York Governor Daniel D. Tompkins wrote Brigadier General Joseph Bloomfield in the fall of 1812 regarding the replacement of acting commander Major General Benjamin Mooers.

 

In part, with unchanged spelling and punctuation:

 

"Previously to my leaving Albany for New York you wished to know of me whether in case you should go the Plattsburgh I would withdraw Major General Mooers from Command and my answer was that I would so withdraw him whenever it should be desired by Genl Dearborn or yourself. No such request was ever made and therefore no such order was issued. To prevent misunderstanding, however, I have directed Genl Mooers to terminate his Command, although he is under the Command of Genl Dearborn by the written request of the latter and not Subject immediately to my Orders. Genl Dearborn therefore might have given and ought to have given Genl Mooers any proper order upon that Subject. However as the Commander in Cheif seems willing to have the Command without taking the responsibility of exercising it upon disagreeable occasions I have concluded to assume the responsibility…"

 

The conflict over rank between Bloomfield and Mooers precipitated Bloomfield to appeal to Governor Tompkins. The Governor fired Mooers since the actual military commander, General Henry Dearborn, was not up to the task. Mooers' termination, and the choice of his replacement, was probably politically motivated if we consider the sentiments of one of Bloomfield's contemporaries. General Joseph Bloomfield was described by a Plattsburgh resident as "better qualified to surrender an army into the hands of the enemy than to conduct one triumphantly to victory and conquest."

 

A transcript of the retained copy can be found in Public Papers of Daniel D. Tompkins, Governor of New York, 1807-1817, Vol. 3, p. 127.

 

After Daniel D. Tompkins's tenure as 4th Governor of New York (1807-1817), he served as sixth U.S. Vice President under James Monroe.

 

General Joseph Bloomfield (1753-1823) was approaching the end of his nine-year-long term as New Jersey Governor when he received this missive from Governor Tompkins.

 

General Benjamin Mooers (1758-1838) would command the New York militia at the Battle of Plattsburg almost two years later, on September 11, 1814.

 

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

 

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