Description:

J. Trumbull Jr. Sends Col. Shepard News of the Burning of Fairfield

A remarkable letter by Jonathan Trumbull Jr. with details of the British attacks on New Haven and Fairfield. 2pp of a bifolium, 9" × 7.5", Lebanon, July 9, 1779. Signed "Jonth. Trumbull" and addressed to William Shepard, Esq, the Colonial Commander of Brigadier Genl. Glover's Brigade. Trumbull not only describes the burning of the town of Fairfield, Connecticut but also advises Shepard on what might be done to counter the British attacks and informs him that General Washington has also been made aware of the events. With flattened mail folds, minor loss at the spine and a clipped portion of the address page (not affecting any of the letter's text). Toning and foxing throughout. Boldly signed, very good overall.

In part:
"…By express just received the Enemy have plundered New Haven and gone to and burnt the Town of Fairfield, except a few houses, and reembarked from thence yesterday morning, and by the best intelligence we can get, they design to attack New London next. A Frigate of thirty-two Guns hath been at New London some days, with two tenders - the Renown Man of War came to anchor off New London last night with one tender - supposed to be waiting for the fleet to come up - must therefore press my desire to have B. General Glover's Brigade march the seaside road by New London, which may be the only means of saving that place & should you take that rout it will be nearest to turn off at Canterbury to Norwich. I will undertake to vindicate your deviation from your orders, and bear all the blame incurred thereby - Please to send to B. General Glover to come on instantly - This fleet, consisting mostly of Ships, must be the same that is intended to go up North River - Sir George Collier is on Board, and commands it - vigorous exertions may, in some good measure, prevent the Enemy's future operations. Your march this way will not retard your arrival at Fishkill but little time. If the Enemy take any different course you shall be informed thereof without delay.

PS having wrote and sent Express on this head to General Washington, at the same time I first wrote to you - shall expect his return as soon as possible - the Answer shall be posted to you as soon as received."

Jonathan Trumbull (1740-1809) was an American politician who served as the second Speaker of the United States House of Representatives. He was the second son of Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., who served as Governor of Connecticut and is often confused with his younger brother, John Trumbull, a famous artist and veteran of the Revolutionary War. Jonathan Jr. graduated from Harvard College in 1759 and would go on to serve in the state legislature three times (1774-1775, 1779-1780, and in 1788), finally serving as Speaker of the House in 1788. He was also elected to the First, Second, and Third Congresses, and served in the United States House of Representatives from March 4, 1789, to March 4, 1795. During the Second Congress, he was elected Speaker of the House.

William Shepard (1737-1817) served in the French and Indian War, the Revolutionary War, and the War of 1812. He entered the army at the age of seventeen and served under Generals Abercrombie and Amherst. Following the French and Indian War, he returned home to take up life as a farmer but was pulled back into military service following the battles at Lexington and Concord. He was made a colonel and, throughout the war, was George Washington's companion in most if not all his battles.

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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