Description:

Rutledge John 1739 - 1800 John Rutledge, rare ALS expecting"joyful news of a victorious campaign ... Troops under your command, as will keep the enemy in Canada ..."

Single partial page ALS on laid paper, 9" x 8.5" with uneven edges, and light chipping. Lacking top and bottom of sheet, but still maintaining a stunning large example of John Rutledge's signature. Pencil note to lower left corner noting Rutledge scripted the piece as Delegate from South Carolina, in Congress 1774. Signed by John Rutledge as "J Rutledge."


A fantastic example of a partial ALS with a large bold signature by John Rutledge. Examples of Rutledge's signature are in high demand, and seldom come up for auction. This piece is rendered in strong contrast, with a perfectly executed signature, and is well preserved.

The autographed letter as shown in part is below:

"... In the theory of military (illegible) - I am sure that even in the short stay he will make with you his Abilities with discover themselves + that he will receive from you those civilities + attentions which with Men may expect + never fail to obtain.

I hope he will bring us the joyful news of a victorious campaign, and that be glad to hear from him that he has seen you in good health + a Body of with Troops under your command, as will keep the Enemy in Canada ...

J Rutledge "

John Rutledge served in the First Continental Congress and the Second Continental Congress until 1776. That year, he was elected President of South Carolina under a constitution drawn up on March 26, 1776. Upon taking office, he worked quickly to organize the new government and to prepare defenses against British attack. His feisty personality perhaps showed itself when he disobeyed general Lees orders when Lee told Rutledge that the fort Rutledge has commissioned to build (Fort Sullivan, now known as Fort Moutrie), should be evacuated, as Lee considered it indefensible. Lee said that the fort would fall in under a half an hour, and all the men would be killed. Rutledge wrote "General Lee [...] wishes you to evacuate the fort. You will not, without [an] order from me. I would sooner cut off my hand than write one." Rutledge, noticed that Lee was arrogant and uncouth and unfit to control the militia. Rutledge, by virtue of being elected by the state gained control of the militia. Rutledge let it be known that only he could order the militia to defend Charleston. During this time, Rutledge garnered the nickname "Dictator John" by virtue of getting his way with things. However with all that said, Rutledge was correct in his assessment as on June 28, 1776, the British attacked the fort, expecting it to fall quickly. However, the fort's walls were made out of palmetto logs packed with sand, and the British cannonballs were absorbed into the soft core of the logs without doing much damage, and the British were repulsed, saving Charleston.

Less than a half dozen examples have been offered previously at auction in the last 40 years.

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