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Lot 296
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“Life of Andre” With 250 Items and a George Washington Letter
“Life of Andre” With 250 Items and a George Washington Letter
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Description:

John Andre
various, various
"Life of Andre" With 250 Items and a George Washington Letter
Books

"The Life and Career of Major John Andre," by Winthrop Sargent. New York: William Abbatt, 1902. Quarto (8.25" x 11.2"). Large paper edition, extended from one to three volumes with the addition of approximately 250 pieces including letters, engravings, original art, broadsides, and a fine hand-colored frontispiece of Andre. Of most importance is a handwritten letter on behalf of George Washington to Henry Knox requesting a cannon for Connecticut's defenses, partial ALS by Arthur St. Clair, original watercolor of Washington's headquarters at Tappan, George III twice-signed document, and many more portraits of Founding Fathers, views and articles from other publications on related topics. Bound in full gilt-stamped crimson Morocco with raised bands. Very fine, with the gentlest of wear to the corners.

Approximately 250 portrait engravings, documents, battle scenes and articles provide depth and context to the story of British officer John Andre. Andre was captured behind enemy lines carrying Benedict Arnold's plans and instructions for the handing of West Point to British forces. He was tried and found guilty of espionage, and was executed by hanging on October 2, 1780. His young and cultured demeanor captured the attention and sympathies of the populace on both sides of the Atlantic.

Items of note include:

George Washington letter (in Vol. I) written entirely in the hand of Robert Hanson Harrison. One page, 8" x 9.75"; Headquarters [West Point]; August 12, 1779. A letter by Washington's aide de camp to General Henry Knox: "Governor Trumbull has applied to His Excellency for a mold piece to be attached to a Colo Mead's Regiment which is raising, and to act about Horseneck [Greenwich]. The General is unwilling to refuse the Governor's request but from high probability that the piece would be lost, he does not think that he can at any rate do more than spare him an Iron one. Have you a light small one that will answer and which can be conveniently spared." Docketed on the back by Knox confirming that this was the actual letter transmitted and received. A spurious Washington signature is affixed where Harrison's signature is presumed to be. Nevertheless, an important communication originating from Washington himself, directing one of his generals to transfer a cannon to a Connecticut militia. In 1779 the British were conducting raids along the American coast, especially in Connecticut and New York. Governor Trumbull's request was made in anticipation of further attacks or coastal raids. The letter is hinged along a fold.

Partial ALS by Arthur St. Clair to David Rittenhouse (in Vol. II). A little more than nine lines of text, 8" x 6", no date but likely circa late 1780s, during St. Clair's tenure in Congress. In large part: "…for the use of the Militia – for they have… in…then you would specify the Instances – If they have not, how – the Money has been applied. They also desire to be informed whether the Monies that passed into the Treasury by – virtue of that Act have been applied solely to the relief of the wounded officers and soldiers of the Militia, and the Widows and orphans of such as have fallen in Battle and equipping and furnishing the Militia with every necessary apparatus, or if any part of it has been devoted to other purposes. By order of the Committee / Art St Clair."

An exceptionally scarce broadside (in Vol. I) ballad titled, "Major Andre's Soliloquy, and Crazy Jane," with a John Andre clipped signature affixed to the top margin that we feel cannot be authenticated and is sold with no guarantee. Printed in two columns, circa early 1800s, 9.75" x 10.25", no printer identified. A single entry in OCLC listing a copy at the American Antiquarian Society attributes the verses to M.G. Lewis and dates it between 1810 and 1830. As variations on the ballad of Crazy Jane appeared largely during the late 1790s and early 1800s, during which time song sheets adapting Major Andre's story with popular ballads were issued, this broadside likely dates from the very early 1800s. With dampstaining, toning and foxing. Broad margins, untrimmed. Affixed to the page along the top edge only.

Thomas Mifflin signed pay order (in Vol. III). One page, 7.75" x 6", Philadelphia; October 27, 1790. An order to the treasurer for a payment to Zebulon Potts for his attendance in Council for the period of April 22 to October 26, 1790. Countersigned by John Nicholson.

An original watercolor (3.75" x 2.5", in Vol. I) captioned, "Washington's Headquarters Tappan. From Which the Order for Andre's Execution was Issued."

Other items of note include a manuscript document signed twice by George III; a pen and ink portrait of Benedict Arnold by historian Benson J. Lossing (1813-1891); later facsimile printing of the list of the killed and wounded at the Battle of Concord; frontispiece hand-colored engraving of John Andre (one of multiple engravings of Andre); engravings of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Capture of Fort Ticonderoga, the Battle of Bunker Hill, the East View of Faneuil Hall Market, Lord Stirling at the Battle of Long Island, the Battle of Cowpens; a sanguine engraving of George IV, multiple portraits of George Washington and George III, and all the notables of the Revolutionary War. Also present is a three-page letter dated January 28, 1819 by Honora Edgeworth, who is misidentified as Andre's sweetheart, as the Honora Edgeworth associated to Andre died in 1780.

Dozens of scarce engravings too numerous to list. These volumes commemorate a notable moment of the Revolutionary War that united both loyalists and those devoted to the cause of liberty in admiration of Andre's personal courage and genteel conduct.

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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  • Dimensions: 8.25" x 11.2" x 5.5"
  • Medium: Books

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