Description:

Anthony Wayne
n.p., July 19, 1780
"Mad Anthony" Wayne ALS to George Washington Re: Raid on British Loyalists in NJ
ALS
Anthony Wayne (1745-1796). Autograph Letter Signed, "Anty. Wayne", 4pp bifolium, 7.5" x 9", no place, July 19, 1780. To General George Washington. Silked at verso for preservation. Flattened folds with minor loss. Expected age toning, creasing, and staining. In very good condition. Housed in an attractive custom presentation case measuring 8.25" x 9.5".

In this densely packed letter, Wayne communicates to Washington his detailed orders for the raid on the British and Loyalist positions in New Jersey, a military action which was later immortalized by Major John Andre in his poem, "Cow Chace" (1780). The raid was designed to sweep the country between the Hackensack and Hudson Rivers, and to destroy a Loyalist blockhouse at Bull's Ferry on the Hudson just north of Fort Lee. As the U.S. Army was at this time short of transport and supplies, Wayne was to seize all cattle and horses in this largely Loyalist area.

In full:

"The first & second Pennsylvania Brigades with four field pieces and Col. Moylan's Horse to take up their line of march at 3 o'clock tomorrow afternoon for the purpose of destroying the block house near Bulls Ferry and securing the cows, horses and other cattle in Bergen Neck and between the Hackensack and North Rivers from Newbridge and Liberty Pole southward. Disposition: A captain and 20 horses to proceed for Closter Landing so as to be in possession of the look out opposite Philips by the dawn of day, calling on Capt. Blanch to join him with his company of six months men in order to watch the motions of the enemy on Valentine's Hill, & should he discover any attempt to land troops on this side the river, he will immediately raise a large smoke and continue it, dispatching at the same time two trusty horsemen with the particulars towards Bulls Ferry below Fort Lee, giving every opposition to the enemy, whilst attempting to pass at the defile which the militia under Capt. Blanch will be employed in.

A field officer with one hundred men & one piece of artillery to remain in possession of New Bridge - two regiments to advance with a few horses - one to the beach opposite Kings Bridge, the other to Fort Lee in order to defend those landing & to make the proper signals in case of any attempt from Fort Washington, which from my knowledge of the ground, is an event more to be wished than dreaded. These posts all to be occupied by the dawn of day, the day after tomorrow, & all persons prevented passing or repassing. The remainder of the troops will move in two columns to Bulls Ferry - one on the summit of the mountain - the other with the artillery & horses along the open road. Whilst this is performing, unless circumstances render it improper, the remainder of the horses will push with rapidity toward Bergentown, & when they reach as low as is necessary & prudent, begin & drive off every species of cattle & horses moving back with velocity whilst another party are advanced to cover them. This will effectually guard against any serious consequences and afford an opportunity of effecting our purpose or withdrawing occasionally. Should this meet Your Excellency's approbation, or should you think it expedient to alter or amend it, I will with some degree of confidence take charge of the affair. These are the outlines - the minutia will be attended to in the march."

Two days after the present letter, on July 21, 1780, Washington sent Wayne with two Pennsylvania brigades and four cannons to destroy a blockhouse at Bull's Ferry opposite New York City in the Battle of Bull's Ferry. Wayne's troops were unable to capture the position, suffering 64 casualties while inflicting 21 casualties on the Loyalist defenders.

Anthony Wayne was an American soldier, officer, statesman, and a Founding Father of the United States. He adopted a military career at the outset of the American Revolutionary War, where his military exploits and fiery personality quickly earned him a promotion to brigadier general and the nickname "Mad Anthony". During the war, he served in the Invasion of Quebec, the Philadelphia campaign, and the Yorktown campaign. Although his reputation suffered after his defeat in the Battle of Paoli, he won wide praise for his leadership in the 1779 Battle of Stony Point and was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. Soon after being promoted to major general in 1783, Wayne retired from the Continental Army. After the war, Wayne held a brief career in congress and private business. Following St. Clair's defeat, Wayne was recalled by President Washington from civilian life to command of U.S. forces in the Northwest Indian War, where he defeated the British-backed Northwestern Confederacy, an alliance of several American Indian tribes.

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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