Description:

Horatio Gates
Providence, RI, May 12, 1779
Major General Horatio Gates Signed 1779 Abstract for Pay
MDS

Horatio Gates (1727-1806). Manuscript Document Signed, "Horatio Gates / Major General", 2pp, on one leaf measuring 8.75" x 13.25", Providence, Rhode Island, May 12, 1779. Flattened folds. Two small closed tears at edges. Age toning, heavier at center portion on both sides. Scattered foxing throughout. Minor fading to some text. In very good to near fine condition.

To Benjamin Stelle Esq. Deputy Pay Master, in full: "Sir, Pay Mr. Gabriel Allen Pay Master to Col. John Topham's Regiment the sum of Four thousand six hundred and eighty two Dollars & twenty nine seventy seconds of a Dollar agreeable to the within Abstract for Pay and Subsistance from sixteenth Jany. to the sixteenth of Feby. 1779 - And for your so doing this shall be your sufficient warrant. Given at the Head Quarters in Providence / May 12th: 1779 - Horatio Gates Major General." Below this, Gabriel Allen signs for contents received in full, "Gabl. Allen Pay Master", with his paraph.

Verso of document is headlined: "An Abstract of Pay and Subsistance due to The Field and Staff Officers and the Several Companies of the Regiment Commanded by Colonel John Topham, from the 16th of Jany. to the 16th of Feby. 1779". Following is a list of twelve officers and eight Company Rolls with the pay that is due them. Signed by John Topham as Colonel and Gabriel Allen as Pay Master. Countersigned by Benjamin Stelle and Ezekiel Connell.

Horatio Gates was an English-born American general in the American Revolution whose victory over the British at the Battle of Saratoga turned the tide of victory in behalf of the Revolutionaries. Gates first served in North America in the French and Indian War, emerged as a major, and returned to England. In 1772 he immigrated to the region that is now West Virginia. Sympathizing with colonial complaints against the crown, in 1775 he was made adjutant general of the Continental Army, and in 1777 he superseded General Philip Schuyler in northern New York. In the two battles of Saratoga, his army forced General John Burgoyne to surrender, partly due to the previous maneuvers of Schuyler and the initiative of General Benedict Arnold. Congress next elected Gates president of the Board of War. At the same time, a group of army officers, among them General Thomas Conway, became involved in a plan to replace General George Washington with Gates. The "Conway Cabal" soon collapsed, and in the spring of 1778, Gates returned to his command in New York. Transferred to the south in June of 1780, Gates was disastrously defeated by Lord Cornwallis at the Battle of Camden, South Carolina, on August 16. An official inquiry into his conduct was ordered but charges were never pressed. After the war Gates freed his slaves, moved to New York, and served one term in the state legislature.

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: 8.75" x 13.25"
  • Medium: MDS

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