2005-11
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/31/2005
Periodical, Gentleman’s Magazine (London), June 1775, 56 pgs; An extraordinary sharp letter written by George Washington to Gage regarding the treatment of prisoners is printed in full, 1 pg. In part the patriotic wording, “... whether our virtuous citizens, whom the hand of tyranny has forced to arms, to defend their wives, their children, and their property, or the mercenary instruments of lawless domination, avarice and revenge ...” continues, “You affect, Sir, to despise all rank, not derived from the same source with your own. I can not conceive one more honourable, than that which flows from the uncorrupted choice of a brave and free people, the purest source, and original fountain of all power.” ... and closes, “I shall now Sir, close my correspondence with you, perhaps forever. If your officers, our prisoners, reeceive treatment from me different from what I wished to shew them, they and you will remember the occasion of it.” Signed in type, G. Washington. Fine complete issue. This particular letter was written, not only for General Gage's eyes, but for public consumption as well. Washington claimed the moral high ground in the conflict between Britain and the colonies, portraying the former as tyrants, the latter as simply freedom loving Englishmen protecting their homes and families. It was propaganda, but very effective. The Americans published these letters in newspapers, magazines, and broadsides throughout the colonies. They were picked up in the British press as well, and from very early in the war, Washington established a high degree of respect as a man of honor, even among his opponents. The letter provided the Americans a "public relations" coup at the very outset of the war.
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