Click on Image To Enlarge
autographs |
|
Document 265272
GEORGE WASHINGTON. Manuscript DS: "G:o Washington", 1p,
8¼x13½. Head Quarters at New Windsor, 1781 January 7. In full: "I certify
that, in the dispute of Rank between Majors Hull and Cogswell, which was
ultimately determined in favor of the former, there was no personal
preference to Major Hull, but that his succession to the vacant
Lieutenant Colonelcy depended solely upon the established principles of
promotion, he having been considered as an older Major than Major Cogswell
from the time of the new arrangement of the Army in 1777. And I do
further certify that Major Cogswell has been always represented to me as an
intelligent, brave and active Officer." Shortly after the Battle of
Lexington, WILLIAM HULL (1753-1825) was chosen Captain of a company of
soldiers raised in Derby, Connecticut and joined the army of Washington at
Cambridge with his company, which became part of Colonel Webb's Connecticut
regiment. After the battle of Trenton (December 26, 1776), on January 1, 1777,
WASHINGTON promoted William Hull to be Major in the 8th Massachusetts
regiment. He was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in 1779, then became Inspector
of the Army under Baron Steuben, and commanded the escort of Washington when he
bade farewell to his troops. Hull was later Governor of Michigan Territory
(1805-1812). In the War of 1812, now a Brigadier General, William Hull led the
American attack from Detroit into Canada, was outmaneuvered and defeated by the
British and surrendered on August 16, 1812. Hull was court-martialed, convicted
of cowardice and neglect of duty and sentenced to be shot. His execution was not
carried out because of his outstanding service during the Revolutionary War. At
a town meeting held September 20, 1774, WILLIAM COGSWELL (1734-1786) was
one of a committee chosen to collect and communicate all necessary intelligence
of movements in and about Boston and other parts of the country. Major Cogswell
was in command, under Washington, in the September 1776, retreat from Long
Island. In December 1776, Cogswell served on the Committee of Inspection and
Correspondence. Cogswell was promoted to Major on January 21, 1777, giving Hull
20 days of seniority. In 1779, when Major Hull was promoted to Lieutenant
Colonel rather than Major Cogswell, Cogswell resigned his commission, returning
home to Connecticut. General Washington and many of the principal officers of
the Revolution were, at different times, entertained at Major Cogswell's
tavern. In fact, Gen. Washington had breakfast at "Squire Cogswell's" tavern
the morning after learning of Benedict Arnold's treason. As Justice of the
Peace, Major William Cogswell called the meeting on February 11, 1779, where he
was elected the first Selectman of the newly incorporated town of Washington,
Connecticut. This certification by General Washington was most probably
written at the request of Major Cogswell, explaining why Cogswell was not
promoted and Hull was. One of the boldest, clearest signatures of George
Washington we've ever seen! Not listed in John C. Fitzpatrick's The Writings
of George Washington. Professionally silked. Folds, vertical fold
touches the "G" and bottom of the "W". Light show through of glue remnants on
verso to blank areas primarily at upper margins, not at signature. Slightly
creased. Overall clean, fine condition.
SEE IF DOCUMENT 265272 IS FOR SALE RIGHT NOW!!
This document was available for sale in a previous
auction. It may or may not be currently available for sale. It is also highly likely that
we have more of this personality available for sale either in our archives or on our direct
purchase website www.historyforsale.com.
For direct purchase information, call 1-800-GALLERY (1-800-425-5379)
Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm Pacific Time or email inquires
to sales@galleryofhistory.com.
RIGHT NOW YOU CAN BID ON A SIMILAR ITEM IN OUR
CURRENT AUCTION!
|
|
