A unique letter written by George Washington in which he says that God and Heaven supported American independence has gone on sale, after historians thought it lost.
Written in October 1777, shortly after Washington heard about the first victory over British troops during the Revolutionary War, went on sale in Philadelphia yesterday.
The auction house, Raab Collection, acquired it from descendants of its recipient Brigadier General James Potter.
It had been in the possession of Potter’s descendants for nearly 250 years and is valued at $275,000. Potter was a colonial and revolutionary-era politician from Pennsylvania, that assumed important commands during the Revolutionary War.
This letter is unique as it is the only one in which Washington is known to have mentioned ‘Heaven’ during the war.
This letter is unique as it is the only one in which Washington is known to have mentioned ‘Heaven’ during the war
It was written in October 1777, shortly after Washington heard about the first victory over British troops during the Revolutionary War
The Battle of Saratoga, New York, was the first by revolutionary troops over the British
Washington put pen-to-paper shortly after hearing about the outcome of the Battle of Saratoga, in October 1777, the first victory of revolutionary troops over the British.
Jubilant, Washington wrote that ‘this singular favour of Providence is to be received with thankfulness and the happy moment which Heaven has pointed out for the firm establishment of American Liberty.’
While the contents of the letter had been known to scholars, the original document was thought lost.
Washington urged his fellow Americans to support independence in the letter, which was sent from near Philadelphia on October 18, 1777.
‘This letter, in its beauty, draws together many of the threads of American experience: God, patriotism, victory, destiny,’ said Nathan Raab, principal at The Raab Collection and author of The Hunt for History.
‘Its discovery is exciting, and proof that Washington’s words continue to inspire,’ he added.
Written in October 1777, shortly after Washington found out about the outcome of the Battle of Saratoga, makes clear that he understood its importance
The Raab Collection was unable to find any other such letter of Washington from that day as having.
It was written shortly after Washington was defeated by British troops at the Battle of Germantown, near Philadelphia. His dejected mood was raised by information from Saratoga.
Many historians consider the Battle of Saratoga a turning point in the war, and the language in the letter indicates that its importance was clear to Washington at the time.
Beyond celebrating the battle and the revolutionary cause, Washington instructed Potter to continue working to disrupt British supply lines.
The letter in full
Sir, I congratulate you upon the glorious successes of our Arms in the north, an account of which is inclosed – This singular favour of Providence is to be received with thankfulness and the happy moment which Heaven has pointed out for the firm establishment of American Liberty ought to be embraced with becoming spirit – it is incumbent upon every man of influence in his Country to prevail upon the Militia to take the field with that energy which the present crisis evidently demands.
I have no doubt of your exerting yourself in this way – In the Post which you now occupy you may render the most important Services by cutting off the Enemies Convoys and Communications with their Fleet, for this purpose you should strain every nerve.
There is another thing which I would suggest and leave you to judge of the practicability of it – I think that you might harass the parties of the Enemy on Province Island in such a manner as to produce a great Diversion in favour of Fort Mifflin – Let me again entreat you and through your means every one of any influence among the Militia, to exert it to the utmost in exciting them to the Field where by seasonable Reinforcements the glorious work we have in hand will be completed – I am Your most h’ble Servt., G. Washington.