9. ROBERT HOWE (1732 - 1786) Major general in the Continental Army stymied by his lack of control over militia forces in the South, later saw action under Wayne in New York and put down a revolt of Continental soldiers under Washington after executing three ring leaders. Howe also ran a spy network in the Northeast. Rare war-date manuscript L.S. "R. Howe" with holograph postscript, written while commanding West Point, 1p. 4to., West Point, June 20, 1781. In part: "...I send you under guard John Hennesey of your line who has been sentenced to Death by a Court Martial - The enclos'd extract from his Excellency Genl. Washington's Letter to me, I transmit for your Government...". In his postscript, Howe adds: "I should be glad if you can spare the life of Henesey". The verso bears two dockets in two different hands, one likely Clinton's: "From Gen'l Howe June 20th 1781" and "Sends John Henessey a private to be executed or pardoned as the Genl sees fit requests his pardon". First letter in signature is brushed, a chip in blank area of left margin, else very good. On June 8, 1780 Washington wrote to Howe from his headquarters in New Windsor ordering that Henesey, a soldier with the 2nd N.Y. Reg., be sent to Gen. James Clinton in Albany "to be brought to Execution, or pardoned, as the Genl on Consideration of Circumstances, shall think proper...". Henesey's fate is unknown. $1,200-1,500