Description:

JOHN STARK
(1728 - 1822) American Revolution brigadier general engaged at Bunker Hill, Trenton and Princeton, winner of the battle at Bennington against Burgoyne, and served on the court-martial that condemned Major John Andre. Fine content war-date L.S. "John Stark" with integral address leaf, 2pp. legal folio, Albany, Sept. 4, 1781 to New York Gov. George Clinton. Stark expresses his fears that local governments could use their legal powers to remove men from military service and have them clapped into jail on the flimsiest of charges. Stark does not mince words in this letter, which reads in small part: "...I think [it] is a design of no less consequence than the dissolution of the Army. The plan seems to be, to try the superior force of the Government over the military, in seizing, imprisoning and detaining a soldier from his duty at a time when the public are under the necessity of giving such enormous prices to induce to enter the service...This instance happened in this city on the body of one Haas, a soldier in the Massachusetts line...seized on a pretended debt of six pounds...The tavernkeeper took the advise of a young fubble of a lawyer...willing to undertake anything that would make him popular in knavery...readily engaged in the design...I need not relate to your Excellency the fatal consequences resulting from such a procedure...this precedent...alarms me. Pray Sir, what shall hinder a number of enemies to this Country to either trust or to pretend to trust, soldiers, and then commence actions against them...the same authority that puts one in can put a Brigade in & if a Brigade goes, I know nothing to prevent the Army from sharing the same fate...". Stark also sets forth his belief that many in Albany would "lay down their fortunes" in an effort to wreak such havoc, with the expectation that George III would repay them. He closes his letter: "...Yours, and my countries, faithful friend, John Stark". Docketed on verso, likely by Clinton: "Sep'r 4th 1781 Genl Stark's Letter on the Subject of arrest'g & confining Soldiers for Duty. Answered". Uniform toning with rough margins, address leaf toned at folds, still overall very good.

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May 13, 2009 10:00 AM EDT
Stamford, CT, US

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