5. ALEXANDER SCAMMELL (1747-1781) American officer in the American Revolution. Participated in the Invasion of Canada, 1775-6; commanded the 3rd New Hampshire at Trenton, Princeton, Saratoga, Monmouth and on Sullivan's Expedition. Washington appointed him Adjutant General of the Continental Army at Valley Forge in 1778, in which capacity he oversaw the trial of John André.  Scammell's 1st New Hampshire regiment moved with the army to Yorktown in 1781. A very late and fine content war date A.L.S. "Alexd Scammell", 2pp., 8vo., with integral address leaf, [Yorktown], Sept. 4, 1781 to his nephew Samuel L. Scammell concerning the latter's future as an officer, offering friendly advice. Scammell opens noting that he is enclosing by the bearer of the letter "your Clothing" adding that "I should have sent them sooner but had no opportunity - I am very sorry that I could not have had the pleasure of your Company on this Expedition. Your good only prevented it. I hope you will soon receive your Warrant for a Commission. I need not suggest the Necessity of your close application to make yourself Master of every part of Duty appertaining to an officer - And of a general & particular politeness and Attention to the Officers of all Ranks more especially those of the Regt. to which you expect to be annexed - My dear friend, perseverance Attention and critical Application are absolutely necessary qualifications to constitute the good Officer who intends to shine in his profession & render service to his Country. I am Dr Sr Yr- Friend & Affectionate Uncle...". Addressed in his hand on address leaf to "Mr Saml. L. Scammell Volunteer 1 N. H. Regt.". Address leaf bears two dockets, both in unknown hands, the first reads "To Mr S L. Scammell Sept 17, 1781", likely the date of receipt. The other docket is more cryptic: "In remembrance of Death & [?] not". On September 30, 1781, while reconnoitering the lines, Scammell was wounded and captured. He died from his wounds sometime between October 1 and 16, 1781, and the exact circumstances of his death are the subject of some controversy. Light foxing, expected folds, small loss to second page from seal tear, else very good.  $800-1,200