(WAR OF 1812: THE DEATH OF ELECTUS BACKUS) I. NATHANIEL FRYE, JR., A.L.S. 2pp. 4to., Washington, May 26, 1814. A fine content letter from the Chief Clerk of the Army Pay Office to New York Militia Paymaster General Samuel Edwards concerning the requirements of the Army Pay office in providing the widow of Electus Backus. Backus was mortally wounded after the successful attack on Sackett's Harbor (May 29, 1813). In part: "...I have received your letter of the 6th Instant...together with the papers relating to the late Lieut. Colo. Backus's accounts with the United States: Due attention ill be paid to them, but they cannot be definitively acted on at the present moment; In the mean time, Mrs. Backus the widow can receive the half=pay provided by law: Evidence, however, of his being the lawful the lawful wife of Colo. Backus at the time of his discease [sic], as also of her remaining still unmarried, must be transmitted to this office to enable us to place her on the half=pay pension list...Lieut. Colo. Backus having did of his wounds on the 7th of June 1813, there will be due his widow on the7th of June 1814...twelve months pension... ". Fold separation repaired with archival mending tape, partial losses from seal tear on integral address leaf, otherwise fine condition. $200-300