Description:

(1759 – 1828) Secretary to the Constitutional Convention, he also served with distinction in the Continental Army. After the war he served as one of President George Washington's personal secretaries. A POLISH HERO'S MILITARY OFFER IS REJECTED A.D.S. as Asst. Secretary of War, 2pp. 8vo., War Office, Washington, June 1, 1782. Jackson pens an official copy of a Congressional order issued in response to an application by Count Maurice Benyovszky de Benyo et Urbano (1746-1786) to introduce a corps of foreign soldiers into American service. Despite Benyovsky's 'zeal for the American cause', Congress directed the Secretary of War to decline the offer. Benyovsky is considered a national hero in Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia. A renowned military officer, adventurer, and writer from the Kingdom of Hungary, he described himself as a Hungarian and a Pole. He had made his way to the United States and, with a recommendation from Benjamin Franklin, whom he had met in Paris, and attempted to persuade George Washington to fund a militia under Benyovszky's leadership, to fight in the Revolution (His brother Ferenc was also at that time in America, fighting as a mercenary against the British). Washington remained unconvinced, and Benyovszky then returned to Europe, arriving in Britain in late 1783.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Shipping

Shipments are sent via FedEx and DHL (for most overseas shipments) or FedEx Ground at the auctioneer's option. Due to complications from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we will ship with USPS Priority Mail only if the buyer submits their request to us in writing and accepts responsibility for delayed shipments. Signature is always required, unless other arrangements are made. Handling and shipping charges will be added to the invoice in one entry. Buyers should be aware that large, framed, fragile or odd shaped items can incur substantial shipping and packing charges. International shipments are invoiced by DIMENSIONAL weight, not the item weight. Please contact us for an estimate before bidding NOTE: Large, heavy or bulky items may not be shipped by the auctioneer - arrangements for shipping of these items via a third-party shipper may be arranged through the auction house. Customers who supply their own courier account number will still be charged a handling fee. Please allow 2-3 weeks for shipments after receipt of payment due to the high volume of packages being shipped.

August 26, 2021 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to [bp]% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions