Description:

(1738-1781) Colonel of the Connecticut militia during the Revolutionary War who surrendered Fort Griswold after a spirited defense, and was murdered along with 85 other survivors of the battle by British troops. Very rare A.N.S. "Wm. Ledyard", 1p. oblong 12mo., [n.p., n.d.], the address page of a letter sent by Ledyard to Colonel John Ely, then being held prisoner by the British in New York. In full: "To - Colonel John Eley [sic] near Flattbush Long Island to the care of Wm. Burton Esq. New York Wm. Ledyard Commissary N Prisoners". A second hand adds the note "Exam'd Verner", undoubtedly identifying a British censor. The letter which accompanied this note is not present here, but most likely concerned efforts to secure Ely's release from captivity following his capture in 1777. He would eventually be freed in 1780. The note is toned overall, with chips to the edges, else very good. Ledyard was in command of Fort Trumbull and Fort Griswold on September 6, 1781 when Fort Griswold fell to the British under Benedict Arnold in the Battle of Groton Heights. Ledyard had refused a British demand to surrender the fort, and he resisted the attack of a British force of 800 men led by Lieutenant Colonel Eyre, with 157 hastily collected and poorly armed militia inside Fort Griswold. Eyre was wounded and died 12 hours afterward, and his successor Major Montgomery was killed while mounting the parapet. The command passed to Major Bromfield, who entered the fort after nearly 200 of his men had been disabled, including 48 killed, the Americans having lost only about 12 men. The British then stormed the fort, and Ledyard ordered his men to cease firing and to lay down their arms. Bromfield demanded to know who commanded the fort. Ledyard replied, "I did, sir, but you do now," and offered his sword. The British officer took the sword and stabbed Ledyard to death, initiating a massacre of 85 surrendering Americans.

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February 18, 2019 10:00 AM EST
Chesapeake City, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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