Samuel Adams autograph letter signed ("Saml Adams"). One page of a bifolium, 6.5" x 7.5", Philadelphia; July 6, 1775. Addressed to "Major General [Artemas] Ward". Samuel Adams advises Major General Artemas Ward to urge cooperation and harmony amongst the Continental Army. "You are sensible that the Union of the Colonies depends much upon cultivating friendship & harmony between Genls. Of the army & their Care of the different Colonies." In this letter, Samuel Adams (1722-1803), who was in Philadelphia serving as a Massachusetts delegate to the Continental Congress, writes to Major General Artemas Ward just a few weeks after the battles of Lexington and Concord. Artemas Ward (1727-1800) served as commander of the forces surrounding the British in Boston, following the battles of Lexington and Concord in 1775. After the Continental Congress appointed George Washington as Commander-in-Chief, Ward became a major general and second in command. It was Ward who gave orders to fortify Breed's Hill in June 1775 that precipitated the Battle of Bunker Hill and directed the siege of Boston. It was at this time that Ward, immersed in organizing the Continental Army, sought out Adams for advice. Adams replies here, urging cooperation among the troops. It reads, in part: "I beg leave to recommend to your Notice the officers in general serving in the Companies of rifle men raising here for the Service of the Army and particularly Lt. Burd, Lt. Conner & Lt. Scull, who are mentioned to me by Gentleman upon whose judgement I can rely as officers of merit. You are sensible that the Union of the Colonies depends much upon cultivating friendship & harmony between Genls. Of the army & their Care of the different Colonies. Wishing you Health Happiness and a still greater Share of Laurels..." Signed, "Saml Adams." He adds "Pray make my Compliments to General Heath and the rest of our friends ask the same favour for me of them General Ward." The letter was penned by Adams at the outset of the conflict. He seemingly understands that Continental officers were inclined to favor men from their own colonies but that such behavior was bound to breed resentment and rivalry throughout the ranks. He boldly urges unity from the colonies, recognizing that it is the only way to victory. The remarkable letter is accompanied by a hand-colored engraving of Adams and an engraved vignette portrait of Ward in uniform. Samuel Adams (1722-1803) was a public official and political philosopher born in Boston, Massachusetts. He was a second cousin to John Adams, a fellow Founder and second president of the United States. Prior to the American Revolution, Adams opposed the oppressive British taxes laid on the American colonies and became a leading figure in the Massachusetts House of Representatives and the Boston Town Meeting in the 1760s, and most likely participated in the Boston Tea Party. He was elected to the Continental Congress and was a signer of the Declaration of Independence, yet he refused to attend the Constitutional Convention. After the war, Adams returned to Massachusetts and served in the state senate. He was eventually elected governor, serving in that capacity from 1794 to 1797. Condition: Paper loss from seal removal upon opening since filled. Edgewear with some closed tears, one of which just touched text on address leaf; all damage professionally repaired on verso. HID03101062020 © 2022 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

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