George Weedon autograph letter twice signed ("G Weedon" and "GW"). One page, 7.5" x 13", Fredericksburg, Virginia; July 4, 1781. [To Declaration signer and newly elected Governor of Virginia, Thomas Nelson, Jr.] Docketed. Brigadier General George Weedon writes on the fourth of July regarding the escape of several soldiers. At the time of this letter, Weedon was stationed in his hometown in command of the Virginia militia. Here, he writes to Governor Nelson regarding the parole and escape of Captain Robert Carre and his men. It reads, in part: "...Carre and his officers being paroled below, I did not care to put them under Guard when they Arrived here, tho' having my doubts respecting their honor had placed four Spies over them, they found means to elude them and the same night that they were brought up here, broak [sic] their parole and made their escape. I should advised your Excellency of this before, but had hopes that some of my parties would retake them, they are all come in without gaining the smallest Intelligence of them. Inclosed have the honor of sending you Copy of their parole." Signed, "G Weedon." With a postscript that references the letter of "Capt. Joel" that Weedon signs with his initials, "GW." The reference to Carre presumably coincides with a letter sent to Thomas Jefferson by Major Thomas Hamilton on April 13, 1781, in which Hamilton writes, "Inclos'd your Excellency has a list of the Prisoners of War remaining in Prison, who wish to experience the same Indulgence as the others. There is a Capt. Robt. Carre and one Davis, who is in Irons says they are Also Prisoners of War tho I know not what Charges there is exhibited Aganst them." A typed transcription accompanies the letter. George Weedon (1734-1793) was a veteran of the French and Indian War who served under George Washington, eventually rising to the rank of captain lieutenant. He operated an inn and tavern in Frederiksberg, Virginia, that was said to be frequented by Washington in the years between the two conflicts. He received a commission in the Continental Army on February 13, 1776. On February 21, 1777, he was appointed a brigadier general but resigned in 1778 due to disputes over rank and poor health. He was persuaded to return as a brigadier general in the Virginia militia by Governor Thomas Jefferson in 1780. He participated in the battles of Trenton, Brandywine, Germantown, and the Yorktown campaign. Reference: The Papers of Thomas Jefferson, vol. 5, 25 February 1781 – 20 May 1781, ed. Julian P. Boyd. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1952, page 432. Condition: Window mounted to the overall size of 7.75" x 13.25". Open tear at bottom left corner with some loss to text, since filled in. Open tear at upper left corner repaired on verso with tape. Thin strip of paper attachment along the top edge of the mount on verso, presumably indicating prior mounting. Paper attachment along top edge recto. Toned, with scattered soiling. HID03101062020 © 2022 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

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