John Rutledge autograph letter signed ("J. Rutledge") as Governor of South Carolina. Two pages of a bifolium, 6.25" x 7.75", Congaree, [South Carolina]; September 10, 1781. Addressed by Rutledge to "the Honble. Major Genl. [Nathanael] Greene." He writes to the major general just after the spectacular victory at Eutaw Springs to congratulate him and urge Greene to pursue the British and deal "the finishing Blow." Endorsed on verso. John Rutledge writes to Major General Nathaniel Greene following his spectacular victory at the Battle of Eutaw Springs. "I congratulate you, most heartily, on the glorious Victory of the 8th – I hope you will be able to follow up &...give the finishing Blow...by a total destruction of the Remains of their Army, whose spirits must be much lowered." Rutledge writes, in part: "...I congratulate you, most heartily, on the glorious Victory of the 8th – I hope you will be able to follow up & improve it - &, if the Enemy will quit their strong Hold, (wch. they cannot occupy long) that you will give the finishing Blow to their possessions in the Country by a total destruction of the Remains of their Army, whose spirits must be much lowered – at any rate, I conceive, should they be so fortunate as to get off their well Men, by a rapid Moonlight March, they must commit their numerous wounded, to your Mercy – may Heaven protect you my dear Sir, & always give you the success you deserve." Signed, "J. Rutledge." Poor weather the subsequent days prohibited Greene from initially following the governor's order. By the time it had cleared Maj. Gen. Stewart had reached the outskirts of the British-occupied Charleston and the pursuit was halted. However, the battle still proved a strategical victory as it placed the majority of South Carolina back under the control of the Continental Army. A grateful Congress ordered a commemorative gold medal struck on October 29, 1781 and presented to Greene. It is accompanied by two steel-cut engraved portraits of Rutledge and Greene. Condition: Toned with scattered soiling. Small area of paper loss to blank address leaf from seal removal upon opening. HID03101062020 © 2022 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

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