George Washington letter signed ("Go: Washington"). One page of a bifolium, 8.25" x 13", "Head Qrs, Morristown" [New Jersey]; March 15, 1777. Docketed. General Washington writes to McDougall regarding an appointment for his son. Letter, in the hand of Robert H. Harrison (1745-1790), de facto chief of staff of Washington's headquarters during most of the Revolutionary War, to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, stationed at Peekskill, New York, concerning an appointment for McDougall's son. It reads, in full: "Dear Sir When speaking of your Son, I was just now informed, that he had not been provided for in the late appointments of Officers in your State, being under parole when they were made. The part he early took in the Contest & his sufferings for it, would not be rewarded, was he to be neglected; I therefore wish, if he inclines to continue in service, that he may be appointed to the command of One of the Four Companies I wrote Genl. George Clinton to raise, if all the Officers are not already nominated, or if he is not under promises on the Head. This you will communicate to Genl. Clinton, and if Mr McDougal cannot be provided for in that way, you will be pleased to set him to raising a Company, and to fix on such Officers as you and he shall esteem good & who can assist in facilitating the Work. I will annex it to some Regiment. I am Dr. Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt Go: Washington" Washington writes to Brigadier General McDougall that he was informed that McDougall's son, Ranald Stephen McDougall (circa 1754-1786) had not received an appointment as an officer in New York, since he was under parole at the time. The "part he early took in the Contest & his sufferings for it" is a reference to Ranald's capture by the British in early 1776 and his subsequent time spent as a prisoner of war. Because of this, Washington believes that if McDougall's son wishes to continue his service, he is deserving of such an appointment in one of the four companies Washington ordered Brigadier General George Clinton (1739-1812) to raise. Clinton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, built two forts along the Hudson River and stretched a great chain across the river to prevent British forces from sailing northward. He also attempts to allay McDougall's concerns that he will receive his share of new recruits for his encampment at Peekskill, and surrounding fortifications along the Hudson River, once they arrive and that he did not foresee any possible British attack in the area for some time. Washington writes that if Clinton cannot find a position for McDougall's son, McDougall can offer him the opportunity to raise his own company and work with his father in appointing officers. Once the company is assembled, Washington offers to "annex it to some Regiment." After Ranald McDougall was exchanged, he served as a major and aide-de-camp in one of the New York regiments. However, he never fully recovered his health and died in 1786 from injuries he received in battle. When Washington wrote this letter to McDougall, he had established his headquarters in Morristown, New Jersey. After significant American morale-boosting victories over the British at Trenton (December 26, 1776) and Princeton, New Jersey (January 23, 1777), Washington marched north to Morristown, where he set up winter headquarters for himself and the Continental Army on January 6, 1777. The hills surrounding the camp provided a perfect vantage point for Washington to spy on the British army located in New York City. It was also positioned strategically to allow the Americans to monitor the roads used by the British troops. This letter shows Washington's loyalty to his generals, in this case Alexander McDougall, in helping the latter's son receive an officer's appointment. It is accompanied by a hand-colored engraving of Washington in uniform. Condition: Toned in uniform block throughout. Two areas of loss to blank portion of address leaf from seal removal upon opening. Minor edgewear. Scattered soiling and foxing, chiefly to address leaf. HID03101062020 © 2022 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

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