Horatio Gates document signed ("Horatio Gates Major General"). One page, 9" x 6.75", Providence; May 14, 1779. A manuscript certificate signed by Gates while major general of the Continental Army recording Major Caleb Stark's loss of position following a Congressional reorganization. Major General Gates signs a certificate adjusting the rank of Major Caleb Stark following a vote of Congress. It reads, in full: "I do hereby certify that Caleb Stark Esq. late Major of Brigade to Brigadier General Stark, has not resigned the aforesaid Commission but that he has been removed by a Vote of Congress, with all other Majors of Brigade acting upon the former establishment which Vote admits Majors of Regiments only to perform that duty. – and also that from particular motives, he will not wait for an explanation of said Vote of Congress." Signed, "Horatio Gates / Major General." Caleb Stark (1759-1838) was the son of the famous General John Stark, who, despite his young age, served by his side at the battles of Bunker Hill, Trenton, and Princeton and was later the adjutant of the First New Hampshire Regiment under Col. Joseph Cilley. Stark acted as aide-de-camp to his father in the Rhode Island campaign in 1779 and advanced to the rank of major, at least until this reorganization took effect at the behest of Congress. The document is accompanied by a typed transcription and a striking engraving of a mounted Gates in uniform by Johnson, Fry & Co. Condition: Silked and affixed along left edge to a mounting paper. Previous separation, since repaired, crosses signature. Small open tear to bottom right corner, which does not affect any text. Pencil notation to recto. HID03101062020 © 2022 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

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