WASHINGTON, GEORGE. 1732-1799.
Letter Signed ('Go Washington') to Colonel Richard Gridley, the first engineer of the American Army, regarding plans for Boston fortifications and payment, 1 p, on first leaf of a bifolium, 4to (335 x 208 mm), Head Quarters, Morris Town, January 9, 1777, in the hand of Washington aide Tench Tilghman, integral address leaf, seal removed, some soiling, chipping to edges.
Provenance: General Artemus Ward (according to a letter signed, and dated Dec 21, 1928, laid in by) Reginald Stuart Ward; Mr. A. Lowell Elliott, Barnstable, Mass (see Founders Online, National Archive).

RARE GEORGE WASHINGTON LETTER TO THE FIRST CHIEF ENGINEER OF THE U.S. ARMY RICHARD GRIDLEY REGARDING THE BUILDING OF FORTIFICATIONS AT BOSTON IN 1776. Just days after Lexington, The Massachusetts Congress appointed Colonel Richard Gridley 'chief engineer of the forces now raising in this colony,' the first Chief Engineer of the Continental Army. An important veteran of the French and Indian Wars, he built the fortifications at Breed's Hill during the Battle of Bunker Hill. Importantly, he also constructed the forts at Dorchester Heights during the Siege of Boston, effectively driving the British from Boston in March 1776. He continued with a plan to fortify Boston from further assault throughout that important year.

In the present letter, Washington acknowledges the effectiveness of the Gridley's fortifications in Boston and authorizes payment for the materials and work from Artemas Ward. Gridley was an important contributor to Continental cause and his contributions undervalued until recently. An important Washington letter from the early days of the revolution.
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