Tories in the South Petition for More Troops

Manuscript Document, 2pp on a bifold sheet measuring 8” x 12.5”, no date, but circa 1780. Docketing to verso. Flattened folds with separations, some of which have previous repair; minor toning; else near fine condition.

This original, unsigned, handwritten document is a first draft of amendments for a petition to an unnamed British General or Government Official. The unsigned petition, which mentions Sir Henry Clinton (1730-1795) and Colonel (Archibald) Campbell (1739-1791), asks that a "corps of Light Dragoons" be sent, as rebels and bandits control the area outside of British military posts. This petition is believed to have been written in Savannah, Georgia around 1780, based on names and events mentioned. Savannah had been captured by the British in 1778. American and French forces laid siege to the city in 1779 but could not capture it. The British continued to occupy Savannah until 1782.

The document reads, in part, "Amendment to Sect: 4th - After word Parliament [add] which your Excellency has been pleased to mention, demand our warmest acknowledgments. / Sect: 5th…The depredations and murders almost daily committed by parties of rebels, are attended with such fatal consequences that nothing but the putting an immediate stop to them can prevent the total ruin of this Province. Your Excellency might be assured we would take this matter into our most serious consideration, if not that in the present exhausted state of this Country, we too plainly see, nothing can be done by us…It gives us infinite concern to reflect that after the rebels had in a great measure been driven from this Province by the gallantry of his Majesty's troops under Colonel Campbell, and the Town afterwards defended against the combined forces of France & America, yet excepting where the Military Posts are actually established, the whole Country is open to the Depredations of a rebel Banditti, who are lately become so daring as to infest our publick roads and plunder at Noon day within six miles of the Lines of this Town. We therefore sincerely wish a corps of Light Dragoons was employed by His Ex. the Commander in Chief, as the most effectual means to secure this Prov. against the incursions of plunderer, and we doubt not but your Excellency will again take the earliest opportunity of recommending this measure."

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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