American Revolution
Revolutionary War Spy, British Intelligence Officer George Beckwith Signed Receipt While In New York City 1783
August 31, 1783-Dated Revolutionary War, Partly-Printed Document regarding Firewood Allowance, Signed by (Spy) Officer (Later General) Sir George Beckwith, assistant to Major Oliver Delancey, responsible for British Military Intelligence, in July 1782 George Beckwith replaced Delancey, Sir George Beckwith became Commander-in-Chief of Ireland from 1816 to 1820, Choice Extremely Fine.
Partly-Printed Document, being a Receipt for "Two Cords and Two Feet" of firewood for use by George Beckwith, a British Officer responsible for the Revolutionary War British Intelligence (Spy) services in New York City during its occupation. This document measures about 6.5" x 8" and is printed on a quality sheet of greenish-colored, laid period paper with a scarce "TAILOR" watermark. Beckwith's huge signature measures 4.25" long, as "Aid de Camp". Nicely preserved, fresh and visually appealing. Docket on the blank reverse. This receipt was issued while British forces were still occupying New York City; the occupation ended a few months later on November 22, 1783, when American forces reclaimed the city following a successful conclusion of the American Revolution.
General Sir George Beckwith GCB (1753 " 20 March 1823) was a British Army officer. Beckwith was commissioned into the 37th Regiment of Foot in 1771. He distinguished himself as a regimental officer in the American Revolutionary War, where he was assistant to Major Oliver Delancey responsible for British Intelligence.
In July 1782 George Beckwith replaced Delancey, and after the War he worked for Sir Guy Carleton in Canada. His efforts were aimed at stirring up trouble in Vermont, Florida, Kentucky and Tennessee. At the time Britain thought the weak American government might ask for British help.
He was then appointed Governor and Commander-in-Chief of Bermuda in 1797, when a Colonel. His baggage and furniture left England on the 23rd of September, 1797, aboard the Caledonia, traveling in a convoy bound for Halifax, Nova Scotia, but was lost when the Caledonia was captured by the French.
Beckwith was to follow aboard a Royal Navy frigate and so escaped the fate of his baggage. He arrived in Bermuda in February, 1798. Beckwith was later appointed Governor of Saint Vincent in 1806 and Governor of Barbados in 1810.
He was made a K.B. for his Capture of Martinique in 1809 and also led a successful expedition against Guadeloupe, the last French possession in the area, in 1810. He attained the full rank of General in 1814. Sir George Beckwith was Commander-in-Chief, Ireland from 1816 to 1820. He died in London on 20 March 1823.