Revolutionary War
[London, England], Late 18th century
Late 18th C. Rev. War Engraving, "The American General Lee taken Prisoner" from "Barnard's History"
Engraving

An engraving from "Barnard's New, Comprehensive and Complete History of England: From the Earliest Period of Authentic Information, to the Middle of the Year MDCCCLXXXIII." Originally the book was "Printed for the Author and Published by Alex. Hogg, at No. 16, Pater-Noster Row" ca. 1781-1783, but this engraving could come from a later 1790s edition. Expected wear including a corner wrinkle at lower right. Isolated negligible insect damage mentioned just for accuracy. Else near fine. Trimmed to an overall size of 9.25" x 15.25."

The engraving is entitled in full: "The American General Lee taken Prisoner by Lieutenant Colonel Harcourt of the English Army, in Morris County, New Jersey, 1776." After artist William Hamilton (1751-1801) and possibly by engraver W. Hawkins (fl. 1797-1803). On laid paper. Printed "Engraved for Barnard's New Complete & Authentic History of England" along the top. Printed "Hamilton delin." at lower left, and "Hawkins sculp." at lower right, above the title/caption. With lovely decorative elements in the trompe l'oeil borders surrounding the image.

The engraving depicts Continental Army General Charles Lee (1732-1782) surrendering his officer's sword to British Army Lieutenant Colonel William Harcourt, later 3rd Earl of Harcourt (1743-1830), the commanding officer of the 16th Light Dragoons. Lee had been carousing at Widow White's Tavern in Basking Ridge, New Jersey on December 12-13, 1776--supposedly a house of ill-repute--when he was surrounded by a British patrol. The future Lieutenant Colonel Banastre Tarleton played a critically important role in Lee's capture. This was a devastating blow to Washington's military command, as Lee would remain a British prisoner of war for the next 16 months.

Several aspects of the engraving highlight the ongoing and acrimonious debate between historical accuracy and artistic license. Numerous accounts relate that Lee was captured wearing either a night dress or dressing gown, not his full uniform, as depicted in this engraving. In addition, Lee is clearly shown offering his sword with two fully fingered hands, instead of showing him missing two fingers that he had lost in a duel in Italy before the Revolutionary War.

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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9.25" x 15.25"