Autographs
1781 Revolutionary War Autograph Letter Signed "Howe" as British Admiral Just Ten Days After Cornwallis' Surrender of the British Army at Yorktown
RICHARD HOWE, 1st EARL HOWE (1726-99). Admiral of the British Fleet during the American Revolutionary War, one of the most famous Admirals in British history.
October 29, 1781-Dated Revolutionary War Period, Autograph Letter Signed "Howe" as Admiral, 1 page, measuring 9.5” x 8”, at the Admiralty, Choice Extremely Fine. This is a beautifully written Letter in deep rich brown, upon extremely fresh and clean period watermarked laid paper. This Letter is dated just Ten Days after British Major General Cornwallis' surrender at Yorktown! Here, Richard Howe writes to Capt. Thomas Graves, it reads, in full:

"Sir - As I cannot undertake to say, at what time any particular Ship may be ordered for Service, or to engage for the succession in which the several Captains desirous of employment on the present occasion may be gratified; I can only recommend that your address should be lodged at the Office, for your being called upon when the tenders of your Service can be accepted. -- I am Sir - Your Sincere Hunl. Ser.(vant) - (Signed) Howe."
RICHARD HOWE, known as "Black Dick." With his brother, William Howe, who Commanded British Land Forces during the American Revolutionary War, attempted a reconciliation with the Americans. When a new Peace Commission was appointed in 1778, he resigned his commission and would not accept another command until March 1782, when Lord North's government fell. Richard Howe was one of the most famous Admirals in British history. Military historians consider his 1794 victory over the French at The Battle of the Glorious First of June ranks with Quiberon Bay, The Nile, Trafalgar, Jutland, and probably the Spanish Armada.