Beschreibung:

AMERICAN REVOLUTION BRITISH OFFICERS]. PATTISON, James (1724-1805). Major General, British Army . Autograph letter signed ("Ja s . Pattison") to Lord Viscount Townshend, New York, 18 December 1778. 3 pages, folio , very fine. AFFAIRS OF THE SARATOGA CONVENTION ARMY. An excellent letter concerning British troop movements and the ordeal of Burgoyne's surrendered army from Saratoga. Pattison, the Commandant of New York City, describes an expedition led by Lieutenant Colonel Campbell of the 71st Regiment that was delayed by a severe storm and comments on the march of the prisoners of Saratoga (the Convention Army) to Virginia. He discloses that many men escaped when the army crossed the Hudson River: "above two hundred [are] conceal'd in small Partys [ sic ] in the Woods." He discusses a meeting in Amboy, New Jersey with "two Officers from Genl. Washington" to discuss the possible exchange of the prisoners from Burgoyne's Army which failed: "The Rebel Officers having Orders to consent to the Exchange of Officers only, but of no Soldiers, either British or Foreign." Finally, he reveals that General Henry Clinton had ordered "a Movement...with the view of cutting off the Rear Guard of Mr. Washington's Troops escorting the Conventional Corps." He laments that the operation failed due to the late arrival of the attacking army. -- MACKENZIE, Robert. Aide to General Howe . Autograph letter signed ("Robert Mackenzie") to Colonels Magaw, Atlie, West and Burd, New York, 25 November 1776. 1 page, folio, integral blank, fine. NEGOTIATIONS FOR A PRISONER EXCHANGE. Mackenzie sends General Howe's order to send Colonel Samuel Miles, a captured American officer, to the Continental Congress to aid in the negotiations for the exchange of prisoners. -- LORING, Joshua (1744-1789). Loyalist Naval Officer . Manuscript document signed ("Jos Loring"), countersigned by Samuel Miles and Robert Caldwell, New York, 26 November 1776. 1 page, 4to, minor stain affects signature slightly, integral blank . A document that allows prisoner Colonel Samuel Miles to travel to the Continental Congress to aid in the exchange of prisoners. Miles pledges "to return to the City of New York in fourteen days" and that he will not "do, or Say anything Contrary to the Interest of his Majesty, or his Government." Loring has signed the document as a witness. Together three items . (3)