Beschreibung:

GEORGE III (1738-1820), King of England. Engraved document signed ("George R."), countersigned by GEORGE GERMAIN ("Geo: Germain"), St. James's [London], 5 August 1778. One page, oblong 4to, 300 x 405mm. (12 x 16.1/8 in.), ON VELLUM, accomplished in manuscript, remains of red wax seal, notarial endorsements and tax stamps at lower left . THE APPOINTMENT OF HENRY CLINTON AS GENERAL AND COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF IN AMERICA A highly important appointment, by which George III names Henry Clinton (1738-1795) "General and Commander in Chief of all and singular Our Forces employed or to be employed within Our Colonies in North America..." Sir Henry Clinton, son of former Governor of Newfoundland and New York, Admiral George Clinton, joined the New York militia and then, in England, the Coldstream Guards and the Grenadier Guards. "His gallantry was conspicuous" (DNB) and he was rapidly promoted. With the American crisis developing, he was ordered to Boston, arriving in May l775 on the same ship as William Howe and John Burgoyne. Clinton commanded the British force which took Bunker Hill in June 1775 (suffering grievous casualties); he commanded the Charleston Expedition, and in the Battle of Long Island took credit for conceiving the brilliant flanking strategy. Despite his desire to leave the American theater, he was granted a knighthood and took charge of the British forces in New York in July 1777. When Howe relinquished command in May 1778, Clinton became Commander-in-Chief of all British Forces in North America (this document formalized that appointment), a post he held until his return to England in May 1781. Clinton's appointment as Major General was part of the Sang and Spiro Collections (sale, Christie's 14 May 1992, lot 65).