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Sale 108: The Westpex Sale

Table of Contents

Colonial Postal History

Lot 1125    

1775 American War of Independence, folded letter datelined "Boston 1st, October, 1775" from British Col. Samuel Cleaveland to Leigh, England, with manuscript "5" rating and straight line "Portsmouth, Ship Lre" handstamp, letter with interest content regarding the ongoing American RevolutionFrom the various accounts you must have received of the situation of our Army, I dare say you are anxious for the safety of your old acquaintance, indeed though things are not so agreeable as we could wish, yet we are not in such a plight but to command some respect from the Rebel Enemy, they surround us it is true and excepting by sea we have no way to get out of this town but attacking them behind their strong works, and to gain them at present would not be of great advantage unless we has a sufficient number to pursue to blow, therefore we must be satisfied to remain here this Winter not very peaceable for I fancy but a few days will pass without exchanging a few shot but at too great distance to do much execution. Possibly the inclemency of the weather may force them to retire, great uneasiness is among them and nothing but the most palpable falsehoods can at present keep them together, we are deprived of fresh provisions, yet we found means to get a good supply for the hospitals, and your friend is in no want, wood we have but little but I hope we will receive a good supply of coals from England otherwise this good town will be half demolished, in short Great Britain has not a foot of ground in these provinces that she can command nor do I see when will end. I am certain not without we have a powerful supply and they meet with a most severe check.; some small cover edge tears at top, Very Fine.
Estimate    $2,000 - 3,000.

Boston itself was besieged for almost a year during the siege of Boston, which began on April 19, 1775. The New England militia impeded the movement of the British Army. Sir William Howe, then the commander-in-chief of the British forces in North America, led the British army in the siege. On June 17, the British captured the Charlestown peninsula in Boston, during the Battle of Bunker Hill. The British army outnumbered the militia stationed there, but it was a pyrrhic victory for the British because their army suffered irreplaceable casualties.

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Realized: $3,250

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