Lot 235
Allen, Ira (1751-1814), Soldier and politician, helped frame the Vermont State Constitution*, instrumental in establishing University of Vermont, younger brother of Ethan. Autograph Note Signed, no place, no date [1777], 8 x 2½. On back of a fragment of letter to the State of Massachusetts calling for military assistance, Allen ads this postscript, complete unto itself, in full:
"by express this moment arrived we Learn the Enemy are Fortifying in the Town of Castleton, our situation calls Loud for immediate help. I. Allen.
[P.S.] the N.o is said to be between 3 & 6 Thousand."
On the other side is a portion of the letter, also entirely in Allen’s hand, in full:
"…be out of the power of this State to maintain a frontier. This Country notwithstanding its infancy seems as well supplied with provisions for Victualing [i.e., providing food or other provisions for] an army as any Country on the Continent, so that on that amount, we cannot see why a stand may not as well be made in this State, as in the Massachusetts and more especially as the inhabitants are heartily disposed to Defend their Liberties. You Gentlement will be at once…"
Fine condition, though split in two vertically and rejoined. Enclosed in a custom quarter-leather portfolio with historical background and an engraved portrait.
Estimate 5,000 - 7,500
Expertization: Detailed analysis and letter of authenticity from Charles Hamilton.
According to accompanying documentation, this letter was written shortly after General John Burgoyne’s recapture of Fort Ticonderoga in July of 1777 and as Burgoyne was advancing on Castleton. Allen wrote a nearly identical letter to the State of New Hampshire.
* Vermont declared it’s independence from New Hampshire in 1777 and remained an independent republic until joining the Union in 1791.
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