Lot 182
Pepperrell, Sir William, 1st Baronet (1696-1759), Merchant and soldier in Colonial Massachusetts; captured Fortress Louisbourg during King George's War which led to his nickname "the hero of Louisburg". Autograph Letter Signed, one page, 7½ x 12, Kittery [Maine], August 31, 1758. To Major John Hill, Esq., Norwich. Letter reads in full:
"Sir, Enclosed you have several copy's of Letters that was sent me by Col. Waldo, and I expect every hour to heare that North Yarmouth - Falmouth - and some of the Towns on this side are attackt by the Enemy, for if them that came out of the City of Louisbourg the night before the English took Possession of it have joynd those we heard before was coming upon the Eastern - Frontiers their must be a considerable number. You are hereby directed immediately on sight hereof to send out Positive orders to the several Captains of Troop & Foot within the Towns of Kittery and Berwick I have already wrote to you & others on to see that their men are well provided with Arms and Ammunition and to hold them selves at aminits [a minute's] warning and if you heare of any Place being attackt you are to proceed with them forthwith for their releaf & to pursue Enemy sending me the intelligence and if my life & health will permit I will soon be with you - Major Cuth is not at home. besure see that the men are well provided. Fail not as the Country Sloop with about sixty men was going up to St. Georges. I hope there is no danger of that. I am Your Friend & Humble Servant, Wm. Pepperrell"
With integral address leaf in Pepperell's hand, endorsed "on His Majesty's Esspeshel Service". Slightly trimmed along edges and inlaid to an overall 8½ x 13 and silked on verso, repairing small tears, with two missing pieces along blank lower right and left edges; subsequently folded horizontally and split along fold, not affecting any text.
Estimate 1,500 - 2,000
As a result of his success at Louisburg, Pepperrell was appointed to the rank of Lieutenant-General (the first American to reach that rank), but was unable to take up his command; he died at his home in Kittery Point in July of that same year.
King George's War refers to the operations in North America that were part of the War of the Austrian Succession (1740–48). The reference is only used in the United States. In Britain, Canada, and France, these operations are simply considered a theatre of the War of the Austrian Succession. It was the third of the four French and Indian Wars.
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| Realized $1,900 |
