Lot
4007 
1781 (Jun. 27) Charles Town S.C. to London, England, datelined folded letter with "Charles / Town" two-line postmark, endorsed "p packet", London "10 / AV" Bishop mark and manuscript "1N" shilling packet rating; some fold splitting and cover staining, taped tear, Fine. Estimate $2,000 - 3,000.
A SCARCE USE DURING THE BRITISH OCCUPATION OF CHARLESTON WITH SOME INTERESTING WAR CONTENT.
In 1776, the British sent a fleet against the city, but were repulsed. They tried again in February 1780, with a siege that lasted 40 days and resulted in the capture of the city on May 12. The British occupation lasted until December 14, 1782. In August of the following year, the city was chartered and took the name Charleston.
Business letter ends with some war content, "A few days ago General Greens Army stormed the works of Ninety Six but was repulsed with a loss of near 300 men he continued before the place until Lord Rawdon near within 15 miles and then retreated into So. Carolina… The prince Wm. Packet Arrived here this day…"
The letter refers to the Siege of Ninety-Six in western South Carolina late in the American Revolutionary War. From May 22 to June 18, 1781, Continental Army Major General Nathaniel Greene led 1,000 troops in a siege against the 550 Loyalists in the fortified village of Ninety Six, South Carolina. The 28-day siege centered on an earthen fortification known as Star Fort. Despite having more troops, Greene was unsuccessful in taking the town, and was forced to lift the siege when Lord Rawdon approached from Charleston with British troops. Greene's losses actually amounted to 150 men.
Realized: $2,500