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Sotheby's will sell an exceedingly rare group of letters written by George Washington in its sale of Property of the Goddard Family on January 22, 2005 in New York. The letters, written to Charles Lee, an English-born soldier of fortune, are the first from this correspondence to appear at auction in more than 30 years. The offering chronicles some of the battles, conflicts and successes that paved the way to a new democracy, with references to such events as the British evacuation of Boston, a successful campaign in Charleston and the aftermath of the battle of White Plains. Such extensive and extraordinarily significant military orders by George Washington as Commander-in-Chief during the Revolutionary War have never been offered in the market. The eight letters range in estimate from $2,000/200,000 and are expected to bring $572/813,000.

Washington was the newly appointed commander-in-chief of the Continental Army and Lee was the most experienced general officer in that army -- someone whom Washington relied on and trusted. But even in this brief survey of the correspondence, one can see how Washington asserts his authority as Lee seems more interested in pursuing his own agenda and promoting his own reputation, rather than following Washington's directions. As the majority of the correspondence between Washington and Lee is in institutions, this offering provides an extraordinary and unprecedented opportunity for collectors. The letters descended in the Goddard family from William Goddard, who was the first printer in Providence and Baltimore and the literary executor to Lee.

Washington Letters

Highlighting the offering is a remarkably detailed four-page letter by Washington on 9 May 1776 discusses the British evacuation of Boston, his reinforcement of Canada, the controversial resignations of Continental Generals Ward and Frye, and the brutal treatment received by Boston Tories in Halifax. Echoing the sentiments of Jefferson's Declaration of Independence, the Commander-in-Chief vows "that every diabolical attempt to deprive Mankind of their Inherent Rights and Priviledges...will be attended with disappointment and disgrace..." It is estimated to sell for $150/200,000. (Lot 844, Pictured on page 1, above left)

In another letter dated 12 August 1776, Washington congratulates Lee for his brilliant success in Charleston, stating "a victory undoubtedly it is, when an enemy are drub'd and driven from a country they were sent to conquer." He further acknowledges that Lee's success will result in the British redoubling their efforts to take New York City (est. $100/150,000). (Lot 845, Pictured on page 1, above right)

Also on offer is a four-page letter that Washington wrote to Lee following the Battle of White Plains, dated 10 November 1776, in which he tries to make sense of the British withdrawal from their camps earlier that week. This exceptionally detailed series of orders to General Lee, who then was in command of the largest portion of the Continental Army, recommending that he reinforce his position against a possible attack of the enemy. It is estimated to sell for $150/200,000. (Lot 846, Pictured right)

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