[Gwinnett, Button] Lachlan McIntosh (1727-1806) Revolutionary War general who killed Signer Button Gwinnett in a duel which took place on May 16, 1777. McIntosh recovered from the wound he received but Gwinnett died of his wounds three days later. Autograph Letter Signed ("Lachn. McIntosh"), one page, 6 x 7¾ in., Skidway Island (Georgia), Oct. 24, 1786. To his son "Jack" in Savannah, regarding a visit to Skidway and arrangements to pick him up at "the point." In part, "I desired Bolt to tell you that I would have a canoe at the point for you Saturday & this evening--Peter was waiting there last night till after dark….I sent him this morning again…" He adds a note, "Pray get informed when the Jamaica vessel sails &c., put your cousin John in mind of gratifying as a magistrate before he leaves town." Very good; some bleed-through, but quite legible and both text and signature are strong.
After the duel with Gwinnett, General George Washington feared that McIntosh would be harmed by Gwinnett's supporters and called McIntosh to join him at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, where he spent the harsh winter of 1778, then was assigned to the command of the Western Department. McIntosh led an expedition against Britain's Indian allies in the Ohio Valley and established two forts, Fort Laurens and Fort McIntosh, which helped solidify American control of the Northwest after the Revolution. In October 1779, McIntosh was part of the unsuccessful attempt to retake Savannah from the British, and in the spring of 1780, he was taken prisoner during the failed effort to defend Charles Town. He was relieved of duty by the Continental Congress but later cleared of all charges.
Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,500.
Signers of The Declaration of Independence
