Howe, Richard, 1st Earl Howe (1726-99) Admiral of the British fleet during the American Revolution; known as "Black Dick." With his brother, William Howe, who commanded British land forces, he attempted a reconciliation with the Americans. When a new peace commission was appointed in 1778, he resigned his commission and would not accept another command until March 1782 when North's government fell. Howe was one of the most famous Admirals in British history. Military historians consider his 1794 victory over the French at The Battle of the Glorious First of June ranks with Quiberon Bay, The Nile, Trafalgar, Jutland, and probably the Spanish Armada.
Autograph Letter Signed ("Howe") as Admiral, one page, 9½ x 8 inches, Admiralty, Oct. 29, 1781. Ten days after Cornwallis' surrender at Yorktown, Howe writes to Capt. Thomas Graves: "As I cannot undertake to say, at what time any particular ship may be ordered for service, or to engage for the succession in which the several Captains desirous of employment on the present occasion may be gratified; I can only recommend that your address should be lodged at the Office, for your being called upon when the tenders of your Service can be accepted…." Fine.
Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,250,
Mary Benjamin, 1979,
Colonial and Revolutionary America
