1779 Revolutionary War Letter With Speculation on Spain's Aid. Autograph Letter Signed "D. Lyman,"3½pp, 9½ x 7½ in., Roxbury, Mar. 7, 1779. To Peter Colt, Hartford west Division. "…It was believed here that the Army had marched as far as Milford on the Sea Coast from New York….The enemy are playing a very advantageous game since the reduction of the little State of Georgia. Few accounts have arrived from the Southward. We suppose they are securing their conquests and taking all possible advantage of their plunder which will consist principally in such articles as are wanted for their Army at new York. The Army at Newport seem to be progressing very little….We most impatiently wait for the particulars of the Spanish vessel. General Hancock received a letter from a member of Congress which informed him that news was received from Spain which would excede his most sanguine expectations so we conclude nothing less than a treaty is concluded if so farewell to the war. Then you will have nothing to do but enjoy domestic life….Whilst poor me will be obliged to seek a fortune without the means of procuring one & with no other consolation than the reflection that thousands are no better off than myself--who would not serve his country. Paper money seems now to be reduced almost to nothing. 12 paper dollars are now given for a silver one….Some imagine Congress are playing a politic game and determine to take the advantage of a loan from Spain of several million dollars to reduce the quantity of the paper currency at this low value. I think no bad scheme. We shall be on to join the Army when the campaign opens which I hope wont be long…." Ink bleed-through makes reading difficult but very boldly written and signed. Tape repair on page 3, numerous small pinholes and seal tears. Hand-written transcript included. Interesting content.
Spain had been on the losing end of the Seven Years War (French and Indian War in North America), and harbored enmity toward Great Britain. To this end, Spain was already covertly helping the Americans, but openly joined in the fight after signing the Treaty of Aranjuez with France on April 12, 1779 (just over a month after this letter was written) which specified as part of the terms that Spain should join the French in supporting the American colonies against Great Britain.
Estimated Value $750 - 850.
U.S. Revolutionary War
