HORATIO GATES. Letter Signed as Major General in the Continental Army to Governor [William] Greene, Providence [RI], 20 May 1779. 1 page, 9½" x 7¼".

A Revolutionary War-date letter from this Major General in the Continental Army, urging Rhode Island's Governor to take advantage of an opportunity to spy on the enemy at Newport.

After a long career in the British army, Horatio Gates settled in Virginia in 1772 where he became a supporter of the American Revolution. Welcomed into the Continental Army in 1775 because of his military experience, Gates rose to become a major general. He served at the siege of Boston, and in October 1777, as commander of the Northern Department, he won a critical victory at Saratoga. Shortly thereafter, he was the focus of the Conway Cabal’s effort to replace George Washington as commander-in-chief. At the time of this letter, Gates was commander of the Eastern Department, and in 1780, he would briefly lead the Southern Department until defeated by Cornwallis at Camden, South Carolina.

Gates writes here to Rhode Island's Governor, answering his request that a Mrs. Arnold be allowed to travel to Newport, which was then in British hands. “As I have the utmost confidence in Your Excellency,” Gates declares, “I am sure you will not recommend any thing to be sent to Newport, that you think will be injurious to the Public Cause. You have my intire Approbation, to send Mrs. Arnold to the place of her Nativity, and Family residence.”

Then, referring to those would accompany the woman to the British lines, Gates adds, “I request you will have such person, or persons, in the Flag [of truce], as will see, and hear, all they can for our benefit. When they return, send me their Report.” He has signed in full, “Horatio Gates.”

The letter has some light scattered staining, but is in very good condition overall. $3000.00

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