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ALEXANDER, WILLIAM (“LORD STIRLING”). Autograph Letter Signed,
“Stirling,” as Colonel in the Continental Army, to Captain [William] Rogers aboard the
Blue Mountain Valley, concerning the cargo of the captured British ship. 1 page, 8vo;
worn with loss of one word, laid down on paper, with part of address panel laid down on
verso.
Elizabethtown [NJ], 27 January 1776
[1,000/1,500]
Alexander (an American with a disputed claim to British nobility) led a daring 22 January raid on
a British supply ship, the Blue Mountain Valley, which soon led to his promotion; he later became a
major general.
This letter is addressed to the captain whom Stirling had appointed to command the captured vessel.
Stirling directs him to deliver all ship’s cargo for safekeeping, with particular courtesy to be given to
the captured British captain: “Capt. Dempster’s private property should be delivered separate, and
any such part of his baggage as he wants may be delivered to him.” Provenance: G.A. Baker sale, 4
May 1943, lot 81.