Original Free Frank of General George Washington, from 1783, Addressed to His Spymaster, Benjamin Tallmadge
Washington hoped Tallmadge could determine British activities and intentions, and whether they were consistent with war or peace
The frank is docketed by Tallmadge himself, making a striking combination of his and Washington writing on the same piece
By March 1783, a preliminary peace agreement had been signed between the Americans and British, and peace talk was in the air. But Washington was cautious and skeptical, and he wanted to...
The frank is docketed by Tallmadge himself, making a striking combination of his and Washington writing on the same piece
By March 1783, a preliminary peace agreement had been signed between the Americans and British, and peace talk was in the air. But Washington was cautious and skeptical, and he wanted to know if the peace was real and the war really would in fact end.
On March 25, 1783, he wrote Tallmadge asking him to determine British activities and intentions, and whether they were consistent with war or peace. “What is the Genl Rumour—what their Movements or Operations—the State & No. of their Transports, and Ships of War—What the Number, State & Situation of their Troops—whether any Embarkation is meditated, & to what part, if any. And in General, any Information that may be useful to us in present Circumstances….Penetrate the Designs of our Enemy. If another Campaign is to be expected, the sooner we are ascertained of its Necessity the Better”. Tallmadge consulted his sources in New York, and a few days later reported to Washington that “a general peace has actually taken place.” Thus did Washington find out to his satisfaction.
Free Frank signed, March 25, 1783, which once covered the letter to Tallmadge, and addressed to him at Newtown or Greenfields. This is an extremely rare Washington autograph related to wartime espionage and the peace treaty that ended the American Revolution.
The frank is docketed by Tallmadge, “Genl. Washington’s letter, March 25th ’83, received 27th.”
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