One of the most pivotal moments during the American Revolution, indeed, in all of American history, was the victory at Saratoga in October 1777. The Continentals were led by several famous (and infamous) early Americans: Horatio Gates, Daniel Morgan, and Benedict Arnold. The defeat of Gen. John Burgoyne’s British army was a turning point that practically secured American victory. It was not simply the victory itself but rather the aftermath of the victory, which included convincing the French to become an ally of the new country.
Upon hearing the news, George Washington, commander in chief of the Continental Army at the time, wrote to his subordinate officer, Brig. Gen. James Potter, praising the men, the victory, and God.
“This singular favour of Providence is to be received with thankfulness and the happy moment which Heaven has pointed out for the firm establishment of American Liberty ought to be embraced with becoming spirit,” Washington wrote.
The Washington Letter
That letter has survived over the course of nearly 250 years. It has remained in the possession of the descendants of Gen. Potter. The Raab Collection, a Pennsylvania-based business that specializes in the discovery, purchase, and selling of rare historical documents and artifacts, discovered the letter via correspondence with the family and recently acquired it. This letter, according to the Raab Collection, is the first of its kind “in which [Washington] directly ties a great American victory to ‘Heaven.’”Gen. Potter Sorely Missed
Potter was born in Ireland in 1729 and immigrated with his family to Newcastle, Delaware, in 1741. He served in his father’s state militia during the French and Indian War. After the war, he became a successful land developer in Pennsylvania.After mounting Nittany Mountain in 1759, he looked round about him and is believed to have stated to his expedition companion, “By Heavens, Thompson! I have discovered an empire!” He soon began building fort stockades to help protect settlers from Indian raids.
At the start of the American Revolution, he served as a colonel, and on April 5, 1777 was promoted to brigadier general. He served bravely in various battles and was instrumental in providing Washington with information about British activities.
Two months after Saratoga, Potter proved his mettle during the Battle at Matson’s Ford on Dec. 11, 1777, in which his militia was outnumbered by the British. The militia under Potter fought valiantly but eventually retreated, burning their man-made bridge behind them.
The Letter’s Rarity
The historical connections of the letter to Potter are obvious: signed by the Father of America and signaling such an important occasion. The Raab Collection has valued the letter at $275,000 and is now offering it for public purchase at that price.When asked how many other such undiscovered Washington letters might remain, Raab speculated.
“I wish I knew!” he said. “In the private market, I imagine more than 100, but that is purely speculative and of course depends on your definition of undiscovered. Were they known and lost or not known to have been written at all? The final category would be far lower.”
Just as with this recent discovery by the Raab Collection, time will tell how many other correspondences remain of Washington’s. Until then, the Collection holds one such piece if one can afford the price.
