WASHINGTON, George. Autograph document signed ("G o :Washington"), a commendation for Lieutenant Colonel Jean Baptiste Gouvion, "Given at the Camp near York Town", 31 October 1781. 1 page, folio, integral blank , very fine. WASHINGTON PRAISES THE FRENCH ENGINEER GOUVION FOR HIS "MOST VALUABLE SERVICES" AT YORKTOWN AND FOR "THAT ENERGY & PRECISION WHICH CONSTITUTE THE GREAT ENGINEER" A noteworthy order of praise, written by Washington only thirteen days after the surrender of General Cornwallis's British Army at Yorktown. Lieutenant Colonel Jean Baptiste Gouvion, a French volunteer, established himself as a dedicated and trustworthy engineer throughout the war (see the previous lot). In the Fall of 1781, the British Army of Lord Cornwallis found itself entrapped along the York River in Virginia by a combined French and American Army and the French Fleet. The British dug extensive fortifications to protect themselves during the ensuing seige. Washington countered by constructing a line of works parallel to the British entrenchments. Construction on a second line of trenches which would bring Washington's men closer to the British began on the night of October 11, but: "it was evident to the Allied command that British redoubts 9 and 10 must be taken before the second parallel could be extended to the river...the engineers...laid out the extension of an outwork from the east end of the second parallel that would reach as far as possible toward the enemy redoubts" (Wood, Battles of the Revolutionary War , p. 288). After the work was completed, artillery was brought to the position and assaults were launched against the redoubts. Utilizing empty muskets with bayonets fixed, two small parties (one led by Alexander Hamilton) successfully stormed the British position. The capture of redoubts 9 and 10 was essential to the allied victory and the surrender of Cornwallis. Gouvion played a key role in the construction of the works that led to the successful assaults. Here, Washington praises him for his efforts: "From the pointed recommendation of General Duportail and from my own particular observation, I feel the highest pleasure in sending justice to the distinguished military talents of Lieut. Colonel Gouvion and his indefatigable perseverence in the most valuable services. His decisive judgment and spirit of enterprise have been conspicuous on all occasions, particularly in the late seige of York, where the opening of the Trenches, the commencement of the second parallel, a very important lodgement in two of the Enemy's Works that were carried sword in hand, & their connexion with our attacks, were committed to him, and executed under his orders with that energy & precision which constitute the great Engineer." Published in Writings , ed J.C. Fitzpatrick 23:314
WASHINGTON, George. Autograph document signed ("G o :Washington"), a commendation for Lieutenant Colonel Jean Baptiste Gouvion, "Given at the Camp near York Town", 31 October 1781. 1 page, folio, integral blank , very fine. WASHINGTON PRAISES THE FRENCH ENGINEER GOUVION FOR HIS "MOST VALUABLE SERVICES" AT YORKTOWN AND FOR "THAT ENERGY & PRECISION WHICH CONSTITUTE THE GREAT ENGINEER" A noteworthy order of praise, written by Washington only thirteen days after the surrender of General Cornwallis's British Army at Yorktown. Lieutenant Colonel Jean Baptiste Gouvion, a French volunteer, established himself as a dedicated and trustworthy engineer throughout the war (see the previous lot). In the Fall of 1781, the British Army of Lord Cornwallis found itself entrapped along the York River in Virginia by a combined French and American Army and the French Fleet. The British dug extensive fortifications to protect themselves during the ensuing seige. Washington countered by constructing a line of works parallel to the British entrenchments. Construction on a second line of trenches which would bring Washington's men closer to the British began on the night of October 11, but: "it was evident to the Allied command that British redoubts 9 and 10 must be taken before the second parallel could be extended to the river...the engineers...laid out the extension of an outwork from the east end of the second parallel that would reach as far as possible toward the enemy redoubts" (Wood, Battles of the Revolutionary War , p. 288). After the work was completed, artillery was brought to the position and assaults were launched against the redoubts. Utilizing empty muskets with bayonets fixed, two small parties (one led by Alexander Hamilton) successfully stormed the British position. The capture of redoubts 9 and 10 was essential to the allied victory and the surrender of Cornwallis. Gouvion played a key role in the construction of the works that led to the successful assaults. Here, Washington praises him for his efforts: "From the pointed recommendation of General Duportail and from my own particular observation, I feel the highest pleasure in sending justice to the distinguished military talents of Lieut. Colonel Gouvion and his indefatigable perseverence in the most valuable services. His decisive judgment and spirit of enterprise have been conspicuous on all occasions, particularly in the late seige of York, where the opening of the Trenches, the commencement of the second parallel, a very important lodgement in two of the Enemy's Works that were carried sword in hand, & their connexion with our attacks, were committed to him, and executed under his orders with that energy & precision which constitute the great Engineer." Published in Writings , ed J.C. Fitzpatrick 23:314
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