Beschreibung:

HEATH, WILLIAM, Major General, Continental Army . Autograph letter signed ("W Heath") to Massachusetts Governor Sumner, Roxbury, 16 September 1797. 2 pages, large folio, autograph address panel . HEATH ADVISES ON LEGAL MATTERS. Responding to Sumner's queries, Heath assures him that the "Courts Martial...gave reasons for their opinion...stating the evidence produced, and their proceedings thereon." In answer to Sumner's second query, Heath justifies the petitions for new trials at law: "it was generally stated that some new evidence was discovered, or that there was error or illegality." These reasons, though not entirely clear, were accepted by Heath, for: "if the reasons were not given, how was it possible for Governor [John] Hancock...to form a just opinion." -- SHERMAN, WILLIAM TECUMSEH, General . Autograph letter signed ("W.T. Sherman") to Josiah M. Fiske, Washington, D.C., 5 December 1878. 3 pages, 8vo, "Headquarters Army of the United States" stationery. Sherman replies to an invitation to the New England Society annual banquet: "[I] feel strongly tempted to come, but actually dread the usual penalty of being asked to respond to a toast...to take part in the...Banquet at this time when Army men should remain silent embarasses me." -- HANCOCK, WINFIELD SCOTT, Union General . Autograph letter signed to Josiah M. Fiske, New York, 5 December 1879. 2 pages, 8vo . Hancock declines to attend the New England Society Anniversary dinner. -- LAFAYETTE, MARQUIS DE, French General . Autograph note signed ("Lafayette"), La Grange, 10 November 1833. 1 page, 4to, neatly inlaid . Writing in French to "Mon cher Gnral," Lafayette recommends a young man from Anjou for the position of "sous-lieutenance." (4)