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Important Letter from Capt Thomas U.S. Light Dragoons to Callendar Irvine 1810

$ 192.72

Availability: 100 in stock
  • Restocking Fee: No
  • All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
  • Item must be returned within: 30 Days
  • Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
  • Refund will be given as: Money Back

    Description

    As I continue to sell some early U.S. dragoons items, this comes from my personal collection. It is a rare letter signed by Captain James Thomas of the U.S. Light Dragoons. It is addressed to Callendar Irvine, who had an illustrious career in the U.S. military.
    If you collect early shako plates and insignia, you know that the "USLD" letters for the United States Light Dragoons are very rare. Correspondence from a captain in the USLD is also quite uncommon.
    What makes this letter equally important is it comes from a fort that has very little documentation in private hands. Fort Acushnet was located near New Bedford, Massachusetts, but abandoned in 1820. Records show that Captain James Thomas commanded the fort from 1810 to 1811. Thus, with the New Bedford postmark and signed by Thomas in 1810, even though it does not say "Fort Acushnet" in the letter, it can be safely assumed that it is the fort referenced here.
    The contents of the letter is a list of medicine and supplies for the fort received August 1810. Thomas' name and "USLD" appear a couple of times on the letter.
    Overall, when opened, the letter measures 16 x 13 inches and has text on front and back. The red wax seal is missing, but you can see where it would have been. There are tears at the folds and a one-inch hole is in one fold, but not affecting the text.
    Again, U.S. Light Dragoons items are scarce. This letter is a wonderful piece from this era.
    Always happy to combine shipping on multiple wins!