^#163 ^Lot 172 Charles Cornwallis

English general (1738–1805) who fought against Washington during the American Revolution and was finally defeated at Yorktown. The crushing defeat aroused much antiwar sentiment in England, and hostilities thereafter tapered off until the final withdrawal of British troops in 1783. ALS signed “Cornwallis,” one page, 7.5 x 9, July 24, 1800. Letter to Thomas Pelham. In part: “It would afford me great pleasure to be able to accommodate Dear Palmer, but on the present occasion I have no hope of doing it, as every thing that can be vacated in succession…has been long since specifically promised. No Lieut ever had half so many pressing engagements in the Church as are at this moment imposed upon me, and none of my Predecesors…ever had so small a share of Ecclesiastical Patronage.” Intersecting folds, one through a single letter of signature, uniform toning, and a few minor spots, otherwise fine condition.