THE SIGNATURE AND WRITING OF BUTTON GWINNETT, THE RAREST AUTOGRAPH OF THE "SIGNERS."
By the unwise permission of the Washington family, Dr. Sprague was permitted to abstract "as many letters as he liked" from the wonderfully accurate letter-files of George Washington, preserved at his home, "Mount Vernon," in Virginia. Dr. S. there got some of his best papers, being only requested to "leave copies of all letters he took"! Among the papers he thus acquired was the A.L.S. of Thomas Lynch, jun., "Signer" for South Carolina.
The following is the text of this wonderful autograph, a portion of which is reproduced in facsimile:—
Sir,—'Though the acquaintance I have with your Excellency be but slight, I am induced to hope that you will readily excuse the trouble I am going to give you, when you shall become acquainted with the merits of the Gentleman, in whose favour that trouble is given.
Coll: Pinckney, the Bearer of this Letter, now Commands the first Regiment raised in this State for the Continental Service. At the commencement of the present War, he entered into the Service with the rank of Captain, and has since, to the satisfaction of every real friend of American liberty in this State, been advanced by various promotions to that of Coll. His family being as respectable as any amongst us, and his fortune abundantly competent, nothing but a passion for glory and a zeal for the cause of his Country, could have led him into this measure. I shall say nothing of his Abilities, convinced as I am that your Excellency's penetration and the frequent opportunities he cannot fail to have, will soon discover them, but as to Principles, I will be bold to say, that no Man living has a higher Spirit, a nicer sense of Honour, or a more incorruptable Heart, than he has. Such a man cannot but be highly acceptable to one in your Excellency's situation, & I will willingly engage my life that the friend I now venture to recommend to your favour is such an one—I fervently pray God to watch over your Excelly's life, & to make you as happy and successful as you are good and brave. I have the honour to be with the most sincere regard and most profound esteem, your Excellency's
most obedient huble servt
Thomas Lynch
Charles Town,
July 5 1777
His Excellency General Washington.[71]
