Herkimer, Nicholas. Letter signed 29 July 1777, to Jelles Fonde, one week before the Battle of Oriskany

HERKIMER, NICHOLAS

LETTER SIGNED ("NICHOLAS HERCHHEIMER") TO JELLES FONDE, WRITING ONE WEEK BEFORE THE BATTLE OF ORISKANY

1 page with a ½ page postscript (8¼ x 6¼ in.; 210 x 157 mm) on a bifolium, "Conajohary," 29 July 1777, integral address panel, docketed in an early hand "Gen. Nich. Herkimer ... The Battle of Oriskany was fought August 6 1777. In which Gen. Herkimer was killed, together with about 200 militia (German farmers on the Mohawk River) under his command"; small wax seal tear, not affecting text, general wear to address leaf.

One day after writing this letter, Herkimer would learn of the advance of the British under Col. Barry St. Leger and draw together a generally unwilling force of locals to march to meet the enemy. The resulting Battle of Oriskany would prove to be one of the bloodiest engagements in the Revolutionary War — Herkimer was mortally wounded, with an additional 450 patriot causalities.

The present letter concerns efforts of both Fonda and Herkimer to collect upon debts: "According to your Requests lately Recd. concerning the Resigning of Mr. Avery and the Settling of your accounts with him, I have given notice thereof in my Neighbourhood, and also send myself hereby my accots. against you... Receipt of Commissary Port dated Febry. 4th 1777." In the postscript, Hericker adds: "I inclose here another Certificate of Commissary Post for 530 Rations delivered in victualling ten Men of Colo. Elmore's Regt... I make bold to beg of you, demand and Receive in my Name the money due upon said certificates, and repay the same to me with yours. I shall take it as a particular favor..."

Condition Report:
1 page with a ½ page postscript (8¼ x 6¼ in.; 210 x 157 mm) on a bifolium, "Conajohary," 29 July 1777, integral address panel, docketed in an early hand "Gen. Nich. Herkimer ... The Battle of Oriskany was fought August 6 1777. In which Gen. Herkimer was killed, together with about 200 militia (German farmers on the Mohawk River) under his command"; small wax seal tear, not affecting text, general wear to address leaf.

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