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Table of Contents > Historic Autographs > Lot 46 |
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Lot Number: 46
Click for a Printable PageSign-in to Bid or Register to Bid Estimate Range: $2,000 - $3,000 |
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Winchester, Virginia Born “Willoughby Morgan” Son of Revolutionary War General Daniel Morgan Signed Seven Times 1777 Military Book Titled: RUDIMENTS OF WAR |
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WILLOUGHBY MORGAN (1785-1832). Born in Winchester, Virginia Colonel of 1st Regiment US Infantry; the Illegitimate Son of American Revolutionary War Continental Army Brigadier General Daniel Morgan, from Virginia; Willoughby Morgan raised the First (Post-Revolution) Volunteer Military Company from Winchester, Virginia. A remarkable original Revolutionary War printed book Signed by Willoughby Morgan, born in Winchester, Virginia in 1785. This discovery being a hardcover Military Book printed in 1777, in London, with its original later added paper covered which were Signed Seven Different Times by WILLOUGHBY MORGAN, the Illegitimate Son of American Revolutionary War Continental Army Brigadier General Daniel Morgan. This military book was very likely originally the property of his father, Brigadier General Daniel Morgan and handed down.This book is Signed Multiple Times on its covers, apparently indicating seven different milestone periods in Willougby’s military career. The book is titled: “RUDIMENTS OF WAR.: Comprising The PRINCIPLES of MILITARY DUTY In A Series of Orders Issued By COMMANDERS in the ENGLISH ARMY. / To Which Are Added, Some Other MILITARY REGULATIONS, for the Sake of connecting the Former., London, Printed for N. Conant (successor to Mr. Whiston), in Fleet Street. MDCCEXXVII (1777)”, 297 pages, complete with its final “Errata” page and military flouts. Front and back covers present but separated, both with added period paper wrappers contain multiple signatures written in brown ink. The covers are well worn with the spine cracking, two short old tape reinforcement stains (no longer present) from use as shown (rebinding recommended). The interior is modestly soiled from use with some scattered humidity-tone, yet being nice in its overall appearance with its complete military foldouts. Additional names written include: Jno. Williams, Edward Haines, Thomas Johnson & Joseph Elliott. The First (Post-Revolutionary War) Volunteer Military Company from Winchester, Virginia was raised by Willoughby Morgan. He must have cut a very impressive image in town as the unit’s uniform was a blue nankeen hunting shirt, with red fringe around the bottom and a small cape that rested on the shoulders and fringe also on the ends of the sleeves, red flannel leggings, and a buck’s tail stuck in a slouched hat. The unit was known for its expert marksmanship. It was said in those days that there was not a man in Willoughby Morgan’s company that did not measure less than 6 feet in height... quite the menacing bunch! When Willoughby Morgan was born in 1785, in Winchester, Virginia, his father, Brigadier General Daniel Morgan, was 49. He married Nancy Holtzclaw in 1826, in North Carolina, United States. They were the parents of at least 1 son. He registered for military service in 1812. He died on April 4, 1832, and was buried in Prairie du Chien, Crawford, Wisconsin, at the age of 47. I always felt that the story of Willoughby Morgan was a sad one. Shortly after the American Revolution, Continental Army General Daniel Morgan had an affair which resulted in an illegitimate child in 1785... that child would be named Willoughby. Daniel Morgan recognized Willoughby as his son, but would have nothing to do with him and would never have any type of relationship with him. The boy’s mother’s name would never be revealed. Willoughby Morgan would be born in Winchester Virginia but moved to South Carolina for his education. He would return to Winchester in 1800... just a few years before his father’s death in 1803, and many townspeople would mention the striking resemblance he had to his father. Standing over 6 feet tall and stout, Willoughby was well educated and well read... unlike his father... and Willoughby would have his father’s fighting spirit. The first (Post-Revolutionary War) Volunteer Military Company from Winchester was raised by Willoughby Morgan. He must have cut a very impressive image in town as the unit’s uniform was a blue nankeen hunting shirt, with red fringe around the bottom and a small cape that rested on the shoulders and fringe also on the ends of the sleeves, red flannel leggings, and a buck’s tail stuck in a slouched hat. The unit was known for its expert marksmanship. The women of Winchester swooned... In 1810, on the Fourth of July, Willoughby and his company held a barbecue at Daniel Lee’s spring (in present day Sunnyside which is the current site behind the auto dealership) which is called “The Stine House”. In William Greenway Russell‘s book, “What I Know About Winchester”... he states that he can remember a few people who were at that party... Mr. Lemure Bent sat at the head of the table and read the toasts. There were three Italian bands who played the music. Russell also comments that it was the first time he had ever witnessed the betting game, “thimble rigging”. This was the game where there were three thimbles and a pea was placed under one of them and the thimbles would be moved around quickly... and the person had to guess where the pea was. It was a version of the current “Three Card Monte” game. It was said in those days that there was not a man in Willoughby Morgan’s company that did not measure less than 6 feet in height...quite the menacing bunch! By the time the War of 1812 began, Morgan’s company would disband and Willoughby was commissioned into the Regular US Army and went north. There is one story where a British cavalry unit faced off with the American Calvary with only a small bridge between them. The British officer rode to the bridge and called for the best man to come and fight. One American soldier did and was cut down and killed by the British officer. Willoughby vowed revenge for this deed. Only a few weeks later, the Americans would find themselves in a similar situation and Willoughby would ride out and call for the best British fighter. The British soldier came forward and met Willoughby with sword drawn. An American soldier who witnessed the fight would later write that, “Capt. Morgan cut the man down with one sword slash that went from ear to shoulder straight through the man’s head... killing him instantly”. Willoughby Morgan would later write that he regretted this act daily, and “it was an impulse of an angry and undisciplined youth”. After the War of 1812, Willoughby Morgan would go to the Wisconsin Territory where he would eventually die of a stomach ailment in 1832. I believe Willoughby Morgan spent his life trying to live up to his father’s, Daniel Morgan’s, reputation... but more importantly... trying to make his father proud. I think he did. |
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Lot Number: 46
Click for a Printable Page Sign-in to Bid or Register to Bid |
Estimate Range: $2,000 - $3,000 |
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Early American History Auctions, Inc. 1520 Commerce St., # 312 • Winchester, VA 22601 Phone: 858 • 759 • 3290 Email: Auctions@EarlyAmerican.com |
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