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1773 British General James Robertson and Later Royal British Governor of New York Signed Document

JAMES ROBERTSON (1717-1788). British Army General who participated in American Revolutionary War, served as Civil Royal British Governor of the Province of New York 1779-83.

October 20, 1773-Dated Colonial America, Partially-Printed Pay Document Receipt Signed, "James Robertson," measuring 6.5" x 8", on fine quality watermarked period laid paper, Choice Very Fine. This pay receipt for "Five Hundred and Fourteen Dollars and Sixteen Fifty-Sixth Parts of Dollar" part of for supplying Barracks for several Garrisons in North America with officers and required supplies. Faint central horizontal fold and trivial dampstaining to left side, overall sharply printed and clean, overall quite nice.

Robertson came to the American Colonies in 1756 as a Major of the Royal American Troops. He became a lieutenant colonel in the 55th Regiment of Foot on July 1, 1758. He was for many years the Barrack Master in New York. Robertson was promoted Colonel and was the Commander of the historic 60th British Regiment of Foot in January 1776. He was commissioned Major General on January 1, 1776 and commanded the 6th Brigade at the Battle of Long Island. Robertson was instrumental in fighting and stopping the fire that broke out during the battle in New York City, which destroyed 500 homes and about 1/4 of Manhattan in September 1776. He returned to England in February 1777. Later, he was appointed Civil Governor of New York in 1779, and arrived in New York City in March 1780, and was appointed Governor on 23 March 1780. He was made a Lieutenant General on November 20, 1782. He issued a proclamation of "Thanksgiving" on January 14, 1783.

On 5 May 1783, he met with General Guy Carleton, General Henry Clinton, and Admiral Robert Digby, about the planning for the evacuation of New York City. Leaving for England, Robertson was replaced as Commandant of New York City by Major General James Pattison, and as Governor, by Lt. Governor Andrew Elliot, since April 17, 1783. Robertson died in London on March 4th, 1788.

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