WILLIAM THOMPSON

WILLIAM THOMPSON
(1736 - 1781) Irish-born Continental Army brigadier general from Pennsylvania. After Thompson's company of Pennsylvania sharpshooters of the 1st Pennsylvania drove back a British landing party on November 9, 1775, he was promoted brigadier general. Thompson was captured during an attack at Trois-Rivieres and was finally exchanged four years later for Baron Riedesel. THOMPSON NEGOTIATES PEACE WITH THE CHEROKEE Excellent content French and Indian War letter, an A.L.S. with integral address leaf, 1p. 7.5 x 11 in., 'York Town' [Pa.], Apr. 26, 1758 to his superior, 'Colonel John Armstrong' in Philadelphia. Thompson discusses negotiating with Indians, in part: '...I came down to York Yesterday - Thursday last Captn. Hamilton return'd to his Fort after being our Seven Days without and Success. The Chirokee & Kittabas [Catawba] that left Fort Loudon to go to War, Marched in Company 'till they crossed Juniata [River, near Pittsburgh], at which Place some Misunderstanding that Happened amoungst them Occasioned the four Kittabas to return to the Fort. But the Chirokees proceeded towards Fort Du Quesine [Fort Duquesne]...They Proposed being out 12 or 14 Days, and said if their Brothers of Pennsylvania had any Inclination to hold a Treaty with them, they were Sure a Present would be sent by the time they return'd...I have not as yet receiv'd any orders...nor do I know if the People in this Province will Incline to Treat with them...at my own risque I have furnished them with Provision and what Drink was Necessary for them...I have not been paid for a Horse and a Riffle Gun which I give to the Chirokees last Year by Col. Stanwix's and your Orders - I will set off for Fort Loudon to Morrow and will be glad to know...what his Honr. the Governor, and the Assembly intends to do with them...' Clean splits with no loss at top repaired with archival tape on verso, integral address leaf detached and silked, else very good. Ex: Walter Benjamin. Only a few months later, failure to provide 'gifts' to the Cherokee at Fort Littleton brought hard feelings which escalated to a breakdown in relations... and bloodshed.