1781 (Aug. 15) New York, N.Y. to Edinburgh, Scotland, datelined folded letter from General Stirling, carried by British packet to England, London "26 / SE" bishop mark on flap and "1N" shilling packet rating crossed out and updated to "1N6" 1s6d due for 1s packet fee plus 6d to Edinburgh, Very Fine, ex-Barry Jay. Estimate  $2,500 - 3,500. AN INTERESTING LETTER FROM GENERAL STIRLING CONCERNING LEAVING AMERICAN JUST PRIOR TO LORD CORNWALLIS' SURRENDER IN OCTOBER 1781. Letter reads, "…I am uncertain as to the time when I shall leave this country, as I must wait for a fleet sailing for London, as the packets are not safe, inconvenient, and the land journey from Falmouth more than I could bear… A fleet will it is thought to sail at the end of next month, the which I shall take advantage of, if Monsr de Grasse does not shut us up, which they threaten from the rebel camp. A reinforcement of between 2-3,000 German recruits arrived here lately which makes us a little more respectable and may enable S H Clinton to look our foes at the White Plains in the face, who await only the arrival of the French fleet off the Hook to attack New York…"Thomas Stiling became captain in the 42nd or Royal Highland regiment in July 1757. He became major in 1770, and lieutenant-colonel in 1771, commanding his regiment throughout the Revolutionary War. He was in the engagement, on Staten Island, the Battle on Brooklyn Heights, in 1776, the storming of Fort Washington, the capture of Red Bank, the battle of the Brandywine, and that of Spring on June 7th 1780, where he was wounded. He was made colonel in 1779, and held the rank of brigadier general under Sir Henry Clinton in the expedition against Charleston S.C. in 1780. He became colonel of the 71st Highlanders in February 782, major-general in November following, lieutenant-general and a baronet in 1796 and general Jan. 1st 1801. $0 (Image)