Alexander McDougall document signed ("Alex. McDougall M General"). One page, 7.75" x 12.5", [West Point, New York]; [circa late 1780]. A manuscript document signed by Major General Alexander McDougall (1732-1786) shortly after he was placed in command of West Point. Docketed Major General McDougall approves a court-martial as commander of West Point following Benedict Arnold's desertion to the British. The document approves a court-martial for William Lyman and John Stringer at West Point and authorizes the use of corporal punishment. McDougall had the misfortune to arrive there almost to the day of Benedict Arnold's desertion to the British. Consequently, he was largely responsible for dealing with the administrative mess that followed. It reads, in full: "Upon the recommendation of the General Court Martial of which Colonel Putnam was President, the General permits the punishment ordered to be inflicted on William Lyman of Captain Lockwood's Company and orders him to be released. John Stringer of Captain Stanton's Company of Colonel Sherburne's regiment will deliver the money and Cloathes [sic] he has received as Bounty, to his Captain, then to be sent to Head Quarters. The General approves the several other sentences of the General Court Martial, and orders the Corporal punishment to be inflicted at West Point, as soon as shall be convenient at Guard Mounting; which being done the Prisoners will be released." Signed, "Alex. McDougall / M General." Before the war, Alexander McDougall worked as a merchant in New York City. As tensions between the colonies and the crown continued to rise, he became increasingly angry over Britain's financial interference and joined the Sons of Liberty. In 1769, he was responsible for anonymously printing the radical broadside "To the Betrayed Inhabitants of the City and Colony of New York." It created an uproar in New York City and McDougall was jailed for libel after his identity was uncovered. This further accelerated tensions in the city and led to a riot between British soldiers and the Sons of Liberty in what is now referred to as the Battle of Golden Hill. The event solidified McDougall's place as a known radical patriot and led to his commission in 1775. During the war, he was an officer dedicated to the Continental Army and the well-being of its soldiers, especially after his son, Jack (1753-1775), died of a fever in November 1775 due to the abysmal conditions of their winter encampment near Montreal and his younger son, Ranald (circa 1754-1786), was captured in Canada a few months later. In 1780, McDougall represented the army before Congress to protest pay discrepancies, and again in 1783, he headed a committee of officers concerning further pay grievances. However, this document illustrates that despite his dedication to the common soldier, he had no issue meting out punishment when he believed it warranted. This scarce McDougall autograph was signed during an incredible period of upheaval in the Revolution while Continental officers were still reeling from Benedict Arnold's betrayal. It is accompanied by a vignette engraving of McDougall in uniform. Condition: Dampstain at center of document which does not touch any text. Light scattered soiling and foxing with minor edgewear. HID03101062020 © 2022 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

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