James Winchester written and signed letter from the War of 1812, dated Nashville the 5th of July 1812, to the commanding officer of the recruiting district of East Tennessee at Knoxville, attention Captain Armstrong. It reads: Sir, if on the receipt of this note you have not put money into the hands of Ensign Gilbert Hankins and ordered him into service you will not do it until further orders for that purpose. Respectfully, Your Servant J. Winchester, B Genl, United States Army. 9-3/4" x 15-1/2". James Winchester, owner of Cragfont Plantation in Gallatin, fought in the Revolutionary War and served in the first Tennessee General Assembly in the state senate; he also co-founded Memphis along with John Overton and Andrew Jackson. Winchester was a Brigadier General in the War of 1812 and commanded American forces at the Battle of Frenchtown, which led to the Massacre of the River Raisin. Condition: Toning, tape and discoloration at center fold line with 1" hole in blank area. Signature bold and excellent.