George Washington Autograph Letters Signed (ALS): Values, Examples & How to Sell

To auction, sell or consign your George Washington autograph letter signed, please email your description and photos to [email protected] of Nate D. Sanders Auctions (NateDSanders.com).

Why Is a George Washington Autograph Letter Signed Valuable?

George Washington, Founding Father of the U.S., became a national hero after serving as Commander in Chief of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War and leading the colonial Americans towards victory. His eternal legacy is voluntarily stepping down from office after serving two terms as the nation’s first president, setting an unwritten rule for subsequent presidents before it became the 22nd Amendment in the mid-20th century. Letters signed and written in Washington’s hand are not only rare, but often share some essential moments in early American history, such as the Revolutionary War or his presidency.

View some George Washington autograph letters we’ve sold:

Autograph Letter Signed from 1777 – Sold for $30,658

We realized $30,658 for a George Washington autograph letter dated 1 December 1777. Around this time the Continental Army was facing setbacks, such as defeats and lack of supplies, along with low morale. Letter is addressed to Brigadier General Potter, who is remembered for his active involvement in the Pennsylvania militia, and reads in full:

“Sir, Since Mr. Tilghman’s letter of last Evening to you, I have advice from the City which convinces me that the Enemy do not propose coming out as we then expected. I therefore wish that if you will not have crossed the Schuylkill before you receive this, you may remain on the other side for sometime longer. If the Bridge lately built should have suffer’d any Damage by the late Rains, you will get your men to repair it, in the best order you can, as it is highly probable that Troops may soon have to cross over it, which must be kept perfectly Secret. I am Sir Your most Obe’d Serv / G. Washington”.

Autograph Letter Signed as President – Sold for $25,337

We sold an autograph letter signed by George Washington as President for $25,337. Letter is dated 20 February 1790 to Thomas Mifflin, Founder Father and Governor of Pennsylvania. Letter reads in full: “Sir, / I have the honor to transmit to your Excellency an Act passed in the second Session of the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States – entitled ‘an Act for giving effect to the several Acts therein mentioned, in respect to the State of North Carolina, and other purposes’. I have the honor to be, / With due consideration / Your Excellency’s / Most Obedient Servt. / G. Washington.” Letter references North Carolina ratifying the U.S. Constitution on November 21, 1789. In 1788 North Carolina had refused to ratify due to a lack of a Bill of Rights to limit federal power, so their ratification a year later was a significant step and demonstrated how amendments were made to the Constitution to address original concerns.

Autograph Letter Signed From 1777- Sold for $25,200

George Washington letter signed, dated 25 September 1777 during the Revolutionary War. Washington writes from “Camp 4 Miles from Pots Grove”, near the Schuylkill River, to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, who was moving west from New York to reinforce Washington against the British. Washington carefully instructs McDougall’s movements in this letter, lest he not get ambushed as General Anthony Wayne had in the Paoli Massacre only five days earlier. Letter reads in part,

“Camp 4 Miles from Pots Grove / Sept the 25 1777 / Dr Sir / I was favoured with yours by the Bearer of this. I wish you to proceed with your Detachment to the best ground near Markley’s about two miles below Pennibeckers Mill on the Skippack Road & there remain for further Orders. From the present view of things, I think, I shall join you there or somewhere near It, with this Army. Mr. Thomas, who has this in charge, says he is well acquainted with the Rout from your present post to Pennibeckers Mill, tho he does not know Markley. You will, I am certain, make every necessary inquiry & disposition & keep the most vigilant lookout. / I am Dr Sir / yr most obedt Servt / Go. Washington / P.S. I have sent you a map by Mr. Thomas”. Sold for $25,200.

Autograph Letter Signed from 1784 – Sold for $23,033

We realized $23,033 for a George Washington autograph letter from June 1784 to Irish politician Sir Edward Newenham. Newenham was known for being a strong advocate of American independence during the Revolutionary War and corresponded with American leaders over shared ideals.

Letter reads in full: “Sir, If this letter should ever reach your hands, it will be presented by Col. Humphreys, who is appointed as Secretary to the Commissioner from the United States for forming commercial treaties in Europe. This Gentleman is a particular friend of mine, and until I resigned my military appointment, was one of my Aid de Camps.  He has been uniformly a friend to the rights of mankind.  He possesses in an eminent degree the social virtues and is a man of integrity and worth.  As such I take the liberty of recommending him to your civilities if chance or a visit to Ireland, should throw him in your way. I offer no apology for this freedom, because, from your character I am persuaded none is necessary, and that you will feel pleasure in taking notice of merit.  With great esteem and consideration, I have the honor to be / Sir – Yr Most Ob. Servt. / G. Washington”. 

Autograph Letter Signed – Sold for $20,000

We sold a George Washington autograph letter signed regarding land that was promised to him and other veterans of the French and Indian War for $20,000. Letter is dated 30 January 1799 and reads in full,

“Gentlemen, It is not in my power to give the satisfaction you require, respecting the partition of the tract of 51,302 acres of land on the Ohio in which the late Mr. Jno. West held 6000. –

My agency in that business ceased, after by great perseverance, & indeed cost (which by many who shared in the land never reimbursed) the original Patents were obtained. I had no concern with individual property, after the quantum was assigned to each; and if I [?] heard, have no recollection nor, of the mode adopted by the Patentees in that Tract to ascertain their respective parts nor do I know where the record of it is to be found. – Col. Tho. Lewis lives on the tract, and is as likely as any one I am acquainted with, to give you information. / I am Gentn – Yr very Hble Servt / Go: Washington”.

Autograph Letter Signed from 1798 – Sold for $19,000

We realized $19,000 for a three-page George Washington autograph letter signed dated 11 February 1798, one year following his presidency. The letter is to Washington’s nephew, Robert Lewis, who served as his land agent in the 1790s across many states including Virginia, Ohio and Pennsylvania. Washington discusses the value of his profitable walnut trees and his concerns with money despite his large Presidential salary. Interesting letter content reflects how heavily Washington relied on family members to manage his personal matters as well as business endeavors.

Thank you for checking out some of the George Washington letters we’ve sold! Please feel free to contact us at [email protected] if you have any questions or would like to sell your George Washington autograph letter signed. Learn how we can help you sell your George Washington autograph.

FAQs

What is the difference between a George Washington autograph letter signed (ALS) and a signed document?
A George Washington autograph letter signed bears his signature along with a handwritten letter by him. A document signed by Washington includes his signature, but the rest of the document was not necessarily written in his hand. Both autograph letters signed and signed documents reflect historical context.

Learn more about George Washington signed documents.

What is the value of a George Washington autograph letter signed (ALS)?
The value of a Washington ALS can vary depending on the content of the letter, the year it’s from as well as its condition.