"Interview of Howe's Messenger with Washington" — Matted framed engraving

"Interview of Howe's messenger with Washington" from the painting of Michael Angelo Wageman and engraved by Joseph Stancliffe

Printed in ink below the bottom left corner of the image: "M.A. Wageman". Printed in ink below the bottom right corner of the image: "Joseph Stancliffe". Printed in ink below the image: "Interview of Howe's Messenger with Washington".

Size: 13" x 15.25"

Shipping: $20. Please allow two weeks for shipping.

Historical background

On July 14, 1776, during the American Revolutionary War, the Howe brothers sought to open negotiations with George Washington. General William Howe and Admiral Richard Howe had arrived in New York with a large British fleet, aiming either to capture the city or seek a peaceful reconciliation with the Continental Congress. They sent a letter offering a pardon to those who would pledge allegiance to Britain, but it was addressed to "George Washington, Esq."—a title Washington rejected, as it did not acknowledge his military rank.

A second letter addressed to "George Washington, Esq., etc." was also declined.

Washington agreed to meet one of Howe's subordinates on July 20, but the discussion was brief, as the Howe brothers lacked the authority to negotiate any meaningful terms.

Just a month later, British forces launched their invasion of Long Island, resulting in a string of defeats for Washington’s army, which retreated across New Jersey into Pennsylvania.

The war would continue for another six years.