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1775 Manuscript Document - Regarding A Continental Army Deserter

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:400.00 USD Estimated At:500.00 - 600.00 USD
1775 Manuscript Document - Regarding A Continental Army Deserter
American Revolution
“taken by a Kings Warrant... to the Workhouse”

        Deserter From the Continental Army
November 9, 1775 to March 6, 1777 Revolutionary War Period, Manuscript Document [Philadelphia], Regarding A Continental Army Deserter, Very Good.
This original 1 & 1/4 page Manuscript Document measures 8.25” x 6.5” with eleven notations concerning a deserter, John Bergenhoofe, dating from November 9, 1775 to March 6, 1777. It has quarterfolds with some central paper loss at vertical fold intersection which affects a few words, plus the right and left edges are uneven and have browned as this document has actually been used.

Beginning on November 9, 1775, this document reads, in part: “John Berenhoofe Inlisted in the Morning & Return’d in the Evening Paid 2/6 his Expences.” On January 24, 1776: “he ran Away & I spent half a day after him.” On January 28, he enlisted again but didn’t show up until February 6, when he was “taken by a Kings Warrant” and “Committed... to the Workhouse...” This continues, with Bergenhoofe reenlisting, then running away and being pursued. Expenses for these pursuits are noted. The last entry is on March 6, 1777: “John Bergenhoofe went away.” The army seems to have given up on him after that. Rather remarkable documentation on the array of efforts towards this deserter. This historic piece was last offered in our EAHA Auction of August 24, 2002, Lot 351, where it sold for $414 about a decade ago.