213

1776 Revolutionary War Autograph Letter: American Soldiers Deserting Their Posts

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:1,200.00 USD Estimated At:1,800.00 - 2,400.00 USD
1776 Revolutionary War Autograph Letter: American Soldiers Deserting Their Posts
American Revolution
December 15, 1776 Historic Content Revolutionary War Letter Regarding American Soldiers Deserting Their Posts
December 15, 1776-Dated Revolutionary War Period, Autograph Letter (unsigned), Regarding American Soldiers Deserting Their Posts, Foglon Ferry (Rhode Island), Fine.
This December 15, 1776-Dated Historic content Autograph Letter measures 7” x 6.75”, 1 page, strengthen on its blank back with a piece of later 19th century advertising. This appears to be a draft to an unknown commander (likely Brig. General Nathaniel Goodwin), datelined at Foglon Ferry (Rhode Island). This Revolutionary War Letter concerns the towns of Rochester (New Hampshire) and Wareham (Massachusetts) in mustering their military and marching to the assistance of an unknown town in their sister state, where they found Soldiers ignoring direct orders and deserting their posts, leaving the coast unguarded.

The writer, who was forced to take charge of the regiment, asks that the whole military from Middleborough (Massachusetts) be sent immediately. Written on period laid paper, this letter has been removed from being mounted in a folio and has traces of the old hinging on the blank reverse yet it is very clean and well written on its face side. This historic Letter reads, in full (with punctuation added):

“Foglon Ferry - Headquarters 15th of Decem. 1776

Sir, --- In consequence of your orders, the towns of Rochester & Wareham have mustered the whole of the military and marched them accordingly to the place required by you, being attended by the most generous & noble motives, the said towns are generally turned out to the assistance of their Sister State. But to my surprise, (I) found the several companies in your town offered in part but almost destitute of soldiers. One whole company wholly have quitted their post without paying any regard to the orders of Col. Cook, the Commander here. But what is still more surprising to me, (I) found myself obliged to take command of the regiment, which considering my abilities is arduous and disagreeable & which I determine to avail myself of if you nor Col. White douth (sic) not appear to take the command of. We are amazingly in want of men to guard this coast. Therefore most seriously desire you to send your whole military from Middleborough immediately. I have rote (sic) Col. White to send the other part of the regiment. If any person hereafter returned home without a furlow, I hope you will send them back to their duty. -- Your humble servant &.”