1704

An Un-Court-Martialed New Hampshire Officer writes to a Benedict Arnold Staffer.

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:100.00 USD Estimated At:200.00 - 250.00 USD
An Un-Court-Martialed New Hampshire Officer writes to a Benedict Arnold Staffer.
Trio of unusual War of 1812 items: Manuscript "Return of Capt. Jona(than) Rollins' Company of Cavalry in the 11th Regt., 3rd Brigade, and 1st Div. of Militia in New-Hampshire, Loudon, Oct. 13, 1812" - the day the Americans were badly beaten in an attack on Canada, losing 1,000 men. 7 3/4 x 12 oblong. Enumerating "1 Captain, 2 Lieutenants, 1 Cornet, 4 Serjeants, 1 Trumpeter, 40 Rank and file present...100 Pistols, 50 Holsters, 50 Sabres, 50 Scabbards and Belts, 100 Flints, 10 Pounds of Powder, 'number not written] of Balls, 50 Valise, 50 Blankets." In January 1812, Rollins had been court martialed and cashiered from the Militia. A contemporary source (copy accompanies) records that he "was tried by a partial and improper tribunal...," and granted a rehearing in June. Rollins was successful in being restored to duty and to his rank. Some tattering at edges, just affecting initial "R" of "Return," toning, else darkly penned and attractive for display. * A.L.S. of above Rollins, Loudon (N.H.), Sept. 10, 1814, 6 x 7 1/4. To Maj. Asa Foster, Canterbury, of the distinguished N.H. family. "I recd. a line from you requesting me to detach 4 privates from my Company. I feel willing to comply with any reasonable request from you Sir, but if it is necessary for my assistance, I hold myself in readiness to go with my whole Company at a moments warning, but I shall not detach one soldier, as I wish to command my soldiers myself." Some toning, tear at blank left margin where lettersheet opened at red wax seal, else very good. Foster was "one of the officers at West Point with Benedict Arnold, and a member of his staff at the time his treason was discovered...." Reaching the age of 96 in 1861, Foster "declared that if he were younger he would shoulder his musket and again march to the defence of his country"--The Spirit of '76, Apr. 1897, p. 502. * Manuscript receipt signed by Jona. Kittredge, Surg(eo)n, Canterbury (N.H.), June 24, 1812, 3 x 7 1/4. "...John S. Lovering is invalid in body and for the present excused from military duty." Once folded into a tiny rectangle, likely in the subject's wallet, else good plus. (3 pcs.)