LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2007 October Rare Books & Manuscripts #675  / 

30550

Manuscript Document Conquest of Canada Amherst

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Militaria Start Price:3,500.00 USD Estimated At:4,000.00 - 6,000.00 USD
Manuscript Document Conquest of Canada Amherst
<B>Manuscript Document of the Conquest of Canada - Jeffrey Amherst's Orders for the Campaign of 1759.</B></I> A most important and rare French and Indian War manuscript, being the general orders from Sir Jeffrey Amherst organizing British forces in America for the campaign of 1759 which would culminate in the dramatic capture of Quebec. Two pages, 8" x 13", January 23, 1759, ink. Most likely issued by Commander-in-Chief, Jeffrey Amherst, the army is ordered to make ready for the spring campaign that would prove decisive in ending France's presence in the North American interior. Amherst begins with the basics, ordering "<I>that every Regt. will have their accoutrim en ts in good order and fill for Service by the first of march, to Compleat sic the Effectives of each Regiment supposing to be Compleated sic to the Establishment of effectives...</B></I>" Then Amherst orders that each regiment "<I>return what Number of Rifled barrel'd pieces they have; the Corps of Light Infantry will be form'd from each Battalion for the Service of the Ensuing Campaign the Commanding Officers to fix on the Properest Officers and men for this Service...</B></I>" It was in America, and during this conflict, that the British Army first began to use light forces, who were adept in marksmanship and effective against France's Native American allies: hence the need to account for rifled barreled guns. Regular army officers found the ranger companies, despite their valuable backwoods fighting skill, ill-disciplined and difficult to control. For the 1759 campaign, light infantry companies would be formed from every regiment, greatly expanding their use. These picked companies were to "<I>practice... at fireing sic Ball, so that every Soldier may be accustomed to it; All the Light Infantry must be good Marksmen. The commanding Officers are to practice their men at fireing sic Ball, so that every Soldier may be accustomed to it; All the Light Infantry must be good Marksmen...</B></I>" During the 1759 campaign, the light infantry would prove most invaluable at Quebec. In the early morning hours of September 13, 1759, William Howe's light infantry companies scaled the cliffs above the fortress city surprising the French pickets. The fate of Canada would be sealed when the city surrendered on September 18. The following year, British forces would converge on Montreal from three directions. The French, now unable to re-supply from the St. Lawrence, could do little to resist. Supply was also an issue for the British, especially considering that they were not only fighting a war in North America, but also in Europe and in the East Indies. The enormous expense was becoming a burden on the British treasury. Ammunition was to be strictly rationed and controlled. Only "<I>...Commanding Officers may receive Ammunition... the Commanding Officers will take care not to Permit any more ammunition, to be furnish'd but what is Absolutely Necessary for the above Purpose, the Cartridges are to be made with Little Powder, and that no Waste is to be committed...</B></I>" The capture of Louisbourg not only reduced France's ability to command the entrance to the St. Lawrence, but also provided the army with a fresh supply of arms. Amherst ordered that that "<I>Royal Scotch, Lasells, Forbes's & Webbs, Shall receive French Arms to make the Number they have already received further to the Numbers that is already at present order'd -- Abercrombies, Stanwix, Provosts Ennishkellanders ? , Murrows, and late Lord Hows Battalions, shall receive French Arms, for the Numbers of light Infantry now order'd...</B></I>" Not only was powder to be rationed, but supplies and baggage were to be reduced to ease movement in the rough country: "<I>It is recommended to the Commanding Officers of each Battalion, that all Officers be furnish'd with small Horse Mens Tents, as large ones cannot Possibly be Carried on marches in this Country -- The Officers will be allow'd to Carry the same Baggage and no more, then the Officers of the Battalion were allo'd in the Last service here were allow'd last Campaign. The officers are to Receive their Proportion of Provision in the same proportion as has been Customary to the Ranks in America, and will be paid four shillings pence illeg. , in lieu of provisions not drawn; No person to draw Provisions more than in one Capacity... The Allowance to Commence the fist of Noembr Inclusive--- A Suttler of Regt. will be Allow'd; if Necessary; The Tents of the Regt will be carried, on Wagons or if hereafter Batt ? Horses should be ordered, which will be determined for the Different Service the Regts may go on...</B></I>" A most important document detailing some of the most critical organizational issues central to the ability of British Arms to conquer Canada. Tears and weak folds repaired with archival tape on verso, very light soiling, else very good condition, paper still quite bright with dark ink and excellent contrast.<BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Flat Material, Small (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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