1708

Plumes and Frocks for Soldiers in the "United States Service."

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:70.00 USD Estimated At:140.00 - 180.00 USD
Plumes and Frocks for Soldiers in the  United States Service.
War of 1812 manuscript list of clothing received by some 35 soldiers of Lt. Perez Loring, of whom about two-thirds have signed, some with an "X." Sackets Harbor (N.Y., on Lake Ontario), Aug. 6, 1813, 12 1/4 x 14 1/2. A member of a Mayflower family, Loring was a member of Duxbury, Mass.' Committee of Correspondence during the Revolution, later commanding New Hampshire's Fort Constitution. Listing number of plumes, "cockades & eagles," cords, and swords given each; only three men were issued swords! Two signers, Jesse Smith and Jonathan Simonds, died at Fort Erie on Aug. 16 and 17, 1814, respectively. Once much dampstained, several silver-dollar-size sections eroded with loss of text, names at left somewhat lightened but mostly legible, facing signatures generally dark. Professionally backed with heavy nylon, (re)folded to six panels, else satisfactory. * With another manuscript list of clothing received by 49 soldiers under the same Lt. Loring, with their signatures, some with "X." "United States Service - We the Subscribers...have received of Lt. Peres 'sic] Loring of the Army of the U.S. the following Articles of Clothing as set against our names." Two sheets joined with old spot glue, oversize 12 1/2 x 21. N.d. but related to first item. Signed by some 49 soldiers, enumerating number of coats, overalls, vests, shirts, stockings, shoes, caps, cords, plumes, stocks & clasps, frocks, trowsers, and blankets. A number of men are from the same family, including Eavins, French, Heath, Latham, and Kimball (Asa, Levi, and Pusiel'?]). One full-width and three shorter reinforcements with acid-free tape on verso, mousechew at upper left margin and two fold junctions, the latter backed with matching cream paper, docketing oddly abraded, stains, but quite satisfactory, suitable for display, and the largest War of 1812-era document we've handled in years. (2 pcs.)