December 13-15, 2022 Collectible Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/14/2022
Lot consists of 4 documents and letters relating to raising militia for defense of the Pennsylvania frontier and recruiting for the Pennsylvania Line of the Continental Army. (A) September 14th 1776 extract by John Morris, secretary for the "Convention for the State of Pennsylvania," alerting members that "the Indians have been encouraged by the agents of his Britannic Majesty to fall on the frontiers of this state," and that given the distances involved the Assembly may not have time to call out the Associators (Pennsylvania militia companies.) Thus, "it will be proper to appoint persons on the spot to judge of such necessity" and authorize members of the Council of Safety in several counties and certain individuals to call out the Associators when necessary and submit costs of pay and subsistence for those troops. The counties of Bedford, Northampton, Northumberland, and Westmoreland are listed. 6 captains are listed on the reverse. CONDITION: Very good. Fully legible. Minor soiling, folds and stains. (B) Reading, Pennsylvania, July 11, 1778, letter from Jacob Morgan Vice President (of Pennsylvania) George Bryan forwarding a message (not included) from "Colonel Hunter Lieutenant of Northumberland County" requesting assistance and noting the inhabitants are "daily leaving their habitations." CONDITON: Excellent. (C) June 1780 notice signed by President of Pennsylvania Joseph Reed sent to Col. Atlee of Lancaster County that since calling out militia and asking for volunteers has not been effective in defending the frontiers it has been decided to "raise a body of men for the purpose" and he is sending blank commissions for him to fill out for three captains, lieutenants and ensigns. CONDITION: Very good. Paper mat border. (D) Reading July 1781 notice to fifteen men "classed together," presumably "Class No. 65" as noted at top, that they are to supply a recruit for 18 months service in the Pennsylvania Line within fifteen days. Next to each man's name is listed his last 2 months taxes to enable to proportion the amounts they will contribute to a bounty to be paid to entice a recruit. An interesting insight on how recruiting for the Continental Army really functioned. CONDITION: Excellent.