December 13-15, 2022 Collectible Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/14/2022
Lot consists of 2 Revolutionary War orderly books. (A) Pasteboard covers titled in brown ink, “Major Fish’s Orderly Book.” This covers December 26, 1781 to April 29, 1782, about 42 pages. The opening is datelined at “Pompton Hutts.” These seem to be entirely regimental orders on conduct, drill, parade, orders to camp guards, court martials, orders to be quicker in turning out for parade, directions for building huts, making clothing, etc. An interesting tactical note is directions for forming square, “a manoevre unknown of in the regulations.” The Major also orders the commissary to issue no more rum or whiskey “to the children of the regiment.” Major Fish is presumably Nicholas Fish of the 2nd New York. A typed transcript accompanies this. (B) Smaller notebook about 90 pages, many lists of individual soldiers in small groups with names of officers, presumably company commanders. These appear to be rosters for guard duty assignments since times are occasionally noted. 1 page is a list of passes “for more than one day.” Names of apparent officers suggest this is also the 2nd New York and likely belonged to Fish or his adjutant. The last dozen or more pages are guard and fatigue assignments with numbers of men of each rank assigned to them with ranks abbreviated by single letters. One entry is dated 1782. CONDITION: Very good. An inside look at regimental organization.
Item Dimensions: 15" X 10"