[1781 military orderly book]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01450.015 Author/Creator: Place Written: Continental Village, New York Type: Autograph manuscript Date: October 20, 1781-December 19, 1781 Pagination: 142 p. : Height: 16 cm, Width: 20 cm Order a Copy
Mentions regiments from Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. Entries relate to daily orders, court martials, troop duties and movement, equipment and supplies, arms, and clothing. Assigns the officers for each day. Entry on 29 October 1781 discusses British General Charles Cornwallis's surrender at Yorktown which occurred 19 October 1781. Entry on 9 November 1781 reports on a raid launched by British, Loyalist, and Indian forces in the Mohawk Valley, New York, led by Major John Ross, who was met by American Colonel Marinus Willett and defeated. This occurred 20-30 October 1781. States that Major Walter Butler (a Loyalist leader) was killed and many British prisoners were taken. Entry on 17 November 1781 mentions a court martial in which soldiers were found guilty of desertion and sentenced to 100 lashes. 18 November 1781 discusses the capture of an armed sloop by Connecticut State troops in the East Chester Bay and praises them for their gallantry. 20 November entry explains preparation for the movement to winter quarters. Beginning with 24 November until the last date, entries are written from headquarters at Highlands.
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