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Lot 1015
1778 Orderly Book Documenting the Incarceration of Burgoyne's Troops At Boston. Manuscript Book titled on the cover, "Adjutant Adams's Orderly Book…August 22d 1778," 81pp, 12½" x 8", probably belonging to Josiah Adams, Paymaster of the 12th Continental Infantry in 1776, and most likely in his hand. The first page is headed "General Orders…Head Quarters Boston Aug:t 22d 1778. Parole Hollis C: Sign Harvard Officer for the day tomorrow Capt: Dodge." The last entry is dated 9 Dec. 1778; several pages after that date are torn out and were possibly unused. Paper covers are stained and back cover is torn at lower left corner, pages have toning and foxing and some edge wear, but the entries are boldly penned and easily read. Very good overall.
This astounding American Revolutionary War manuscript documents the incarceration at Cambridge of the remnants of General John Burgoyne's army of British regulars and German mercenaries defeated at Saratoga on September 17, 1777. This American victory, one of the most important of the War, induced the French to enter and help the Revolutionary cause. There were 3018 British troops and 2412 Germans, plus some 465 women and children (family members) taken at Saratoga. Initially, General Gates had declared in the Surrender documents that all British troops be sent home with the promise never to fight again in America. Congress decided to keep them in America, along with the Hessian mercenaries who had also been captured, probably because Burgoyne had abrogated the truce agreement. The German soldiers were commanded by General Von Riedesel, whose wife accompanied him with their children, writing a book about her experiences on her return to Germany. British soldiers at Saratoga were commanded by Major-General William Phillips. Generals Phillips and Von Riedesel accompanied their troops across Massachusetts, September 17th to November 7th, 1777 to imprisonment at Cambridge.
Some of the entries in this unpublished Revolutionary War manuscript are filled with intrigue and, at times, historical content unbeknownst to historians. The first entry describes the court martial for desertion of John Duest and Jno Claton of Capt.Gray's Company, Col. Craft's Regiment of State Artillery, and the harsh consequences: "one hunded lashes each on their Naked Backs…"
Some other significant and interesting entries are as follows:
August 22, 1778. "…The 21st Regiment British are to hold themselves in Readiness to march to Rutland, further Notice will be given as to the time when they are to march…"
Headquarters Boston Septr 1st 1778. "…The 21st Regiment British are to march for Rutland on Thursday Morning nesxt at 8 o'clock. The same mode of conduct is to be observed as with those Divisions which have march'd heretofore. Colo: Gerrish will Detach a Captain and fifty men properly officered as an escort who are to return and join their Regiment after they have perform'd the service assign'd them…"
Head Quarters Boston Septr 2nd 1778 Parole: Green C.Sign: Knox. "…The Major General Gives thanks to Major General Hancock for his Great Attention and Vigilance the last evening in so seasonably Mustering the Militia for the security of the Town….Adam Babcock and Perez Mortan, Esq Are Appointed Aid de Camps to Major General Hancock and they are to be obeyed and respected as Such…"
After Orders Octr.1st 1778. "…A Complaint having been lodged against Lieut Williams of ye 29th Regt. British for attacking and abusing ye Soldier of the Guards and Insulting an Inhabitant, Lieut Williams is to be immediately Confin'd to his quarters. Ye Court of Inquiry whereof Colo. Gerrish is president to sit tomorrow morning at nine o'clock at Bradish's Tavern at Cambridge to investigate ye above charges and report. The 24th Reg't British are to march for Rutland on Monday morning next at 8 o'clock…"
Head Quarters Boston Octr 5th 1778. Parole Exeter C.Sign Newmarket.
"Whereas on the 18th of June last Major General Philips Senior Officer of the Troops of the Convention of Saratoga then in the State of Massachusetts Bay- in Consequence of a letter wrote by him on ye Seventeenth of said Month, Couched in terms Indecent, Dishonorable, and highly Insulting to the honor & Dignity of the free Independent and Sovereign States of America - was restricted to the limits of his house Yards and gardens, and the most Senior Officer of ye Troops Notified of Such his Confinement, personal reguard to Major Generl Philips prevented at that Time a refusal to transact Publick Business with him but his conduct in Some Instances since that time and in Particular in a letter of ye first Inst. In which he has treated ye Major Genl in language ye most Indecent and Insolent renders it Impossible with propriety longer to transact Publick Business with him. The Major General does therefore Consider and declare Major General Philips under Close Confinement and Suspended from transacting Publick Business with him; all Applications therefore from the British officers of the Convention to ye Majr General are to be handed Up through Brigade General Hamilton, and those from the foreign Troops thro Major General Redesel. All Orders from the Major General to the troops of the Convention will be Communicated in the same Manner. The Major General on this Occasion assures ye Officers of the Convention that as he ever was so he will Continue to pay the Utmost attention to them Endeavoring to treat them with Civility politeness and Generosity and in every instance Compatable with his Duty to the homour and Safety of his Country take pleasure in Granting their Requests at the same time he will never allow his country nor himself to be Insulted by any that are placed under his Direction…"
Head Quarters Boston Octr 8 1778. Parole Durham C Sign: Oxford
" In case of an Alarm fire or Disturbance the Garrison is immediately to parade at their several Alarm Posts…the Guards are also to turn out under Arms at their respective Guard houses. No Officer is to presume to send a pary of men at his own Motion or at the request of any Inhabitant to Quell any Riot or Disturbance unless such Riot or Disturbance be occasioned by the Troops…"
Head Quarters Boston Octr 15 1778 Parole:Liberty C Sign :America
" Capt Titcombs Company is to mount the Necessary Guards at Charlestown, the General is under ye Necessity of once more desiring the officers to exert their utmost endeavours to prevent Damage being done to the Barracks and Guard houses. If any Soldier is found pulling down or conveying away any Barracks Timber or Nails the Officer who sees him will Immediately order him Confin'd in Ord'r for his being brought to trial…The Court of Inquiry whereof Colo Gerrish is president having considered the Complaint made against Lieut Williams of the Troops of Convention for Abusing a Soldier of Colo Gerrish's Regt. Of Guards and also an Inhabitant, Lieut Williams having Refused to attend the Court, alledging that he had made ye Matter up with ye persons Injured, ye Court are of Opinion ye Lieut Williams settling with private persons does not make atonement for the Abuse offered by him of ye Guard and ye Court and think he ought to be still Confin'd, the General Approves the Opinion of ye Court and orders that Lieut Williams be restricted to his quarters Untill further Orders…"
After Orders from Head Qrs Boston Octr. 23d 1778
" Colo: Gerish is to furnish as many men daily for fatique as the strength of this Department will Possibly admit, these are to assist Major Hopkins in removing timber and in taking up the platform Freses and Pallissades at Cambridge and Charlestown. The freses and Pallissades are to be sent to Bunkers Hill where they are to be cut to proper lengths, Split sharpened and planted on the Bevin of the fort…"
Head Quarters Boston Octr.29 (1778)
"In Consequence of a Resolution of the honble. Congress of ye 13 Instant the Troops of Convention are to be remov'd to Charlottesville in the State of Virginia and are to be put in motion for that purpose on Wednesday next, the British at Rutland are to march in three Divisions, the first to consist of ye Artillery Grenadiers and light Infantry including Lieut Nutt's detachment and ye Ninth Re't., the Second division ye 20th and 21st Regt. The third Division the 24th - 47th - and 62nd Regiment. These are to be escorted by the Detachment of Guards now at Rutland and the reinforcement which is ordered to join them. Colo: Gerrish will in season repair to Rutland and make ye proper arrangements. A small guard is to be left at the Barracks in Rutland, the German troops are to march in two divisions, the first to consist of the Draggoon Battalion of Grenadiers Regiment of Rhetz and Reg't Reidesel, the second division ye Reg't of Speckt Battallion of Barrser Reg't of Hannan and Hessian Artillery. These are to be escorted by the detachment of Guards now doing Duty at Cambridge. Major Goodwin will in Season Repair to Cambridge and make ye proper arrangements and is to take the command of the escort of the German Troops. The troops are to begin their March both from Cambridge and Rutland at the same Time, the Divisions to follow successively preserving one days March between each other …"
Head Quarters Boston Novr. 1st 1778 Parole Lynn C Sign Salem
" Sr. The honorable Congress by their resolve having been pleased to direct that the troops of the Convention Should be removed form this State to Charlottesville in ye State of Virginia, and his excellency General Washington having directed me to put them in motion for that purpose they are to begin their march on Wednesday morning Next, both from Rutland and from Cambridge the British in three Divisions, ye first to Consist of the Artillary and Advanc'd Corps, and Ninth Regiment, the second Division of ye 20th and 21st Regts., the third Diivision of the 24th, 47th, and 62nd Regts. The German troops are also to march in three Divisions, the first to consist of the Draggoons Grenadiers and Regt. Of Rhetz; the decond Division of the Regt. Of Reidesel and Speckt; the third Division of the light Infantry Regt. And Artillery of Hessehanan. The troops are to be escorted by the detachment of your Regt now doing duty at Rutland, which is to be Reinforced with two Captains four Subalterns & 140 men from Brigadr. Warners Brigade who are to be at Rutland on Wednesday Morning and the Detachment now doing duty at Cambridge.---The escort you will distribute to several divisions in Such manner as will best tend to preserve Regularity And good Order, on the March; you will Appoint Such officers to ye Respective Divisions as you may think best Qualified to conduct them; you will have with you your Lieut.Colo:, Major, and Adjutant Town Major…Much attention will be Necessary on the March to preserve Order and prevent Abuses to the persons or property of the Good People of the Several Towns thro which you March, and you will not allow either your own people or those of the Convention to commit any with impunity---The Divisions are to move Successively and preserve a days March Between each; wherever you halt, six Centries limits, beyond which you will not allow any of the troops to Strole and Constantly keep such Guards as will be Sufficient to Effect it; as you have long had the Charge of the troops, it is needless to observe to you ye propriety of treating the officers with Civility and Politeness, and preserving the Dignity of Command; you will make all possible expedition and pursue the rout given you. You will send orders to the Officers Commanding at the Magazines at Brookfield and Springfield to double their Guards and continue so to do until all the divisions are passed over Connecticut River. On the day you march the first divisions from Rutland, you will send notice of it to his excellency Governor Trumbull; on your arrival at Enfield you will deliver ye Troops to the Orders of Governor Trumbull, and take a Receipt from the officer to whom you Resign them; you will then Return with your escort with all possible dispatch, dismissing the detachment ordered from ye Militia of General Warners Brigade, at such places as shall be most Convenient for them to return home, drawing provisions for them Sufficient for that purpose; you will leave a small Guard Both at Rutland and Cambridge, for the Security of the Barracks during Your Absence, and on your Return you will have One Captain, two Subalterns, and 50 men at Rutland for the protection of the Barracks, and for performing other Necessary duty at that place; with the Remainder you will Return to Cambridge where you receive further orders----Well knowing your zeal and Ability I leave other matters to your own good Judgment. W: Heath / Major General. P.S. You will give Coppy of Such part of this as you may think necessary to the Officers Commanding Division for their Direction. To Colo: Jacob Gerrish"
Head Quarters Boston Nov.6 [1778]
"The Honble Congress having been pleased to Appoint then Honble Major General Gates to the Command of the Eastern District who will.ably this day take upon him the Command thereof- Majot General Heath takes this opportunity to Return his most hearty thanks to the officers and Soldiers of the Garrison for their Regular and Soldr like Behavior and ye great Cheerfullness with which they have discharged their duty. Since he has had ye honor to commd them of which the General will ever retain a Greatfull Remembrance, this State, town, and its present Garrison, being particularly dear to him, he shall ever think that a happy opportunity which will put it in his power to render either of them Service that may be acceptable, and with the most cordial affection bids them farewell."
Head Quarters Boston Novr. 8 1778 Parole: Knox C Sign: Stirling
"…Major Goodwin's Order to Capt Serjeants Commanding Officer at Winter Hill- You are directed to see that all former orders are Obey'd. Particularly that no damage be done to ye Barracks. No Inhabitants to be allowed to purchase or carry off Anything belonging to the Barracks without an express Ordr. Or leave in writing from the Commander of ye Garrison - The first Division ordered to escort ye Draggoons Regt. Rhetz and Grenadiers are to March tomorrow morning 8 o'clock; the second Division Consisting of Reidesel and Speckt to march on Tuesday Morning 8 o'clock; the third Division on Wednesday 8 o'clock to Consist of the Battallion of light Infantry Regt. And Artillery of Hessehanan.---Adjutant Adams is to see the Second Division March'd, and proceed with the Third Division Untill further Orders---Capt.Hunt is to repair to Boston with Caspt. Toby's Lieut: and take the Command of Capt. Washburn's Company-Capt. Toby to take the Command of Capt.Heaths Compy. In Boston and to take his Second Lieut. With him. They are to Obey…orders as they may receive from time to time from the Commanding Officer; Capt.Heath to take the Command of ye first Division with Lieut. Farmer and Lieut.Scotland with him Capt.Washburn of ye second with Lieut. Bartlett and Lieut. Welds with him. Capt.Barry to Command the third Division With Lieut. Choate and Lieut. Bacheller. The Commanding Officer of each Division to be Carefull to observe & obey all orders Issued for the Directions for ye march of the Troops of Convention to Enfield."
Head Quarters Novr 18 1778 "One Sergeant one Corporal and Nine privates to mount as a Guard upon the prisoners Exchang'd by the C (omte) D'Estaing. They are to March to the French, and receive his orders…
A Garrison Court Martial to Sit tomorrow morning ten o'clock at Colo: Cogsewells Qrs for the Triall of all prisoners brought before them- All evidences and persons concern'd to attend the Court. Colo: Cogswell, President."
Estimated Value $40,000 - 60,000.
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