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Revolutionary War Pledge for Military Service in Massachusetts. ...
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Sold on Sep 21, 2023 for:
$2,125.00
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Description
Revolutionary War Pledge for Military Service in Massachusetts. One page, 7.75" x 12.5", [Massachusetts]; "9 day." A pledge to enlist in the Continental Army signed by twenty-two soldiers. The pledge reads in full: "We the subscribers, do hereby severally inlist [sic] ourselves into the service of the Massachusetts State, to continue in Service till the first Day of January next, unless sooner dismissed: and each of us do engage to provide ourselves with a good Fire-Arm and to do Duty in either of the New England States: And we engage faithfully to obey such Orders as we shall receive from Time to Time from the Officers that are or shall be appointed over us, and to be subject to such Regulations as are provided for the Continental Army."Following a chaotic first few months of the Revolutionary War in which militias served in a largely improvisational and uncoordinated manner, the Second Continental Congress established the Continental Army on June 14, 1775. The force mostly consisted of volunteers from New England, although George Washington actively sought to recruit soldiers from all thirteen colonies. In spite of Washington's efforts, the newly organized legion was characterized by disorganization, poverty, and high rates of desertion throughout the fight for independence. Soldiers enlisted for various lengths of service. Before 1777, most men fought for only a year. After 1778, that increased to three years. The soldiers who signed this pledge agreed to serve until the following January, suggesting that this document was signed during the first two years of the war.
Condition: Creased along folds with separations. Repaired on verso with Japanese tissue. Toning and foxing throughout. Paper loss to all four margins. Ink stain to top right corner verso. Offsetting from signatures.
Auction Info
2023 September 21 Historical Manuscripts Signature® Auction #6272 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
September, 2023
21st
Thursday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 2
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
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