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[American Revolution]. John Nixon Document Signed ("Jno. Nixon BG"). ...
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Description
[American Revolution]. John Nixon Document Signed ("Jno. Nixon BG"). Two pages on one leaf, 16" x 13.25", Oringtown [New York]; August 18, 1780. Manuscript muster roll for Captain James Tisdale's company in the Third Battalion of Massachusetts Bay forces under Colonel John Greaton. It records the company's three officers, their ranks and date of commission, the ranks of thirty-six enlisted men, and their current status. The "Remarks" column notes if they were ill, discharged, transferred, or (in one case) deserted. The verso contains a table with a partially obscured title of "Proof of the Effectives," which lists that only two officers and fourteen enlisted men were considered operative. Docketed. Signed, "Jno Nixon BG". Countersigned by James Tisdale as company commander.John Nixon (1727-1815), a veteran of the French and Indian War from Massachusetts, quickly rose to fame during the Revolution after commanding the Sudbury West Side Company of Minutemen at Lexington and Concord. Two months later, his reputation was solidified by his valiant efforts at the Battle of Bunker Hill when he commanded the last regiment to leave the field, despite being severely wounded himself. Nixon recovered enough to return and command the 5th Massachusetts Regiment under General John Sullivan, and they participated in the battles of Long Island and Harlem Heights. He was appointed brigadier general on August 9, 1776. By July 1777, Washington sent Nixon upstate to reinforce the northern army against General Burgoyne's southern march and on October 7, 1777, Nixon and his men participated in the Second Battle of Saratoga, usually referred to as the Battle of Bemis Heights. Four days later, Nixon and General John Glover were proceeding along the Fish Kill River with their regiments, unaware that a large British force was located on the opposite bank due to heavy fog. A skirmish broke out, and the British fired upon Nixon's party with artillery and musketry. Nixon ordered a hasty retreat, but not before a cannonball passed within inches of his head, permanently damaging his hearing and eyesight. He spent the majority of 1778 on furlough due to the injury, but it, combined with the wound received at Bunker Hill, effectively ended Nixon's time in the service and he officially resigned in September 1780. Unlike many other former generals, Nixon did not seek public office after the war, choosing instead to focus on farming. He died in 1815 at the age of 90. Nixon remains one of the lesser-known generals of the Revolutionary War.
Condition: Signature a bit light. Rough edges. Scattered soiling. Pencil notation on page [4].
Auction Info
2022 November 10 Manuscripts of the American Revolutionary War and Civil War Signature® Auction #6259 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
November, 2022
10th
Thursday
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