THE PROPERTY OF A GENTLEMAN
[AMERICAN REVOLUTION]. Partly printed enlistment certificate, signed by the enlistee, Charles Ashby (with his mark) and witnessed by Justice of the Peace William Jones, no place, 1 May 1776.
Details
[AMERICAN REVOLUTION]. Partly printed enlistment certificate, signed by the enlistee, Charles Ashby (with his mark) and witnessed by Justice of the Peace William Jones, no place, 1 May 1776.
Small 4to, 1 page. Accomplished in a clear italic hand, verso docketed "Attestation of Chas. Ashby, 1 May 1776." Partly torn along vertical fold, lightly age-toned.
AN ELEVEN-YEAR-OLD DRUMMER BOY IS RECRUITED FOR A BRITISH ARTILLERY REGIMENT. Two months before the Declaration of Independence, a young loyalist enlists in the British Army. He certifies that "I Charles Ashby aged Eleven Years," standing "5 Feet 4 Inches high" and "born in Charles Town in South Carolina[,] do acknowledge to have voluntarily Inlisted myself a Drummer to serve his Majesty King GEORGE the Third, in the Royal Regiment of ARTILLERY, commanded by the Right Honble. George Lord Visct. Townshend, Master General of the Ordnance" Below, the Justice reaffirms Ashby's voluntary enlistment, and that he "was not an apprentice, a Militia Man, or a Soldier in any other Corps"; that he is familiar with sections of the Articles of War regarding penalties for desertion and has taken the prescribed oath. Viscount Townshend (1724-1807, later 1st Marquis), was Master General of the Ordnance from 1772 to 1782. A RARE, EPHEMERAL RECORD.
Small 4to, 1 page. Accomplished in a clear italic hand, verso docketed "Attestation of Chas. Ashby, 1 May 1776." Partly torn along vertical fold, lightly age-toned.
AN ELEVEN-YEAR-OLD DRUMMER BOY IS RECRUITED FOR A BRITISH ARTILLERY REGIMENT. Two months before the Declaration of Independence, a young loyalist enlists in the British Army. He certifies that "I Charles Ashby aged Eleven Years," standing "5 Feet 4 Inches high" and "born in Charles Town in South Carolina[,] do acknowledge to have voluntarily Inlisted myself a Drummer to serve his Majesty King GEORGE the Third, in the Royal Regiment of ARTILLERY, commanded by the Right Honble. George Lord Visct. Townshend, Master General of the Ordnance" Below, the Justice reaffirms Ashby's voluntary enlistment, and that he "was not an apprentice, a Militia Man, or a Soldier in any other Corps"; that he is familiar with sections of the Articles of War regarding penalties for desertion and has taken the prescribed oath. Viscount Townshend (1724-1807, later 1st Marquis), was Master General of the Ordnance from 1772 to 1782. A RARE, EPHEMERAL RECORD.
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