[AMERICAN REVOLUTION]. Manuscript Orderly Book, "Orders by Major General Daniel Jones, Commanding His Majesty's Troops on New York Island & Posts Depending," New York, 2 May - 2 June 1778. Oblong 4to, 61 pages, 118 x 171mm.

Price realised USD 12,650
Estimate
USD 4,000 – USD 6,000
Closed: 9 Jun 1999
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[AMERICAN REVOLUTION]. Manuscript Orderly Book, "Orders by Major General Daniel Jones, Commanding His Majesty's Troops on New York Island & Posts Depending," New York, 2 May - 2 June 1778. Oblong 4to, 61 pages, 118 x 171mm.

Price realised USD 12,650
Closed: 9 Jun 1999
Price realised USD 12,650
Closed: 9 Jun 1999
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[AMERICAN REVOLUTION]. Manuscript Orderly Book, "Orders by Major General Daniel Jones, Commanding His Majesty's Troops on New York Island & Posts Depending," New York, 2 May - 2 June 1778. Oblong 4to, 61 pages, 118 x 171mm.

THE BRITISH GARRISON IN NEW YORK, 1778 An entirely unpublished orderly book, recording military affairs at British Headquarters in New York. during the brief interval when Jones was the ranking British commander there. Generals Howe and Clinton and the principal British army were during this period in Philadelphia, which they had occupied since September 1777. On May 20, Howe relinquished theater command to Clinton and sailed for England; Clinton was preparing to evacuate Philadelphia and reconcentrate his forces in New York (his army's overland march began on 16 June). General Jones' garrison in New York was a not inconsiderable force, including six regiments of foot (35th, 38th, 45th, 52nd, 57th, 71st), as well as the "York Volunteers," three Loyalist brigades under Oliver Delancey, another under Brigadier General Skinner, six Hessian regiments and various artillery units.

The neat hand in which the record is kept may be that of Captain Philips of the 38th, whose appointment as Secretary to Jones is announced on 4 May, as are the appointments of Andrew Elliot as Police Superintendant and David Mathews as "Mayor of this City." Army officers are enjoined "to assist them when required in the Execution of their Duty." Patrols are ordered "to apprehend any Persons gaming in the Streets," and officers are warned to take care "that no Fences near their camps are damaged, nor Gardens and cultivated ground trod down or injured." The entry for 1 June reports that "His Majesty has been pleased to appoint Sir Henry Clinton Commander in Chief of all his Majesty's Forces in North America from Nova Scotia to West Florida inclusive."

Recruitment is frequently referred to, and weapon practice, by regiments, is ordered on a daily basis: "The Recruits of 57th Regt. Will fire Ball near Greenwich from time to time, between the hours of eight and Eleven in the morning." On 5 May, "the Royal Artillery will fire"; on the 9th, Jones orders that four Hessian regiments "will fire to-morrow upon the Common beyond the Jews burying-ground," while another will fire "upon the Bloomingdale Road." Officer's assignments are detailed: one is delegated to inspect horses collected "on Long Island for the chasseurs under Emmerick"; Major Genl. Tryon is to command His Majestys Troops on Long Island"; those troops "are to encamp when Major Genl. Tryon thinks proper, who will give directions for the Ground." On 30 May it is recorded that "The Recruits for the Army at Philadelphia in Admiral Gambier's convoy are to be quartered on Staten Island," and recuits "for the Regiments at Rhode Island are to be quartered at Paulus Hook." Ship arrivals and departures are carefully noted: on 22 May it is noted that "a ship of War will Sail on Sunday next for Philadelphia." Detachments of wood-cutters and armed escorts are despatched to gather timber on Long Island in early May and new uniforms are issued to all but the Hessian regiments on May 15. For each day, a parole and countersign are specified. Various garrisons and redoubts in the surrounding areas are mentioned including posts at Harlem, Brooklyn, Fort Knyphausen (the re-named Fort Washington), Kingsbridge, "the Reservoir Redoubt," and other locations.

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Lot 154

AMHERST, Jeffery, Governor General of British North America. Autograph letter signed ("Jeff: Amherst") to Colonel Whiting "Commanding the Provincial Troops in Camp at Crown Point," New York, 4 July 1762. An excellent letter on the fortifications underway at Crown Point, and garrison matters. Amherst, who had seized Fort Ticonderoga and Crown Point from the French in his 1759 campaign, writes: "...I can have no doubt of your studying to exert yourself in promoting...the Completion of the Works [construction] carrying on at Crown Point; and I flatter myself that from the Numbers that are Employed there, I shall have very favourable reports from the Engineer, of the Advancement of the Works...I shall be very glad to hear that you Succeed in persuading any of the Connecticutt Men whose times of Service are out, to Enlist into the Regular Corps...that they may be Sent Immediately to Joyn the Regiments in Canada." He specifies that "your present Command...goes no farther than the Camp at Crown Point"; he denies Whiting authority to permit "Goods & Necessaries to be brought up by your Pass," Amherst will, however, grant his own pass "for Carrying up such Refresments and Necessaries as are Allowed," but "Rum is Expressly prohibited, as I am Determined to put a total Stop to the Sale of that pernicious Liquor, wherever there are any Soldiers. Sutlers, too will not be allowed to use the Army's batteaux on the lake...nor would I Wish to Hear that any of the Troops are Employed in such Services..." Amherst returned to England in 1763. He declined to command the British forces at the start of the American Revolution, but when France entered the war he served as Commander-in-Chief of British forces in England.

EstimateUSD 1,500 – USD 2,000
Price realisedUSD 2,070