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War of 1812 Account of American Deserters

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War of 1812

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War of 1812 Manuscript Account of American Deserters

(1814-1815), War of 1812, Manuscript Account of 16 American Military Prisoners Charged With Desertion, Very Fine.
This is an original, handwritten, 2 page, 11.75" x 7.5" document recording the names and circumstances of 16 American soldiers who were being held prisoners for desertion. This account is unsigned, undated and gives no indication of where it was written. The dating comes from one of the prisoners who was due pay for June 1, 1814 through January 17, 1815. In internet search revealed that 2 of the men named in this document were in the 34th Infantry. Both the 34th and the 21st Infantry, also named in this document) were organized in New England, and served in New York, near Sacketts Harbor and Lake Erie. The 21st participated in the Battle of Lundy's Lane in Ontario, Canada. Most of the men named deserted or overstayed their furloughs in order to care for their families. All promised future good behavior and most agreed to repay the cost of their apprehension.
The soldiers named in this document are: Luther Brooks; Johnson Lovering of the 4th (Regiment ?); William Granger; Moses Heath; David Heath; Levi Cass; William Rines; David Tucker; Moses Meeder; William Miles; Solomon Avery; Samuel Merrick (asks to be transferred to Colonel Wolk's company); William McIntire (enlisted in the 34th, then deserted and enlisted in the 21st Infantry); Samuel Tibbets ("deserted by advice of his father, being under age"); William Hall; and Samuel Hilton (21st Infantry).
A rare and historically important document.



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