War of 1812 Fabulous Manuscript Book "The Company of 75's"

Manuscript book outlining the formation of The Company of Seventy Fives of Southborough, Massachusetts, 24pp, 8vo, bound with a typescript copy in a fine gold-stamped leather binding. An account of the formation, in 1815, of the company, with a list of members and text of an oration given at the closing ceremonies. The company was formed by citizens "who were exempt from Military Duty, to consult upon the alarming dangers of our Country's invasion; and to consider what would be our duties in those intreating moments … that same people's patriotic spirit which animated us & our Fathers to acquire independence … still exists …" They were to defend any place within a 40 mile radius, for not more than 30 days at a time, and they were "… so called out under arms on three different days and performed Military Duties …" But finally, "… The horrid dim [sic] of amres & confused noise of the warrior are hushed in silence … The aforesaid company then paraded on the common, where … toasts were given and each toast accompanied by the discharge of a field piece and musick." We have never encountered another wartime military manuscript of this kind. Fine condition.

Ex. Smythe 1995. Ex. The Forbes Collection. Malcolm Forbes (1919-1990), American owner-publisher of Forbes magazine, and consummate collector,  amassed one of the most substantial and broad collections of such breadth and depth that it filled a half-dozen residences, and sat on three continents. Many of his manuscripts were sold in Multi-million dollar sales By Christie's in the early 2000’s. The Forbes name is considered to be the apex of provenance when attached to an item like the above. We are honored to have been chosen by the family to sell at auction the substantial balance of the collection.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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