2006-06
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/31/2006
Document Signed Twice, "George R." atop two Abstracts of Accounts for the "Regulation of Subsistence to be paid to every Officer and Soldier on the Foregoing Establishment", on quality, fine-laid, watermarked paper, c. 1774, 18.25" x 11.25," Choice Very Fine. George III's signatures measure approximately 2.0" x 3.5" on both sides of the document. A detailed listing of the daily pay for each officer and enlisted man in two regiments: "Lord Blaney's Regiment of Foot" and "Earl Percy's Regiment of Foot". Percy was one of the main leaders that commanded the British during the battles at Lexington and Concord along with Bunker Hill. He came in as a relief force after the "Shot Heard Round the World" and commanded for two more years before his return to Britain. It was Percy's quick thinking which saved the battered troops from being entirely cut off from Boston. Lord Blayney was the Lt. General Cadwallader Blayney who commanded both the 91st and 38th Foot Regiments for the Crown. His death on November 13, 1775, at age 55, places this document within 1774 and 1775 to help supply the beginning battles against the Americans. The document, which in the abstract illustrates the enormous expense of maintaining a regiment overseas granted nearly £7,000 for each regiment for a period of 232 days. This being an extremely expensive budget for one regiment shows the preparations that the King had taken to ensure his men were ready for battle. This document has also been signed by Lord Frederick Northe, Prime Minister of Britain during the American Revolution who was responsible for the closing of the Boston Harbor along with the dreaded Townshead Acts. It was Northe's laws against the Colonists that caused much of the turmoil and uprising which resulted in the war. Edward entrusted Northe because he caused little treat, and had much hope in winning the war against the colonists. Two additional signatures, "Groonslow" and "C.W. Cornwall" appear on the bottom on each side, along with Northe's under the title "By His Majesty's Command". The two additional men's significance is little, however, they did sign as witnesses many documents concerning the Crown. They, in addition, place this document between 1774 and 1778. Age-toning and edge splits appropriate for the time period do not take away from the overall appearance of the document. This amazing document signed by significant players in the American Revolution has never been offered here before. A rare find!!
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