27

Orders of the Council of War . . . between the Sessions of the General Assembly [of Rhode Island].

Providence, RI: John Carter, [1778?] and [1779]
22, 12 pages. 2 volumes. Folio, matching modern full morocco gilt; partial restoration to first leaf in margin; folds, minor foxing, a few short early repairs, first volume with a bit of depredation in upper margin; uncut; signed on each final leaf by Henry Ward as secretary of the General Assembly.

These orders cover the months after the Battle of Rhode Island, before the British evacuation of Newport. They are rich with detail on military action in revolutionary Rhode Island. The first volume contains orders dated 11 November to 22 December 1778. It begins with General Sullivan warning that the borrowed guard ship off Field's Point protecting Providence "is demanded by the Owners," and suggests purchasing a ship recently captured by Major Talbot. On 3 December, they discuss "the Committee appointed to appraise Negroes inlisting into Col. Greene's Regiment" (page 9). Two days later, General Sullivan complains that some of the locals were "buying and receiving from the Soldiery under his command, Powder, Lead, and many Articles of Cloathing." 

The second volume is titled Resolves and Orders of the Council of War, and covers 26 January to 9 February 1779. In the first session, one Judah Cartwright complains that he had two boats impressed for the expedition to Newport, "one of which was returned in a very shattered Condition, and the other was lost." The last session orders Major Thomas Sheffield to defend himself against charges of "carrying on an illicit Commerce with Block-Island." 

Alden, Rhode Island 728, 786; Evans 16048, 16496. Provenance: Charles F. Heartman Rare Americana auction, 31 May 1916, lots 24 and 25 ($50 and $42). None others traced at auction since both appeared in a 28 May 1895 Libbie sale (which brought $25 and $26). 

With--"At the General Assembly of the State of Rhode-Island . . . Holden . . . at Newport . . . First Wednesday of May." 48 [of 50] pages. Folio, matching modern full morocco gilt; partial restoration to leaves A1 and M2, lacking final leaf. Shaw & Shoemaker 38794. [Providence, RI, 1816]. 

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