299

Orderly book of the Halifax Light Infantry on active duty in Boston, with an earlier Halifax tavern ledger.

Boston and Halifax, MA, bulk 1814-1815
2-42, [86] manuscript pages. 4to, 7¼ x 6½ inches, original ¼ calf, moderate wear, nearly detached from text block; minor wear and minimal dampstaining to contents, one leaf detached.

  • Notes: The bulk of this volume is an orderly book and pay lists for Captain Asa Thomson's Halifax Light Infantry company of the Massachusetts militia while on active duty, running from 6 September through 29 October 1814. 

    In an orderly book, the clerk of a lower-level unit (usually a company, as seen here) would transcribe incoming orders from regimental or general officers for posterity. The first order in this volume is probably the most dramatic, being issued by the Massachusetts Governor two weeks after the 24 August 1814 burning of Washington by the British: "The war . . . haveing lately become more destructive in consequence of violations of our territory by forces of the enemy which continue to menace our cities and viliges . . . the whole of the militia to hold themselves in readiness to march at a moment's warning with arms, ammunition & accoutrements." A few specific instructions are included, and one warning: "A few bad horses may occasion irretrievable disaster." This is followed two days later by the order from the division commander in Plymouth to march immediately to Boston. A 24 September order reminds officers that "our state is invaded  by an enemy who can make no distinction between those who are the authors of the war and those inhabitants who have uniformly opposed it"--a reminder that even Massachusetts men who had suggested an alliance with Great Britain were in danger. The remainder of the orders reflect life in a large military encampment in Dorchester south of Boston through late October 1814. On 28 October 1814 came an order for the companies to march to their places of residence and go off active duty. The next day, the company's men signed for their pay. 

    The story of this company is recorded in Gammons, "The Third Massachusetts Regiment Volunteer Militia," pages 66-67. The company was chartered in 1792, and during the War of 1812 "it was well-armed, equipped, and drilled, and was in active service . . . being on duty at Boston." Its commander Asa Thompson (1776-1862) was described as a "mighty man of valor of gigantic proportions, being six feet seven inches in normal condition, and eight feet tall with his captain's hat on. On parade and at musters this company attracted attention, not only by the Saul-like appearance of its captain, but also by the large black bearskin caps worn by its officers and men. Tradition says that when Captain Thompson marched his company across South Boston bridge throngs of men, women and children would collect to see 'the giant' and his men, and not a few would tremble with fear that the bridge would not be able to support the captain and his great company."

    Following these war-date orderly book entries in the volume are company rolls; 10 pages of orders from the summer of 1815; 13 pages of orders from the peacetime militia dated 1817 and 1818; and several membership lists and rolls for the company, 1816-1834 and undated, some signed by the members. 

    The orderly book is accompanied by a business ledger from Halifax, [2], 136, [6] leaves, 14½ x 6 inches, in original vellum binding. The bulk of the entries are dated 1783-1790, with 12 pages stitched in at the rear from a different business dating 1807-1838. The partners were Freeman Waterman (1748-1830), Josiah Tomson, and Zebadiah Tomson, and they apparently ran a tavern / general store. Most of their customers were buying rum, gin, grog, brandy, and "cherry" by the glass, but they also dealt in nails, almanacs, molasses, and other general merchandise. The pages at the rear are accounts of Josiah Tomson/Thomson with Freeman Waterman and others. 
  • Condition:
    Please contact the Specialist for the auction to request a condition report.

    Condition reports and additional images are provided as a courtesy and should be used by you to aid in the formation of your own opinion regarding condition. All material is sold subject to Swann's standard Terms and Conditions of Sale as published in our catalogues and posted on our website, and include the following terms: (1) all property is sold "as-is"; and (2) works cannot be returned on the basis of condition.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Upon request, Swann will facilitate the shipping of purchases to out-of-town buyers at an additional charge for packing, shipping and insurance, but will not be responsible for any loss, damage or delay resulting from the packing, handling and shipping thereof. Unless specific instructions are received, Swann is the sole judge of the method to be used for shipment. Packing and shipping costs will be noted on the invoice mailed to successful bidders after the sale, and are based on the actual costs involved. Be advised that a full commercial invoice must accompany any purchase shipped outside the US.

November 20, 2025 10:30 AM EST
New York, NY, US

Swann Auction Galleries

You agree to pay a buyer’s premium, as outlined below, and any applicable taxes and shipping.
Buyer's Premium
$0 - $100,000:
27.00%
$100,001 - $1,000,000:
22.00%
$1,000,001+:
12.00%

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $149 $10
$150 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $5,999 $200
$6,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 $499,999 $20,000
$500,000 + $50,000