(AMERICAN REVOLUTION 1781) Willys Hezekiah Order issued to

Sale 2273 - Lot 80

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"GIVE A SPRING TO THE EXERTIONS OF EVERY LOVER OF HIS COUNTRY" (AMERICAN REVOLUTION--1781.) Willys, Hezekiah. Order issued to the Connecticut militia in response to Benedict Arnold's raid. Secretarial manuscript copy in the hand of adjutant James Gudwin. One page, 12 1/4 x 8 inches; toned, with two small stains in text area. Hartford, CT, 9 September 1781

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This order was issued five days after Benedict Arnold's troops burned New London and captured Fort Griswold across the river. It was written out in great haste by an adjutant: "The caled destruction in the towns of New London and Groton by a body of the enemy and the great prospect of there again appearing in a hostile manner on the co[a]sts of this state in a short time ought & I trust will give a spring to the exertions of every lover of his country. . . . The commanding oficers of companyes in the first regment are hereby ordered . . . to march to action on the shortest notice." The order specifies the commanding officers for the First Regiment of the Connecticut militia, and for troops in the town of Suffield in particular.