Hut Camp of the 17th Regiment on Inwood Hill, NYC, by John Ward Dunsmore, 1919
These documentary extracts are presented to give the potential recruit an idea of the sort of information upon which we base our representation of Clayton’s Company. The document source is listed above each extract in bold. All records indicated as coming from the Public Record Office are property of the Crown and may not be reproduced without permission from Her Majesty’s Government. These documents are presented for purely educational purposes and may not be published or used commercially without the written consent of the compiler and necessary copyright authorities.
From “General View of the Facings, &c. of the several Marching Regiments of Foot”
17th Regiment to have Greyish white facings, silver lace on the Officers, greyish white waistcoat, breeches, and lining of coat, lace white, with Two Blue, and one Yellow Stripe- 19th December 1768
“Clothing___ Delivered in 1768. tight and well fitted__ white Linnen Breeches__ Grenadiers &c have Cloth Caps the Furrd ones not being yet finished.”
“Gaiters____ Blacked Linnen with Leather Tops and black Garters__ neatly made.”
“Officers Uniforms
Scarlet Small round Cuff. Collar & Lappels to the Waist white, with a Silver Laced Epaulette, Silver Buttons Number’d White lining, White Waistcoat & Breeches, Silver hilted Swords, Crimson & Gold Sword Knots, Silver Gorgets all Uniform & every other Appointment according to His Majesty’s Order.”
General Gisbourne’s Remarks:
“Officers Made a very good Appearance____ Well Armed___ Saluted Well___ Uniforms Conformable to the King’s Regulation____
Non Commissd Officers Made a very good Appearance_____
Drummers & Fifers Beat and Play Well_____
Men Of a good Size__ young & well made___ very clean & well-dress’d__ very Stead & Attentive___ Hatts according to Order___ Black Spatterdashes Do___
Clothing Good___ Well Fitted___ And Agreeable to the Kings Regulation____
Arms Clean___ 8 Halberts___ 10 Drums____ 351 Firelocks & 351 Bayonets bad as is printed Return which require to be Supplied with new Ones___
Accoutrements 20 Serjeants Sashes__ 39 Grenadiers Swords__ 351 Waist Belts__ 351 Pouches & Shoulder Belts__ 351 Slings__ all the Match cases & half the Pioneers Accoutrements all Bad as is printed Return which require to be Supplied with new Ones___
Recruits 54 very good Inlisted since last Review__ 12 in the Ranks__ 27 not in the Ranks__ 10 Deserted__ 2 Discharged__ 1 Drafted__ & 2 Dead___
Complaints None__
Orderly Books Regularly kept
Manual, Platoon, Very well Perform’d__ And Agreeable to the Kings Regulation
“Head Quarters New York Island 13th October 1776
Regimental Orders
The Regiment being every day more Sickly than Others, the Colonel hopes the officers will see that the Men be Clothed as warm as possible and Every Care to be taken.
Memorandum
The Taylors [sic] will begin tomorrow to make the Drawers for such men as are in Want.”
“Regimental Orders 17th October 1776
The officers Commanding Companys [sic] are desired to be particularly Carefull that the men have warm stockings and Drawers or Breaches to wear under the tr[o]wsers or leggings.
The Accoutrements are not to be hung out of the Tents.”
“Head Quarters New York Island 22d October 1776
Regimental Orders
Returns [are] to be given in tomorrow by Each Company of the number of worsted stockings wanting to Compleat [sic] Each man with One good pair, as also the number of Breeches, or Drawers wanting to Compleat [sic] with One good pair.”
“Head Quarters New York Island 26th October 1776
Regimental Orders
For the future, at Troop beating the Companies [are] to fall in, in the streets, in front of their Tents, where the Officers are to Examine the Arms, and Upon a Flam on the Drum, they are immediately to march off from the Center of Companies to the Regimental Parade and form Battalion the Officers facing the Men; on a Second Flam the Officers to Come to the Right about, and Remain so until the Parade is dismissed.
Officers to parade with Fuzees whenever the men parade with Arms.”
“Head Quarters New York Island 27th October 1776
The Regiments may send for their Camp Equipage as soon as Conveniants [sic].”
“Head Quarters White Plane [sic] Camp 31st Octr 1776
Regimental Orders
Repeated Orders having been given by the Commander in Chief against Plundering: The Commanding Officer of the Regiment forbids the Soldiers of the Regiment to Stir out of Camp Except when Ordered with a Commission[ed] or Non Commissioned Officer.
The Rolls to be Called Every Hour.
The Quarter Guard of 1 Subaltern, 1 Serjeant, 1 Corporal and 12 Privates to mount at 5 O’Clock. The Ammunition to be Examined this Evening at Retreat beating, and a Report made of the State of it to the Adjutant.”
“Mile Square 5th Novr 1776
A Detachment Consisting of One Field Officer, 4 Captains, 8 Subalterns and 200 men to parade tomorrow Morning at 7 O’clock in front of the 46th Regiment to collect forage for the Army.
Lieutenant Colonel Mawhood’s Orders
Lieutenant Colonel Mawhood disires those Officers who have horses, to be Mounted. The Quarter Master of the different Regiments are to parade with this detachment They will take Pen, Ink, and Paper with them”
“Head Quarters November 13th 1776
The men to Carry their Tent Poles and not to put them on the waggons.”
“Head Quarters Dellanceys Mill 18th Novr 1776
Regimental Orders
The Commanding Officer is Varyhnum [sic] Surprised to hear that a great many of the Men are Itched, and that it Never has been Reported to the Suergeons Commanding Officers of Companies to See that their Men be Examined to Morrow and Reports to be Given in to the Adjutant next morning of such as Have Got it in order that they May be Cured.”
General De Heister’s Quarters, Widow Dellancey’s, 23rd November 1776
“Regimental Orders
Four of the German Recruits to Carry Each a Spade, Hatchet and Saw instead of his firelock and Pouch, During the Remainder of this Campaign
The Quarter Master is always to make a report in Writing as soon as he has Received Provision, of the Quality and Quantity With his remarks there on.”
December 4, 1776 Perth Amboy
“Regimental Orders
The Kettles to be Boiled Every day at 12 an officer of a Company to see that this is done. The Rooms of Each Quarters to be Sweeped Out Every Morning by 9 O’clock. As no Straw can be got the men are to Make use of Watchcoats and Blankets by Way of Bedding.”
Head Quarters Trenton, December 13, 1776
“Regimental Orders
Officers Commanding Companies will be Called upon when the Regiments gets into their Winter Cantonments [balance of the sentence is unreadable] Wanted both for the Officers and men, and the Quarters Masters will be sent to New York to provide them. The Colonel therefore wishes the officers would Consider and Make such a Return at their Leisure that Nothing may be Omitted which they wish to have. All the Baggage of the Regiment will be brought to Brunswick as soon as possible. Each man to be immediately provided with at least One pair of good Shoes.”
“16th Decr 1776
Regimental Orders
The Quarter Master Will Set Out for New York tomorrow to get up the heavy Baggage, that is there and to purchase such Necessaries as may be wanted Either by the Officers or men. Commissions given him by the officers are to be in Writing, Money must be given him on account.
The Lieutenant Colonel Recommends it to officers Commanding Companies to Commission Linen instead of Ready made Shirts, He Expects that Each man be Completed with 4 good Shirts, 2 pair good Shoes, 3 pairs good worsted Stocking one good velvet Stock and Either Buckell Or Clasp, a pair of Sleeve Buttons, and a pair of Shoe Buckeles, uniform if they Can be purchased.”
Head Quarters Brunswick December 18, 1776
“The men upon duty are to Load With a running Ball in order to preserve their Cartridges. A Return of Which is to be sent tomorrow morning that the Whole may be Completed to 60 Rounds.”
“Head Quarters Jersey Brunswick 23d Decer 1776
The Shoes Received from the Quarter Master General to be Charged to the men at 4 Shillings/ 10 ½ pence per pair, Returns to be made to Major Brigade Brown from Each Corps of the number of shoes they have Received.”
“Hillsborough 25th Decemr 1776
Regimental Orders
The men for the Patrol tomorrow to wear their old Cloathing.”
“Brigade orders
27th Decr 76
The Men for Guard to Mount with their pouches only and at Least 24 Rounds of Ammunition. The Shot Bags to be put in a Secured place; so that they May be got at when wanted.”
Pg 36
“Hd Qrs Morris House, 21st Feb 79
The offrs Uniforms are to be made up in the future agreeable to a form in the possesion of the Lt. Colo as Likewise the Cocking of the Hatts The offrs will Immediately provide themselves with Long Black Leggins like the private mens___ the officers to ware Cocked hatts when on the parade Any Knapsacks that may be Provided for the men in future to be made agreeable to a form now in the possession of the Adjut.
A Court consisting of one Captain and two Subs. will sitt on Friday next at 11 Clok to Inquire in to any Demands of Cloothing, &c &c that may be made by the Regt. Any of the men who have Just Claims in the Regiment will lay them before the Court. The mens accounts to be Immediately made up to the 23d Feby. and assignment Rolls to be Given in to the Commanding Offr. on Monday.”
Pg 66
March 7th, 1779
“RO
A Return to be given in tomorrow morg of what Linnen Drawers are wanting to Compleat Each Company to one pr per Man”
Pg 68
March 9th, 1779
“After RO
A Revew of arms, accoutriments and necessaries to be on the parade on Friday morning next, and the Regiment will parade at Two The same Day with Black Leggens and verry clean for Exercise Those men who wants their hair Cutt, non Commissioned Offrs will take Care to have the men of their Squads Cutt this Evening for which they will be answerable.”
Pg 71
March 10, 1779
“General Mormmourandum
British and provanceal Corps of the Army, are Informed that the following [word illegible] are now Expected from Europe for their use Viz___
Tents, Blanketts/ Exclusive of those for the barracks/ Mittens, Shoes, shoe soals, Leggens worsted Stockings, Linnen and thread [?] for shirts Drill for Britches, haversacks, Canteens, Camp Kettles Hand Hatchetts and Wood Axes”
Letter dated 25th November 1784 from Thomas Fauquier to Lt. General Fawcett
“It likewise appearing to the Board on Inspecting the Patterns for the Three Regts. Of Foot Guards & many other Regiments of Infantry, that the shoulder straps were made of the Colour of the facings instead of Red (which conformable to the General Regulations they ought to be) They would wish to know his Majesty’s Pleasure upon the alteration as They apprehend there should be an uniformity throughout the whole Army in this part of Clothing.
Letter dated 3rd December 1784 from William Fawcett to Thomas Fauquier
“His Majesty is also pleased to order, that the Shoulder Straps of the Regts. Of Foot, shall, for the future, be made of Cloth, of the same Colour with their Facings.”
“Elizabeth Town Point 22d June 1780
Sir,
Agreeable to Major General Mathew’s Order I send a Return of the Deficiencies in the Seventeenth Company. We have at present one Cartridge Box for each man, but as they hold eighteen Rounds only I shall be extremely thankfull for an Order to compleat us to two per man.
I am Sir
with great Respect
Your most Obedt.
Humble Servant
George Cuppaidge
Capt. 17th Infy.”
“Head Quarters New York, 4th: May 1781
Sir
The Women of the 17th Regiment of Foot not being allowed to Embark, you are requested to Order some place for their reception/
I have the honor to be
With much respect
Your most Obedient and
Most humble Servant
BIBBY A D. A. Genl.”
Pg 1
“Apollo Transport
Of[f] Brandon James River 23rd May 1781
Orders by Major Ferguson
The Quarter Master will issue Canteens Haversacks and Camp Kettles to the Battalion immediately. The Companies to send Returns for their Effectives as this is the only supply the Regiment can possible Receive during the Campaign the Soldiers cannot be to careful to preserve them. Five Regimental Waggons will land with the Regiment. One to each Grand Division the fifth for Major Fergusons Baggage. The Quarter Master will issue an equal proportion of the Trowzers, made since the Embarkation- to each Company to compleat them as near as possible to Two pair per Man. It is positively Ordered that no Soldier lands with more necessaries than his Blanket, Canteen, Haversack, Two pair of Trowzers, Two pair of Stockings, and Two Shirts, and Two pair of good Shoes. The Remaining Necessaries of each Company to be carefully packed up and Orders will be given as soon as possible for its been taken proper care of.”
“Apollo Transport Canons
James River 26th May 1781
Serjeant Poole is to take charge of the Heavy baggages and have it properly Stored at Portsmouth
No Women or Children are to land with the Regiments”
“Morning Regimental Orders
28 May
Commanding Officers of Companies to have the Pouches shortened immediately.
The Quarter Master will receive the Waistcoats from the Men and have them carried on the Regimental Waggons. The Companies will Pick them up this Evening.”
Pg 4
“Morning Orders 30th May [17]81
Commanding Officers of Companies to send in reports immediately to the Adjutant specifying the Number of Non Commissioned Officers and Privates with them at present.”
Pg 13
“Head Quarters Lewisse’s Mills
8th June 1781
RO
…the Quarter Master will deliver to Major England one R Waggon and five Horses the other Waggon is to be kept in Order to carry the Mens Waistcoats”
Pg 19
“Regimental Orders West Ham 15th June
The Ammunition of the Different Companies to be aired and a return given to the Quarter Master of the Number of Rounds wanting to compleat forty Rounds per man”
Pg 20
“Morning Orders 16th June
An Hour will be appointed every Day for the Men to wash their Trowzers and Shirts under the charge of Two Serjeants and Two Corporals who are to march them from Camp and return with them, any Man absent from Camp upon any pretence without a written pass from the Officer Commanding his Company will be immediately punished by Drum head Court Martial”
Pg 24
“Head Quarters Richmond 18th June 1781
RO
Officers Command[in]g Companies to give directions that the Belts of the Mens Pouches and Bayonets are washed as Clean as possible immediately. Horses [like saw horses] to be made in front of each Company for the Arms”
Pg 30
“RO23rd June 1781
It is strongly recommended to the Commanding Officers of Companies to pay more attention to them, and in particular that they keep their Accoutrements and Trowzers more clean, they being most shamefully dirty during the March. The Commanding Officers of Companies will be answerable this Order is complied with.
The Major will review the Regiments Necessaries the first halting Day and hopes that every Officer was provided with Two pair of Trowzers according to Colonel Marsh’s Order
As some of the Companies have not been provided with Soap, The Quarter Master will take the first opportunity of purchasing a proper Quantity for the whole Regiment
After a March the Regiment will not quit their Arms till regularly dismissed
The Battalion will parade with Arms in future at Eight O’Clock in the morning when not on the March
The next halting Day the Strength and Capabilities of each Company to the 24th June to be given to the Adjutant”
Pg 32
“25th June 1781
RO
The Accoutrements to be made as Clean as possible no Colouring to be put on the Belts till such time as a Quantity can be procured for the whole.”
Pg 39
“Head Quarters Williamsburg
29th June 1781
Brigade Orders
The 43d, 76th and 80th Regiments to inspect their Ammunition and give in Returns to morrow at Orderly Time of The Number of Cartridges wanting to Compleat to 40 Rounds a man”
Pg 39
“RO 30th June
The Officers Commanding Companies to see the Wig Wams made as secure against Sun and Rain as possible”
Pg 41
“RO Williamsburg 1st July
The Taylors to be taken of[f] duty and the Master Taylor will cut and repair the Coats conformable to the Directions he has rec[e]ived, beginning with the Senior Company of ye Battalion”
Pg 43
“RO 3rd July 1781
Commanding Officers of Companies will give directions for the Accoutrements being coloured with the materials promised this morning
Non Commissioned Officers and Soldiers are never to leave the Encampment without their Side Arms.”
Pg 53
“RO 12th July 1781
Whenever the Battalion is under Orders of March the Officers Commanding Companies will fall their Men in half an hour before the time and report any Man that is absent to the Commanding Officer”
Pg 57
“Head Quarters Portsmouth 14th July
The Taylors will embark with yr respective Companies. The Master Taylor will cut the Coats of the Sick Men left at Portsmouth and those that were on Command in the Boats”
“Richmond Frigate 30th July
Orders
The Troops will draw their Days Biscuit and pork immediately to take on Shore with them
RO
The Men will carry their Blankets and other Necessaries in the Same order as at Westover 27th May”
Pg 68
“York Town 11th August 1781
RO
It is the Majors positive Order that the Soldiers of the Regiment shall sleep in either their tents or Wigwams.
Any Man found otherwise shall be tried for disobedience of Orders”
Pg 73
“Head Quarters York Town 16th August 1781
After R Orders
Commanding Officers of Companys to give in Returns to morrow morning of what ammunition they may want to complete each Man to 40 Rounds.”
Pg 73-74
“Head Quarters York Town 17th August
RO
The Major is extremely Sorry to be under the necessity to repeat what has always been consider[e]d as the standing Orders of the Regiments for Officers Commanding at Out Post and piquets
The Sentries to be relieved every hour during the Night and Patroles to be sent between each Relief.
The Officer Commanding to patrole himself at Different times but not to go without his Sentries, half of the Guard or Piquet to be kept constantly under Arms and no Man on any Account to be suffered to Sleep during the Night”
Pg 74
“Head Quarters York Town 18th August
RO
The Officers and Non Commission[e]d Officers are to instruct their Men how to Challenge and receive the Rounds
The Commanding Officers will take care that a None Commission[e]d Officer lyes in the Tents with the Men and are to be answerable for the Men”
The 17th Infantry in the Newspapers
There is now in the hands of Hugh Gaine, a small box and a Parcel for Capt. Brereton, of the XVIIth regiment. He is requested to send for the same, and 5s. for this advertisement.
[New York Gazette, 7 April 1777]
Left at the Naval Store in New York, a Box, for Capt. William Scott, of the 17th regiment of Infantry. Any person properly authorized may have the same by applying at said store.
[New York Gazette, 27 April 1778]
Stolen or strayed from the encampment of the 17th regiment Infantry, at Kingsbridge, the 8thinstant, a dark bay Mare, belonging to Captain Clayton of the above regiment: She is about 14 hand high, a short cut tail, has a star in her forehead, high rump'd, wide ear'd, trots well. Whoever gives notice of the above mare, so that she may be had again, shall receive one Guinea reward, by applying to Edward Cook, servant to Capt. Clayton, at the above encampment.
[The New York Gazette, 28 June 1779]
New York
Gazette, 23 June 1777
"Deserted from his Majesty's 17th regiment of infantry, JAMES
ORRIDGE, 6 feet two inches high, straight and well-made, dark
complexion, dark brown hair, grey eyes, hook'd long nose, which he
frequently had a custom of twisting and drawing up, born in England,
in the county of Lancaster, and parish of Bolton. He may endeavour
to pass for a sailor. Any one apprehending said deserter, will
receive 40s. reward.
HENRY HAMILTON
Adjutant 17th Infantry."
The above advertisements are courtesy of Don Hagist.
Copyright W. P. Tatum III, 2006