Revolutionary War–dated ADS, signed “Elijah Avery Capt,” one page, 7.25 x 11, March 6, 1779. Document headed “A Pay Role of Capt. Elijah Avery’s Company for assisting the Sheriff of New London County when abused by a mob, 7th February 1778.” The roll lists 36 names of Avery’s company, including seven killed in battle during their defense of Fort Griswold on September 6, 1781: Avery himself, David Avery, Elisha Perkins, Joseph Moxley, Luke Perkins, Edward Mills, and Jedediah Chester. Also endorsed again on the reverse by Avery. In very good condition, with intersecting folds (partial separations repaired with tape to reverse), toning, and expected document wear. Avery’s company formed part of the small Connecticut militia force led by Lieutenant Colonel William Ledyard that attempted to defend Fort Griswold at the Battle of Groton Heights while vastly outnumbered by British forces led by the treasonous Benedict Arnold. Of the approximately 165 defenders stationed there, more than half were killed in the British massacre. Despite losing the battle, the Americans managed to inflict substantial casualties upon the British forces. The battle was the last major military encounter of the war in the northern United States, preceding the decisive American victory at Yorktown, Virginia, by about six weeks. RR Auction COA.
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