Career military officer (1788-1868) who served during the War of 1812 and the Civil War. Manuscript DS, signed "Wm. Gates, Capt. Art'y," one page, 21.5 x 12, no date but circa mid-1810s. Roster of soldiers skilled in trade, headed: "Descriptive Role, of the Artificers in Capt. William Gates; Company of Artillery." The document lists 13 soldiers (all carpenters or blacksmiths) and their ages, heights, birthplaces, eye and hair colors, dates of enlistment, and occupations. Most interesting are the personal remarks, which include: "This man is a good workman, good soldier and a steady man"; "Not the best of duty men, but the most ingenious"; "A little wild at times…requires a strict hand"; "A little inclined to intoxication, a very serviceable man in carpentry, repares [sic] boots pretty good"; and "This man is uncommonly ingenious." In very good to fine condition, with partially separated folds (repaired with archival tape on the reverse), and minor loss to the lower left corner.
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