(AMERICAN REVOLUTION) | Five manuscript documents signed by some of the first African-Americans to fight for the American cause, dated less than a month after Lexington and Concord, Natick, Massachusetts, 15 May 1775 

Property from the Eric C. Caren Collection

(AMERICAN REVOLUTION)

Five manuscript documents signed by some of the first African-Americans to fight for the American cause, dated less than a month after Lexington and Concord, Natick, Massachusetts, 15 May 1775 

1 page and 4 corresponding receipts (from approximately 1 5/8 x 6 1/4 in.; 40 x 156 mm, to 7 3/8 x 6 1/4 in.; 188 x 156 mm). Manuscript documents in sepia ink, signed by Natick's selectmen ("Elijah Goodenow," "Oliver Bacon," and "Timothy Smith") and dated ("Natick, May 15th, 1775"), other receipts signed by soldiers (including: "Isaac Dunton," the mark of James Antony, "William Dyer," and "John M Mcgrah"); some scattered foxing, a couple of pinholes at intersecting folds of the largest. The consignor has independently obtained a letter of authenticity from PSA that will accompany the lot.

Weapons receipts, issued in the early days of the Revolutionary War, bearing the names and signatures of African and Native American Patriots

The primary document lists 11 troops, at least six of whom were Native or African American. Listed under the command of Captain Morse are Elijah James, Cesar Ferit (African American), and Paul Thomas (Native American). Listed under the command of Lieutenant Perry under Captain Millions are Plato Labord (African American), James Antony (African American), John Mcgrah, Benjamin Budger, Cato Fare (African American), Isaac Dunton, Thomas Madority (African American), and William Dyer.

Each soldier named is showing as owing varying amounts of money to other Natick residents (presumably as a deposit for the arms in question). The individual corresponding receipts accompanying the primary document are uniformly worded thus: “Natick May 15: 1775 Received of the Select men of Natick for the use of the Massachusetts Service one Gun Prized at [with the value of the particular arms then noted].” 

During this period, it is estimated that 20,000 African Americans joined the British campaign, which promised freedom to slaves, as Black Loyalists, and some 9,000 African Americans became Black Patriots. In total, around 450,000 soldiers and militia served the American cause, meaning that Black soldiers made up approximately four percent of the Patriots' numbers. It is worth noting that the average length of service for an African American soldier was four and a half years—about eight times longer than the average period for white soldiers. 

REFERENCE:

Quintal, Patriots of Color (2002)