Commandant of New York City During British Occupation Signs Return of Provisions During Earlier Service in Canada

Lieutenant Colonel Valentine Jones, who ten years later would serve as Commandant of New York City during the British occupation, signs a return for provisions for his 52d Regiment of Foot in Quebec City in the Province of Canada, which was under the command of Major General John Clavering (1722-1777).

Jones arrived in Boston after the Battle of Bunker Hill and commanded a brigade in the British Army there. He participated in abortive operations against American positions on Dorchester Heights before the British evacuated the city in March 1776.

[REVOLUTIONARY WAR.] VALENTINE JONES, Manuscript Document Signed, Return of Provisions from June 6-15, 1767. 1 p., 7.75" x 12". Also signed by Francis Adderley, Quartermaster of the 52d Regiment of Foot from 1765 to 1767. Expected folds; some edge chipping; includes docketing leaf.

Excerpts
"Return of Provisions Delivered to His Majesty's 52d Regt of Foot, Commanded by Major Genl Clavering Commencing 6th June and ending 15 Do 1767 Incluse."
"Quebec 6th June 1767. Val: Jones Lt. Colonel to the 52d Regiment"
"Received from the Contractors agent for victualing His Majestys Forces in North America Ten Days Provisions for Four hundred and two persons of the 52d Regt Amounting to Four thousand and Twenty Rations, Commencing the 6th and ending the 15th of June 1767 Inclusive."

Valentine Jones (ca. 1723-1779) was born in Wales and joined the British Army in 1744 as an ensign in the 33rd Regiment of Foot. He fought in several battles on the continent during the War of Austrian Succession (1740-1748). He received several promotions until he was made captain of a company in 1755. Later that year, he transferred to the newly-raised 54th Regiment of Foot, which was renumbered as the 52nd in 1758. He was promoted to major in 1758 and lieutenant colonel in 1760. The regiment had garrison duty in Ireland until 1765 when it was transferred to the Province of Canada, where it remained in the City of Quebec. In 1774, Jones and his regiment were transferred to Boston. In December, he was promoted to brigadier general to command the 3rd Brigade. He was again promoted in January 1776 to major general and became colonel of the 62nd Regiment, when its colonel died. He commanded the 3rd Brigade against the Americans in engagements in New York and New Jersey in 1776 but was transferred to Canada in 1777 but returned to New York City by 1778. Due to ill health, Jones returned to England by November 1778, where he had the honor of a conference with King George III.

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