Enoch Poor document signed ("Enoch Poor"). One page, 7.5" x 4", Exeter, [New Hampshire]; January 29, 1779. Docketed. Brigadier General Enoch Poor orders the release of seven Continental soldiers imprisoned in New Hampshire. A manuscript document ordering the release of seven Continental soldiers jailed in Exeter, New Hampshire. It reads, in part: "...Goal Keeper in Exeter You are hear [sic] by Required to Liberate from Confinement and Deliver to Capt Caleb Robinson the following Continental Soldiers Now in your Custody – Vis' John Tyler, John Herrington Thomas Shaw George Hogg Warren Bragdon Stephen Meeder and John Mitchel." Signed, "Enoch Poor" with rank added in an unknown hand. Enoch Poor (1736-1780) was a French and Indian War veteran from Massachusetts. He later moved to New Hampshire, where he worked as a merchant and shipbuilder. His mercantile pursuits ensured he quickly fell in with the Patriots after the Stamp Act was passed in 1765. He was appointed a colonel with the Second New Hampshire Regiment in 1775 and participated in the Battle of Bunker Hill. He was assigned to the northern department and took part in the invasion of Canada, which earned him a commission to brigadier general in February 1777. Poor was instrumental during the engagements at the Battle of Saratoga, wintered in Valley Forge, and took part in the Battle of Monmouth. It is unknown why these men were imprisoned, but at the time of this document, Poor was attempting to gather men for the 1779 campaign. The Continental Army was plagued with continual desertions and existed in a constant state of recruitment. Presumably, the release of these prisoners may be in relation to that. Poor spent the 1779 campaign with General John Sullivan and fought in the Battle of Newtown on August 29, 1779. However, he died of typhus the following year, on September 8, 1780. In the late nineteenth century, a theory was put forth that the general actually died during a duel with Major John Porter and the real cause of Poor's death was hastily covered up to prevent Porter's court-martial. Despite the tenacity of this rumor, it has never been fully proven. Because of his premature death, Poor's autograph material is more uncommon among the Continental generals. Condition: Very light foxing. Smoothed folds. Partially erased pencil notation on verso. HID03101062020 © 2022 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

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