War of 1812 Massachusetts Troop and Artillery Details with Diagrams

Autograph document signed by Jno. M. Goodwin. Headquarters, Plymouth, 4 May 1812. 2 pages.

A remarkable detail of troop preparations in Massachusetts on the eve of war. Penned just a month before the official outbreak of the War of 1812, the document details troop preparations in Massachusetts, despite widespread protests by state citizens who opposed the war with Great Britain.

It includes instructions for the detachment of men and officers for the 5th Division, the First Brigade, and the Barnstable Brigade. The verso features a diagram for 323 men, including officers, to be detached from the Infantry Brigade, followed by a second diagram for a battalion of artillery to be manned by a captain and 23 non-commissioned officers of the artillery.

Rare document featuring illustrated troop formations.

Transcript:

Headquarters, Plymonth, 4th May 1812 –
Division Orders

The Major General directs that the general orders of the 25th April last for detaching 692 men, officers included from the 5th Division be carried into effect and returns made of the detached troops without delay. The First Brigade will furnish two Mayors of Infantry and 321 men including company commissioned and non-commissioned officers. Also one Captain of Aritillery and 23 non-commissioned officers. The Barnstable Brigade will furnish one Colonel of Infantry and 328 men including company commissioned and non-commissioned officers. Also two Lieutenants of Artillery and 114 non-commissioned officers. One field piece will be assigned from the detached captain’s company of artillery.

By order of the Major General 5 Divisions
Signed N. Haywood aide de camp to Majo Gen.
Headquarters, Bridgewater, 11th May 1812.

Brigade Orders,
In Compliance with the foregoing orders three hundred and twenty-three man, officers, including will be detached from the Infantry Brigade agreeable to the following detail….
DIAGRAM of DETAILS
One captain and twenty-three non-commissioned officers from the artillery of said Bigade. In conformity to the Annexed Division Orders, one field piece will be assigned from the detached Captain’s Company.
Battalion of Artillery (DIAGRAM of DETAILS)
Adjutants of the several Regiments and Battalions will be punctual to transmit a lit of the drafted men without delay.”

[Revolutionary War, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, War of 1812, Massachusetts, Militaria, Manuscripts]