Belneavis, Archibald (fl. 1776-1787) to Lieutenant General Cunningham
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01450.169.04 Author/Creator: Belneavis, Archibald (fl. 1776-1787) Place Written: London, England Type: Letter signed Date: 26 October 1787 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 32 x 20.2 cm. Order a Copy
Written by Captain Lieutenant Belneavis to Lieutenant General Cunningham before both men were to depart for the West Indies. Says before he is to join the 45th Regiment of Foot, which is under Cunningham's command, he conceives it his duty to mention a few particulars of his service in order to promote a possible promotion. Said he went to America in 1776 and joined the 71st Regiment of Foot and fought in all their campaigns, both North and South. Says he served at the capture and defense of Savannah and the seizure of Charleston. Also served under Cornwallis in North and South Carolina and was with him when he surrendered at Yorktown. In March 1782 he was appointed Captain Lieutenant and was put on half-pay when his unit disbanded in 1784. Says he has been trying to get back into active service ever since and has finally succeeded in getting into Cunningham's unit. Because of his length of service hopes that no one will be promoted to captain before him.
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