Waters, Joseph (fl. 1782) [Certificate given by the commitee in the case of Colonel Ezra Bedlam]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.01441 Author/Creator: Waters, Joseph (fl. 1782) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Manuscript document Date: 5 June 1782 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 32.6 x 20.5 cm. Order a Copy
Certificate issued by the committee put together by Boston on the procurement of its quota for recruits for the Continental Army. Says that Lieutenant Colonel Ezra Bedlam, in the office of the muster master, discharged his duties faithfully. States he only tried to recruit men who would serve the public and complete the duties of their enlistment. Provides an example of him not allowing Frenchmen to join the army, except for a few who were examined closely to make sure they had no other obligations. The committee said they were most interested in the enlistments of Peter Godfrey and John Arite, who enlisted in Boston. They had both served at Gibraltar 18 months before enlisting and signed up 3 weeks after arriving in America. The committee questioned their status. The two men were interviewed and allowed in the army, but they caused problems while there. Despite his usual good conduct, the committee asked "Colo Bedlam to be more particular in the Execution of his Office."
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