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Bissell, Daniel (1754-1824) A weekly report of the recruits at Middletown under the command of Ensign Daniel Bissell

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.05934 Author/Creator: Bissell, Daniel (1754-1824) Place Written: Middletown, Rhode Island Type: Autograph document signed Date: 28 September 1793 Pagination: 1 p. ; 31.3 x 19.7 cm. Order a Copy

Reports that there are 8 privates and 1 sergeant on duty at Middletown, Rhode Island.

Bissell served as a soldier and spy for the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. Acting under direct orders from George Washington, Bissell first posed as a deserter in New York City from 14 August 1781 to 29 September 1782. He then served as a quartermaster sergeant for 13 months in the British Infantry Corps led by Benedict Arnold. This infiltration allowed Bissell to gather valuable information and to furnish Washington with detailed maps listing the enemy's positions. On 8 June 1783 he was awarded the Badge of Military Merit by Washington.

Bissell, Daniel, 1754-1824
The New Nation, 1783-1815
Recruitment
Military History
Muster Rolls and Returns
The Early Republic

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