Kemble, Stephen, 1740-1822 British Orderly Book

A record book containing British military orders and instructions, including parole locations and infractions of soldiers. Two hundred fifty-five entries, covering one hundred twenty-eight pages. Many entries are marked as just the date and the day’s Parole. Numerous entries include verdicts and sentencing, where necessary, passed down from various Courts Martial. The last fifteen pages are listed under the heading General Orders, and are issued from Headquarters at New York. Highlights include:

5 March [1763], “The Gen’l has been pleased to appoint Lieut Kemble of the 15th Reg’t to be his Aid de Camp & he is to be obeyed as such.”
18 March 1763, “Thomas Denney brought before a Garrison Court Martial for selling Rum to the Indians. The Court finds the said Thomas Guilty of Selling Rum to Indians [,] Sentence him to pay the fine according to Gen’l Gages orders”
9 April 1763, New York. Orders: William Amherst, Deputy Adjutant General expresses gratitude and praise to all soldiers who fought in the American theatre of the war.
Copy of letter transmitted to Major General Sir Jeffrey Amherst by W Ellis, from the Speaker of the House of Representatives John Gush Bath, dated 8 January 1763. re: “The Good Conduct Courage & Zeal of the Officers and soldiers of His Majestys Army so uniformly exerted for the Glory and Honour of this nation Oblige me at the same time to express the great satisfaction I feel in communicating this Publick Mark of Honour confered upon them”
16 May 1763. Headquarters N. York. “His Excellency the Commander in Chief makes known to the army that the definitive treaty of peace between His Majesty and the most Christian and Catholick Kings, is signed to which a due Observance will be had. – J. Amherst.”
3 June 1763. “Tomorrow being his Majesty’s Birth Day the Batt’n to be under Arms at half an hour after Eleven oClock. The Artillery to fire three Royal salutes at twelve oClock which is to be answered by three vollies from the Reg’t.”
27 July 1763. “Peace is to be proclaimed on Friday morning next for which purpose the Grenad’r & Light Infantry Comp’ys, Colour Drums fifes & musicks of the Batt’n will assemble before the Government House at eight oClock where Peace will be proclaimed”
14 August 1763. “The officers and men are to be acquainted that a plan is under Consideration to encourage them to stay in America, but as the adjusting it may take up some time, The Secretary of State has informed the Commander in Chief that such Off’rs & Soldiers who shall agree to take up lands in the mean time which the Governors are authorized to grant, or shall devise to remain in N America, to avail themselves of the future Settlements proposed, have liberty to do it, but the King leaves it to the Officers & Soldiers to do as they please, either to remain in N. America or to return to Europe.”