August 14, 1777
Background
On August 14, 1777, two years into the Revolutionary War, the militia captain in Deerfield, Massachusetts, sent this notice to John Newton drafting him for just over 14 months. After volunteers failed to fill the state’s quota of regiments in the Continental Army, the Massachusetts legislature authorized a draft. At that time, draftees were permitted to hire a substitute to serve in their place.
Below is the draft notice sent by the Continental Army to John Newton of the Massachusetts militia.
Background Courtesy: “Draft Notice” from the National Archives, Original License CC 4.0 BY NC SA
In consequence or a Resolve of General Court of this state of [illegible] 8th Ins. Requiring on sixth part of the militia to be drafted as a Reinforcement to the American Army — you are Drafted as one of the said sixth part, and (unless you Provide some able Bodied man in your stead or are Excused, within seventy-four hours after being Drafted,) to continue in said Service untill the Last Day of Nov. next, unless sooner Discharged____ and that you are by said Resolve intitled to two pounds tin shillings p [per] month in Addition to the Continetal Pay, until discharged-you are herby Required to be Equipt Compleatly and hold yourself in Readiness to march forthwith
[illegible] Dickinson Capt.
Deerfield Aug. 14th, 1777
To M. John Newton[1]
