Catalog Archive
Auction 177, Lot 760

"[Northwest Indian War Pension Affidavit]",

Subject: Document - Northwest Indian War

Period: 1799 (dated)

Publication:

Color: Black & White

Size:
7.5 x 11.8 inches
19.1 x 30 cm
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This is a fascinating war pension affidavit for a soldier named John Clark, who served under Major General Anthony Wayne at the Battle of Fallen Timbers, the final battle of the Northwest Indian War. The manuscript document is from a deposition by Clark and reads in part: "After the Battle, the army went to Greenville. The Deponent assisted in building Fort Defiance ... After the peace with the Indians [1795] the army was ordered for Detroit and in going from Fort Miami unto Detroit the feet of this Deponent were badly frozen in the manner set forth in his memorial. The Deponent understands that this was the first time the Port at Detroit was taken possession of by the United States; and several companies of British Troops marched out of Detroit at the time of our taking possession. In consequence of my feet being frozen the Deponent was never able to do duty at Detroit." As a result of the injuries to his feet, the Secretary of War had awarded Clark a pension of $3 per month, however the paperwork went missing and Clark never received his pension. This affidavit was intended to reconstitute the lost paperwork in order for Clark to begin receiving the money owed to him.

References:

Condition: B+

Light toning and soiling.

Estimate: $1,000 - $1,300

Sold for: $750

Closed on 4/29/2020

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