Description:

Native Americans
n.p., n.d.
Rev. War Provisioning of Native Americans: 18th C. Goods, Some Supplied by "Col. Pickering"!
MD
A 1p manuscript document docketed "Memorandum of / Articles to be procured / and forward to Indians." N.d., but the textual reference to "Col. Pickering" strongly suggests it is Revolutionary War-dated. N.p. Secretarially inscribed on watermarked laid paper. Docketed verso. Expected wear including even toning, isolated foxing, minor chipped edges, and flattened transmittal folds. A small section of ink bleed-through along the left edge barely touches the text. Else near fine. 7.875" x 12.875."

This is an itemized list of supplies to be provided to an unspecified group or band of "Indians," probably a community of about 400 persons. Some of the provisions required the assistance of "Col. Pickering" to acquire. Colonel Timothy Pickering (1745-1829) was appointed quartermaster general and adjutant general of the Continental Army in 1777. The list can be divided into four major categories: textiles and clothing; tools; arms and ammunition; and other luxuries. During the period, these provisions constituted a huge amount. Although we don't know exactly why these supplies were given to the indigenous peoples, it was likely in exchange for the Native Americans' military support, or to cement a diplomatic alliance.

A list such as this is fascinating not only in terms of understanding colonial/Native American interactions during the Revolutionary War, but also in terms of material culture. Over 50% of the list refers to textiles or articles of clothing made of linen, wool, cotton, beaver fur, and lace. The list mentions "calliminco," or calamanco, a worsted wool yarn fabric with a glazed surface that was popular in the 18th and 19th centuries. Also "callico," or calico, a ubiquitous type of printed cotton fabric. "Gymp or gartering" most likely refers to gimp and garters, or some sort of clothing trimming or tie. The most interesting item on the list is definitely "24 best Castor hats with tinsel lace to bind them," referring to lace-decorated beaver fur hats!

The Native Americans were also given "10 # Vermillion." The bright red powder pigment was employed by indigenous communities in multiple ways during the colonial period. It was used in cosmetics, war paint, tattooing, and hair dyeing; also for staining decorative or ceramic arts, in burial practices, and even as a diplomatic or ceremonial currency.

The document reads in part:

"200 Blankets for men and women
200 Do for Boys and Girls
Linnen for 400 Shirts
15 Pieces blue strands
5 Do of scarlet strands or coarse Cloath
10 Do of Calliminco for Gowns
10 Do of Callico
An assortment of thread and needles
50 Pieces of Gymp or Gartering
X 100 felling axes. there are none in the store but an order to Col Pickering will procure them he informs me that he has contracted for a number
2 Hogsheads of Tobacco
X 500 # Powder
X 1000 of Lead
X 1000 flints
200 Jackknives
24 best Castor hats with tinsel lace to bind them
4 Doz Hats [?]
4 Doz Do. Small
10 # Vermillion
50 Scissors."

We are proud to include items consigned by the Manuscript Society in this auction. These items come from the estate of well-known manuscript dealers Forest G. & Forest H. Sweet and Julia Sweet Newman. Forest G. Sweet was an early leader of the Manuscript Society as well as a rare book scholar. The proceeds from your purchase of these items will benefit the work of the Manuscript Society. You can learn more about them, and become a member of the Manuscript Society, at www.manuscript.org.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 7.875" x 12.875"
  • Medium: MD

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March 12, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
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