Autograph letter signed : "Heton Lodge", to Sir James [Pulteney], 1809 Feb. 6.

Record ID: 
383231
Accession number: 
MA 297.21
Author: 
Bernard, George, -1820.
Credit: 
Purchased by Pierpont Morgan, 1899.
Description: 
1 item (4 p.) ; 24.0 cm
Notes: 

Endorsed.
Volume 2 (MA 297) of a 33-volume collection of the correspondence of Sir James Pulteney, his family and distinguished contemporaries. (MA 487, MA 297 and MA 1260-1290). The arrangement of the collection is alphabetical by the author of the letter. Items in the collection have been described individually in separate catalog records; see collection level record for more information (MA 297.1-65).

Summary: 

Putting forth his opinion on why Unlimited Service in recruitment is a better plan than offering a plan of Limited Service; citing his own experience with the 84th Regiment; saying "I have for many years past been much accustomed to the Recruits & I am decidedly of opinion that more men have been Enlisted since Unlimited Service has been allowed again than when they were confined to Limited Service;" discussing furlough, confinement and desertion as they relate to attempts to extend service; saying "A Militia's Commanding Officer should not have it in his power to object to a man extending his Services into any Reg't he chose, or to say you shall not go into such a Regiment, but you may Volunteer if you go into such another;" adding that he hopes his observations based on his experience in recruiting will be of help in the consideration of the Militia Bill.

Provenance: 
Purchased from the Ford Collection of manuscripts.