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| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Collection Reference Number | GLC02437.01443 |
| From Archive Folder | The Henry Knox Papers [0043] June 1782 |
| Title | Josiah Jr. Waters to Henry Knox about his task of procuring recruits for the Continental Army |
| Date | 7 June 1782 |
| Author | Waters, Josiah, Jr. (fl. 1782) |
| Recipient | Knox, Henry |
| Document Type | Correspondence; Military document |
| Content Description | Congratulates Knox on his recent promotion. Informs him that he has "been again prevailed upon to accept the disagreeable task of procuring this Towns Quota of Recruits for the Continental Army," a task which is "all times disagreeable but more particularly so when through long continued scenes of villainy and practices most pernicious to the Community, it seemed to become habitual to do wrong." The town council has given the former Muster Master, a Colonel [Ezra] Badlam, a testimony of approbation, and Colonel Badlam will be sent to deliver the present letter and the testimony letter. Comments that "I never before either saw or heard of Col. Badlam to my knowledge nor have I the least inducement to say of him as I do only that I wish to give approbation where due, and to encourage every one who endeavors to serve the public." Hopes that if Knox approves of Badlam's service, he "can serve him by communicating any part hereof to the Commander in Chief or in any other way" he might think appropriate. |
| Subjects | Revolutionary War Revolutionary War General Military History Continental Army Recruitment Corruption and Scandal Government and Civics President Letter of Introduction or Recommendation |
| People | Waters, Josiah, Jr. (fl. 1782) Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Badlam, Ezra (1746-1788) |
| Place written | Boston, Massachusetts |
| Theme | The American Revolution; Government & Politics |
| Sub-collection | The Henry Knox Papers |
| Additional Information | According to Wendell B. Cook, Jr., of the Dorchester (Massachusetts) Historical Society, which has Ezra Badlam's papers, Colonel Badlam was dismissed, after about six months, from his Muster Master position in early May, 1782, for neglect of duties. He allegedly approved the enlistment of certain recruits who did not meet the Army's standards for recruits to the Continental Line. He was court martialed in late July and separated from the Army on 1 August. He made several attempts to clear his name; perhaps Waters's letter, the testimony of approbation, and the recommendation to Henry Knox and George Washington were avenues he pursued for this purpose. Cook, Wendell B., Jr. "Ezra and Stephen Badlam: Backgrounds and Lives." Dorchester Atheneum. http://www.dorchesteratheneum.org/page.php?id=251. |
| Copyright | The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History |
| Module | Settlement, Commerce, Revolution and Reform: 1493-1859 |