I have been in contact with the Historical Society of Pennsylvania
concerning a Revolutionary War orderly book from the 1st Virginia
Battalion of 1781 that they have in their collection.

The 1st Virginia Battalion was formed in the spring of 1781 and
consisted of most of the "stray" Virginian Continental Infantry
that could be gathered (most Virginia regiments were captured at
Charleston in 1780). The unit was commanded at various times by
Cols. Christian Febiger, Thomas Gaskins, and Thomas Posey.

The orderly book in their possesion spans the time period between
9 October 1781 and 3 May 1782 (this includes most of Yorktown and
then the unit's garrison at Cumberland Old Court House). The
description of the book says that it "Primarily contains garrison
orders with descriptions of court martials and sentences of prisoners;
also some brigade orders."

This book is too fragile to be photocopied, but it can be microfilmed
for about $150.00. If anyone is interested in chipping in to help
bring a microfilm of this orderly book "back home", I will donate
the film to one of the following three institutions:
1) Virginia Historical Society, Richmond
2) Library of Virginia, Richmond
3) Jones Memorial Library, Lynchburg

If you are interested in being involved with this project, please contact
me OFF LIST (privately) at [log in to unmask]

W. Scott Breckinridge Smith
Gaskins' Virginia Battalion of 1781
www.virginiacampaign.org

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