" But the names of almost all of these our
tortured countrymen are forgotten as completely as their places of
interment are neglected.
In the hands of the writer, however, at this time [Footnote: This
muster roll was lent to the writer by Henry Bedinger Davenport, Esq, a
descendant of Major Bedinger] is the pay-roll of one of these
companies of riflemen,--that of Captain Abraham Shepherd of
Shepherdstown, Virginia. It is in the handwriting of Henry Bedinger,
one of the lieutenants of the company.
We propose to take this list, or pay roll, as a sample, and to follow,
as well as we can, at this late day, the misfortunes of the men named
therein. For this purpose we will first give the list of names, and
afterwards attempt to indicate how many of the men died in
confinement, and how many lived to be exchanged.
MUSTER ROLL
The paper in question, falling to pieces with age, and almost
illegible in places, is headed, "An ABSTRACT of the Pay due the
Officers and Privates of the Company of Riflemen belonging to Captain
Abraham Shepherd, being part of a Battalion raised by Colonel Hugh
Stevenson, deceased, and afterwards commanded by Lieut Colonel Moses
Rawlings, in the Continental Service from July 1st, 1776, to October
1st, 1778." The paper gives the dates of enlistment; those who were
killed; those who died; those who deserted; those who were discharged;
drafted; made prisoners; "dates until when pay is charged;" "pay per
month;" "amount in Dollars," and "amount in lawful Money, Pounds,
Shillings and pence.
Pages:
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37