Sold – Richard Varick’s Original Orders and Instructions As Muster Master General

Joseph Ward. Gen. Ward was Commissary General of Musters of the Continental Army.

Autograph Letter Signed, Morristown, May 6, 1777, to “Lieut. Col. Varick, D.M. Genl.” “Being acquainted that the Honorable the Congress have been pleased to appoint you Deputy Muster Master General of the Army of the United States, I herewith inclose you the Orders of Congress respecting your Department. I have enclosed a form of the Muster Role of a Company and also of a Regiment. You will furnish the Captains with such a form that they may make out their Rolls in proper form. You will in all things punctually conform to the Orders of Congress respecting your Department. All the troops in Continental service at and above Albany are in your Department, whether they are at Ticonderoga or any other posts in the Northern Department. You will make your returns to me in Regimental Rolls, and as near the first of every month as possible. You will see that your deputies transmit the Muster Rolls regularly to the proper officers. The Commanding Officer in the Northern Department will appoint so many Deputy Muster Masters as may be necessary. You will direct your returns to me at the Adjutant General’s officer near Head Quarters. The utmost attention will be requisite to carry the orders of Congress into execution, and I trust you will fully answer their expectations.” The appointment as Deputy Muster Master General was a career-making one for Varick; these orders were thus of great significance for him.