Parsons, Samuel H (1737-89) American Revolutionary War officer. He was actively involved in promoting resistance to the British and was an early proponent of a congress of the colonies. He served from the Lexington Alarm in 1775 until after the British surrender at Yorktown. Revolutionary War-date Autograph Letter Signed ("Saml H. Parsons"), one page, 8½ x 7½ inches, n.p., n.d. (c. 1775). To "Mr. Commisy. Clark / Camp" regarding officers' hats: "The three Hats…are for me & my Family [meaning his aides and other officers in his own headquarters]. I exclude the officers of the 6th Regt. [Parsons was appointed colonel of the 6th Connecticut Regiment in 1775] from a Division except the field officers because their Caps make them decent in appearance & if they want, they must wait. Two of the field officers of the 5th Regt. have had their share to one; the Paymaster also has been supplied & therefore that Regt. ought to be excluded from a Draft for the three remaining on Hand, as the Regts. who draw them can have no more than the 5th have had…" When the regimental commander gets involved with what to do with three hats, it shows the scarcity of clothing.
Estimated Value $600 - 800,
Mary Benjamin, 1981,
Colonial and Revolutionary America
