1775-1776 Ledger sheet-Patriot Blacksmith Captain John McClellan of Baltimore-

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1775-1776 Ledger sheet-Patriot Blacksmith Captain John McClellan of Baltimore-:
$41.00

Rare 1775Blacksmith ledger sheet from Baltimore Revolutionary War Patriot leader John McClellan. Although we are familiar with Revolutionary leaders who were planters, lawyers, politicos and merchants, it is important to remember thattradesmen or mechanics also played an important role in the Revolutionparticularly in the cities. An example of this would be blacksmith/merchant John McClellan (1738-1820) Initially McClellan was a member of the Mechanical Company which wasa training ground for master mechanics [18th Century mechanicwas a tradesman who worked with his hands] but also provided opportunities to better verbal skills as well as organizational abilities. [Remember these men interacted with wealthy clients and it behooved them to learn how to speak and write better even though they had an inferior education] While carrying on his business, McClellan was also a leaderin the growingprotest movement in Baltimore going back to 1763. He was a member of the Committee of Observation and inDecember 1776, McClellan was one of the men who drove Sheriff Robert Christie out of town [see #4 from internet] His connections with theMechanical Company led him to a position in the Mechanical Volunteer Company Militiaas a 1st Lieutenant. In February of 1776, apparently McClellan was involved in getting gunpowder for Baltimore\'s Council of Safety.[see #2 withfrom internet] In October, 1777 upon the death, at the Battle of Germantown, of Captain James Cox of the BaltimoreMechanical Volunteers, McClellan was elevated to Captain [see #3 with Regimental Flagfrom internet] [Note D. Poe or Daniel Poe [1743-1816), lieutenant, a wheelwright was Edgar Allen Poe\'s grandfather] In 1779, he was one of two commissioners for Baltimore to obtain flour and forage for the Army. This 7 3/4\" x 8 1/4\" document recordsjobs and charges for McClellan beginning in August 1775 and going through December 1776. Included are mending and putting on locks; making a staple; making a pick [for a cannon?]; laying an axe[repair]; ironing a man [?]; hooping a pot [putting iron hoops on something]; mending a hed[?]; making straps& nuts.John McClellan signs it. It showsthat even local leaders of the Revolution had to take time to make some money and keep good business contacts when the Revolution ended. Please remember the piece has supporting tape on back. Back has \"Baltimore County\" and some payment number. A most unique Revolutionary War item. Sent flat.