Scope and Content: Following his success against the British forces composed of Brunswick mercenaries, Canadians, Loyalists, and Native Americans at the Battle of Bennington (Aug. 16, 1777), Brigadier General John Stark of New Hampshire presented the State of Massachusetts with several trophies taken from the Brunswick mercenaries: a brass drum (AR21, series A005), a firearm and bayonet (AR25, series A011), a Grenadier’s cap (AR20, series A006), and a Hessian(?) sword (AR7, series A012).  See: Massachusetts Archives. Artifact collection ((M-Ar)A001-A092) –Pursuant to Resolves 1777-78, c 528 (Dec. 4, 1777), a committee of the Massachusetts General Court was appointed to draft a letter of thanks to Stark.  Upon completion of the letter, it was approved by the legislature (Resolves 1777-78, c 529 (Dec. 5, 1777)), and a copy signed by Council president Jeremiah Powell on the foregoing date was sent to Stark stating that the trophies were to be deposited in the archives of the state to memorialize his success.  As thanks for his services, the General Court the same day directed the Board of War to provide Stark with a suit of clothing befitting his rank (Resolves 1777-78, c 530)
Notes: The Secretary of the Commonwealth is keeper of permanent public records of Massachusetts, including this series
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