Revolutionary War Express Rider Expense

This document is a Revolutionary War-era expense account dated September 14, 1781, submitted to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts by an express rider named Sam Chapman. It details costs incurred for delivering urgent messages (express riding) between Boston and other locations during the final months of the American Revolution.

Document Breakdown

The account lists specific charges for courier services and related travel expenses:

* Express Ride to Marblehead: A charge for a ride to "Marblehead the Wharf," listed at 1 shilling and 4 pence per mile, totaling £1.0.0.

* Time and Ferry Expenses: Charges for one day of "my time" and "expenses & crossing the Ferry," both at 12 shillings.

* Long-Distance Ride to Great Barrington: A 150-mile journey at 1 shilling and 4 pence per mile, totaling £10.0.0.

* Extended Service Time: 7 days of time charged at 12 shillings per day, totaling £4.4.0.

* Self and Horse Expenses: Costs for personal and animal upkeep during the 7-day trip, also totaling £4.4.0.

The total balance due is listed as £20.12.0 (20 pounds and 12 shillings). The bottom of the document includes the standard 18th-century commercial disclaimer "Errors Excepted ac" (Errors and Omissions Excepted), indicating the bill is subject to correction.

Historical Context

Express riders like Sam Chapman were vital for military and governmental communications before modern postal systems. At the time this was written (September 1781), the Revolutionary War was reaching its climax, with the Siege of Yorktown beginning in the South and Massachusetts maintaining high alert for British naval activity. The mention of "Marblehead the Wharf" likely refers to delivering orders to coastal defenses or naval vessels.

Sam Chapman is indeed documented in the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History collection as the recipient of payments from the Commonwealth.