Early Albany Town Watch Document Signed By Notable War Of 1812 Captains

A city guard, city watch, town guard, or town watch, was a law enforcement and security formation found in many countries and historical periods, usually subordinate to the local municipal government. Historically, many cities had their own guard formations, which doubled as police and military forces in times of need. Such was the case for Albany, NY.

Offering a 7 ¾ x 12 ½ one-page document, September 13^th, 1830, dispensing payments to 18 individuals who served as captain of watch for ten nights. Each was paid $7.50. 

Several signatures at the bottom and verso, including JAMES MAHLER, who was alderman at the time and organized the Republican Green Rifle Company, also known as the Irish Greens, which he captained.  The company was one of the more successful of the Irish Companies that fought with distinction. The Irish Greens captured Little York on the Canadian border. 

Upon his return to Albany as a military hero, he began a political career and became Alderman in the Fourth Ward. Mahler represented Martin Van Buren’s Agency Regency, one of America’s first political machines.

The document is also signed by H.W. Snyder, who commanded his own regiment during the War of 1812.

Folds, expected toning.

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