[Gen. Washington] Revolutionary War Col. Hazen Seeks Witness For Tichenor Trial

One-page, ALS, 7 ¾ x 12 ½, Springfield, [MA] 18th, April 1780 by Moses Hazen to Colonel Jonathan Chase requesting that Chase attend the trial of Isaac Tichenor, who was accused by Hazen and acknowledged by George Washington that Tichenor was guilty of mismanaging supplies for the Continental Army and disobeying orders.   Hazen writes, "The Court martial for the Trial of Mr. Isaac Tichenor Commissary of Purchases has been Convened at this place. The Court has found It necessary to adj[o]urn to Charlestown and there to meet on monday the 24th Instant at 10 oclock in the fore noon. Your Evidence will be Necessary on that Day; or as Soon after as you can Possibly attend; not so much on the Principal Charges Exhibited against Mr. Tichenor, as for the Credit of Justice Due; and future protection of your own Country--which will much Depend on the event of this Trial.  I have desired this letter be forwarded to you by express wherever you may be; and beg you will not omit giving your Personal attendance at Charlestown on this Trial. 

“Dear Sir

“Your very Humbl Servt

“Moses Hazen

“Colonel Jonathan Chase.”

Expecting toning, folds, docketing on verso.

In February of 1780, Hazen wrote to George Washington to request a court martial to try a number of Hazen’s charges against Tichenor including negligence, failure to obey orders, mismanagement and corruption. Washington ordered the court martial, which was begun in April--by October, Tichenor was cleared of all charges.

HAZEN was an officer in the French and Indian War and was living in Canada at the start of the Revolutionary War. In 1775, Hazen was arrested by both the Americans and the British as a spy. In 1776, he received a colonel's commission in the Continental Army and fought at Brandywine and Germantown. Promoted to Brigadier General in 1781, Hazen commanded a brigade under Lafayette during the Battle of Yorktown.

TICHENOR was appointed assistant to Jacob Cuyler, Deputy Commissary General for purchases for the Northern Department in 1777.  His field of service covered the New England states.  In performing his duties, he went to Bennington, VT, in June 1777, where he was superintendent for collecting supplies for the army.  In August of that year, he left Bennington for Albany with a drove of cattle. He arrived on the battle ground just as the fighting had ceased.  Tichenor was prominent in public affairs, representing the town in the General Assembly, including being House speaker, during the war.  He was a member of the State Council for five years, a judge of the state Supreme Court, including being Chief Justice, a U.S. Senator and Vermont Governor for 10 years.

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