1775 Siege of Boston Candle Order Request Sgt. J. Ashley to Commissary A. Blaney For Sale

Original Revolutionary War Supply Document – Siege of Boston – July 18, 1775
A remarkable firsthand artifact from the early months of the American Revolution. This handwritten supply order, issued during the Siege of Boston, orders three pounds of candles for the “main guard” and is signed by Sergeant J. Ashley, addressed to Commissary Aaron Blaney at the Roxbury Lines.

Mr. Blaney Roxbury 18 July 1775
Dr. The Bearer three pound Candles for the
Use of the main guard

J. Ashley, Serg.

[Reverse bears a name written in another hand: William McGachey (or McYackey)]

This document was written just one month after the Battle of Bunker Hill during the Siege of Boston, when the newly formed Continental Army surrounded British-held Boston. Roxbury was the southernmost anchor of the siege lines, and candlelight was vital for night watch and military readiness. This order reflects the essential logistics and human scale of Revolutionary life.

The presence of William McGachey on the reverse may reflect a later owner, archivist, or secondary handler of the document, as no military or resident records connect the name directly to Massachusetts in 1775.

Sergeant J. Ashley (likely Joseph Ashley of Westfield, MA)
Joseph Ashley is believed to have served in Col. John Fellows’ Massachusetts Regiment, garrisoned in Roxbury during this period. His duties likely included overseeing guard shifts and maintaining provisions for night watch posts. This small order for candles would have illuminated the tense nights of Continental sentries.

Aaron Blaney (1745–1824)
Commissary of the Roxbury Store, Blaney coordinated supplies out of the Loring House, distributing vital goods—food, munitions, and light—to troops throughout the fortified camp. He worked directly under General Artemas Ward’s leadership before George Washington took command.

William McGachey (variant: McYackey?)
The name written on the reverse may refer to a later collector or handler, as no Revolutionary service record places a William McGachey in Roxbury at the time. It remains a mystery and may add research appeal for collectors.

Original 1775 ink manuscript on period paper, with light wear and toning. Ink is bold and legible. Reverse name is in different hand and ink.

An exceptionally rare Revolutionary War relic showing the day-to-day demands of the Continental Army during its formation, tied to two real figures involved in sustaining the siege.