P4601

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Joseph Plumb Martin - Continential Soldier

Collins Cover Announcement 

Joseph Plumb Martin

Continental Soldier

Many of George Washington's officers are familiar figures in U.S. history books. Over the years I have done cachets for many of them on my covers. Now it is with a true sense of respect for and pride in the exploits and service of our patriot ancestors that I honor a true American hero — Private Joseph Plumb Martin, Continental Army.

Joseph was a farm boy of 15 living in Milford, Connecticut with his grandparents. In June of 1776 he enlisted in the Army. He saw action in dozens of skirmishes and many of the major battles. When Joseph was discharged after seven years of service, he had fought in the battles of Long Island, Kip's Bay, Harlem Heights, White Plains, Germantown, Monmouth and Fort Mifflin. He endured the most severe winter of the entire 1700s in the huts of Washington's encampment at Morristown, NJ. Private Martin also spent another horribly cold winter with the Army at Valley Forge. In 1781, now a sergeant, he sailed south to Yorktown, Virginia and with his fellow patriots laid siege to the forces of General Cornwallis. At one point as Martin worked on the trenches, he actually had a brief conversation with General Washington. When the decisive time came, he was in the forefront of those troops who charged the fortifications and ended the war. Joseph Plumb Martin then witnessed the British soldiers lay down their muskets and surrender. That day he also witnessed the birth of our country which his brave, prolonged, and dedicated service had helped achieve. The War for Independence had been won.

When the war was over, Joseph traveled north to Maine and settled down near the Penobscot River. He built a house and following in his grandfather's footsteps became a fanner and carpenter. In 1794 he married 18-year old Lucy Clewley and in Prospect, Maine they raised a fine family. During the war, Martin had kept a detailed journal of his experiences and feelings. It is considered the finest diary kept by any enlisted man in the Revolutionary War.

My individually hand painted cachet is one that is a perfect example of what makes First Day Cover collecting such an interesting hobby. It shows the young Continental Soldier in full uniform at Valley Forge. Nearby is George Washington pondering the fate of his troops and country. And from the journal he kept are the words of the Connecticut farm boy upon his enlistment. Joseph, to you we say you "proved yourself." I'm honored to offer my tribute to Joseph Plumb Martin. Collins #P4601 —$14.00.