Sister Rain’s Note:
This is the fifth story in a series about my search for an ancestor who was a Patriot in the American Revolutionary War. To read the previous posts, click on the following: following:
“Historical Society Of Pennsylvania“”
“The Search Heard Round The World”
“The Son-In-Law Of Liberty”
“This Colonel Is My Truth“
While verifying that Colonel Augustine Willett is my 5x great-grandfather and that he was in the Continental Army in the Revolutionary War, an unbelievable discovery was made. I am not using the word “unbelievable” for effect, months later I am still in awe. The Colonel’s pistol, ledger from the tavern he owned, as well as his uniform coat are at the Mercer Museum in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. Finding this article, “Stolen 18th Century Pistol Returned To Bucks County Museum After Nearly 50 Years,” I phoned Mercer to make sure the items were currently on display, they were not. However, Emma, the Collections Manager I spoke with, informed me that I could make an appointment to do a private Collections visit. I was thrilled and immediately made the arrangements.
On the designated day, my husband and I drove there, wondering aloud if we would be able to don gloves and possibly handle the pieces. It seemed unlikely, given their age. When we arrived at Mercer Museum, we asked for Emma, she soon met us in the lobby. The artifacts were in an off-site storage building, a location not marked and somewhat off the beaten path. Because of this, Emma offered to drive us in her car. Mister Rain worked in the area for almost 20 years and had no idea this place existed. It was a cloak and dagger excursion, very appropriate for the event. We parked, after Emma unlocked the non-descript building’s door, all of us stepped into the darkness. She turned on the lights, revealing a small entryway with a freezer lining one wall. This would prompt my husband to later ask if they had any human remains here. It speaks to my level of excitement that I didn’t think to ask first. We are those people, me usually more than him.
Following Emma into a large open room containing tables, Mister Rain uttered, “Oh, boy.” Knowing I could not yet see what he did, we continued walking forward. Once very close to it, I saw a clothes rack with a single item hanging from the bar: my 5x great-grandfather’s coat. Uncovered. Right there. “Oh, my god,” I said. “You can touch it,” Emma told me. I wanted to be sure; “I can? Really?,” I asked. “Yes,” was the reply. I reached out, my fingers running the length of the sleeve from the shoulder to the cuff where Colonel Willett’s wrist once was. How was this possible?
We all removed our jackets, then Emma pointed out the pistol and the ledger on the table. But I could not bring myself to leave the coat. I looked at it up close, as is my way since my visual impairment. My hands traveled every inch reverently. The epaulets, the buttons. I opened the coat, looking at the inside, conscious of the fact that my great-grandfather’s body was once inside. It was then that we noticed a heart sewn on the inside bottom corner of the coat on both sides. I traced one with my finger. Emma wasn’t quite sure about the hearts, but I would further research them. That is a story unto itself. Stay tuned for more about not only the hearts, but the coat in its entirety in a future post.
I finally tore myself away from the garment, approaching the table with equal veneration. Emma explained that I could pick up the pistol but due to its metal components, I would need to wear gloves. As much as I loved being able to experience the coat with no barriers, the gloves seemed natural for what I was about to do. Once my hands were encased in protective gear, I picked up the gun. I was struck by both its heft and its lightness. Colonel Willett held this gun in his hand. Two and a half centuries later, his 5x great-granddaughter was doing the same. What would he think of this? What did I think of this? It was almost too much to comprehend. If it was any 250-year-old item I would have been beside myself. The start of this country that I love so much is of great interest and immense gratitude to me. Now let’s throw into the mix the fact that the man, the Patriot, who once owned this pistol is the reason I am here. That I am anywhere. If you are a frequent reader of Sister Rain, it is no surprise that the tears came. I am not sure exactly when but I know there was a slight delay caused by the sheer size of the moment.
As difficult as it was to set the gun down, I passed it to my husband. Instead of going to the ledger, I returned to the coat. It was as if I was afraid that it would disappear if I didn’t continue to pay attention to it. The ledger did call, however, demanding that I sit down at the table where it waited patiently. I had removed my gloves and went to put them back on, but Emma stopped me, telling me it wasn’t necessary. WHAT??? This was Christmas AND my birthday! I gently began to page through the book. I was unable to see the writing on its pages, but I saw there was something there. Mister Rain quickly took a few pictures so that I could see them while there by enlarging the images. I was mesmerized by the small, precise writing, yet the stains on some of the pages were fascinating. They were proof positive of life, more so than the letters created by my 5x great-grandfather’s fingers and a quill pen. One page in particular had what looked to be the markings of a hand, my husband told me. I placed my own there. What a gift for anyone, but especially for someone who uses the sense of touch to compensate for her lack of sight.
I repeatedly visited the three possessions, I did not want to leave them. Although they will remain at this museum forever, hopefully, this opportunity presented itself as the chance of a lifetime . . . both mine and Colonel Willett’s. But me and Grandpa Auggie, as I had begun to think of him, were just getting started.
To be continued . . .
“Coat Tales”
“Proving My DNA To The DAR”
“Becoming A Daughter In My Fifties”
“My 5x Great-Grandfather Is An Exhibitionist”
“Certifiably Framed”
“Valley Forging Our Bond”
“Over The River And Through The Woods To My 5x Great-Grandfather’s Tavern I Go“
#sisterrain #alittlesightalotofheart #legallyblindwriter #ushistory #genealogy #mercermuseum #colonelaugustinewillett #grandpaauggie #familyrarelooms
