WILLIAMSBURG, May 15, 1776.
Deserted from my company of continental regulars, now in this city, Nathaniel Lane, 5 feet 10 inches high, about 21 years old, is likely, and well formed, has a round face, good features, dark eyes, short curled hair, florid complexion, downcast look, is a sober serious fellow, and talks very little. Whoever delivers the said deserter to me shall have a 5 L. reward.
THOMAS MASSIE.
Virginia Gazette (Purdie) May 17, 1776
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About this entry:
Thomas Massie of New Kent was a captain of the 6th Virginia Regiment raised on December 28, 1775 at Williamsburg. Lane deserted during training - before the regiment has even left town. Massie doesn't mention what Lane was wearing but likely he had on the hunting shirt proscribed for all the 6th Regiment, both officers and men. If Lane returned, he would have seen battle at Trenton, NJ on December 26, 1776 with the rest of the regiment.
Sources: "6th Va Regiment", Military Colector and Historian, v2 (1950) p 23-4.
