History

A liquor chest used by soldiers in the American Revolution and the War of 1812 was recently donated to the New York State Museum. The chest was donated by the descendants of Captain Abraham Swartwout (an officer on General George Washington's staff during the American Revolution) and Brigadier General Robert Swartwout (served as the 9th Quartermaster General of the United States Army during the War of 1812).
 
Brigadier General Robert Swartwout (December 8, 1779 - July 17, 1848) was born in Poughkeepsie, New York, the son of the American Revolutionary War military veteran Captain Abraham Swartwout. He began his military career in the War of 1812 as militia colonel at New York Harbor. Following the death of General Leonard Covington at the Battle of Chrysler's field, he was appointed Brigadier General and 9th Quartermaster General of the U.S. Army on March 21, 1813, by President James Madison through Secretary of War John Armstrong. Later, President James Monroe reappointed him Quartermaster General and he served in that capacity until June 5, 1816.
 
The liquor chest was used by Abraham and Robert Swartwout. The Museum is proud to acquire the chest as it is a historic artifact that was used by New York State soldiers over two centuries ago.