Dear Histarch,

Recent excavations in Southern Va yielded several Bilboes [bilbows],
shackle-like restraints.  All appear to have derived from sealed,
Revolutionary War context; associated artifacts indicate the site was
occupied by English troops and American Loyalists during and after the
Siege of Yorktown.  We have found that these were used as disciplinary
devices, in particular in the English military from the 17th through 18th
century.  However given the location of the site and the various bilboe
sizes, slave association is not out of the question.

I was wondering if anyone had found these items on Revolutionary War sites
and, if so, how they were interpreted.  Slave? Brig?  Medical?  I can send
pictures to anyone who requests.

Thanks a lot for your help,

Christopher Sperling