From 1775-1778 a tiny force of a few dozen small gunboat galleys, fireships, and shore defenses, along with fewer then 800 men, comprised the Pennsylvania Navy in defense of the Delaware River approach to Philadelphia. In May of 1776, this little fleet engaged the British warships Roebuck (44) and Liverpool (28), driving them off. Partially printed Pennsylvania pay order for "Captain William Watkins of the State Navy" for £15:13:3, representing a year's payment on his deprecation certificate from wartime service. Signed on the reverse by Captain Watkins on September 6, 1785. Any artifacts from this small and short-lived Revolutionary War unit are extremely rare. Signed on the front by State Treasurer David Rittenhouse, a prominent Philadelphia statesman and citizen, and first Director of the US Mint. $700.00