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Revolutionary War soldier, Captain in the Connecticut Line. Once a prosperous merchant, he sacrificed everything he had for the Revolution. His long service in the Continental Army, with his son Ebenezer, Jr., in tow, led to the collapse of his several businesses, and resulted in him ending his days living on leased land in New York with no estate to pass on to his heirs. Manuscript pay order authorizing £163.18.8 to be paid to Captain Couch. Revolutionary War-dated September 10, 1779, and signed by Samuel Wyllys, the Secretary of State for Connecticut, among others. Signed on the reverse "Ebenzr. Couch Capt." A great piece in very nice condition. $250.00 SOLD
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5. OLIVER ELLSWORTH (1745-1807)
Continental Congressman and later US Senator for Connecticut, one of the framers of the US Constitution, Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court 1796-1800. He is credited with suggesting the name "United States" for his newly independent country. Lovely manuscript pay-table document authorizing funds for the "security" of Hartford, Connecticut. Dated December 13, 1776, just a few months after Independence. Boldly signed by Ellsworth on behalf of the pay-table committee. Also signed by famed early American jurist JESSE ROOT. $425.00
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6. OLIVER ELLSWORTH (1745-1807)
Continental Congressman and later US Senator for Connecticut, one of the framers of the US Constitution, Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court 1796-1800. He is credited with suggesting the name "United States" for his newly independent country. Superb Manuscript pay order to Dr, Joseph Cort for "medicines supplied the Riflemen marching through this Colony..." The riflemen in question were rifle companies raised by the Continental Congress and marching to join General George Washingtonxs hard-pressed Continental Army! An additional notation authorizes payment to Daniel Cort for "Saltpetre," a key component of gunpowder. Attractive and historic, dated September 24, 1776, and signed "O. Ellsworth." $450.00
American Revolution
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Continental Congressman and later US Senator for Connecticut, one of the framers of the US Constitution, Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court 1796-1800. He is credited with suggesting the name "United States" for his newly independent country. Manuscript pay order for Doctor Abel Catlin, military surgeon for the 4th Connecticut Regiment, which had been raised in 1775. Signed "O. Ellsworth" and Revolutionary War-dated April 15, 1776. After the war, Catlin was involved in helping William Grimes, an escaped slave from Georgia who had made a new life in Connecticut as an industrious family man, purchase his freedom once his location was discovered. Signed "O. Ellsworth" as a member of the Pay Table Committee. A great piece of Revolutionary and early American history from the year of Independence! SOLD
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4. OLIVER ELLSWORTH (1745-1807)
Continental Congressman and later US Senator for Connecticut, one of the framers of the US Constitution, Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court 1796-1800. He is credited with suggesting the name "United States" for his newly independent country. Manuscript pay order for Eliha Whittlesey authorizing £37.4.9 for "Cartage & transportation within this state, for Ordnance stores (etc.) for Continental Army" as well as for caring for Squire Jones, a sick Continental soldier. Dated October 30, 1776! Signed "O. Ellsworth" as a member of the Pay Table Committee. A great piece of Revolutionary and early American history from the year of Independence! SOLD
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7. OLIVER ELLSWORTH (1745-1807)
Continental Congressman and later US Senator for Connecticut, one of the framers of the US Constitution, Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court 1796-1800. He is credited with suggesting the name "United States" for his newly independent country. Manuscript pay order authorizing £2.13.6 "for Medicines & Administering to a Sick Soldier of the Connecticut Troops at Hartford." Dated December 28, 1775, and signed "O. Ellsworth." $425.00
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8. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN (1706-1790)
Printer, Author, Statesman. Signer of both the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution. By the time of the Revolution, he was an internationally respected scientist for his pioneering work in electricity. An inventor of note, his "Franklin Stove" was a simple, hugely popular device. His international stature helped make him an effective diplomat for the newly independent United States. He negotiated the French alliance and the Peace of Paris that ended the Revolution. He chaired the important Grand Committee that worked out the thorniest issues during the Constitutional Convention. Colonial currency printed by B. Franklin and D. Hall, May 1, 1760. A twenty shilling Pennsylvania note signed by Evan Morgan, Thomas Say, and Charles Jones. Printed by Benjamin Franklin on his printing press. $1200.00
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9. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN (1706-1790)
A twenty shilling Delaware colonial currency note printed by B. Franklin and D. Hall, June 1, 1759. Signed by David Hall, William Armstrong, and John Burns. Printed by Benjamin Franklin on his printing press. $1900.00
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10. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN (1706-1790)
A fifty shilling Delaware colonial currency note printed by B. Franklin and D. Hall, May 31, 1760. Signed by David Hall, Evan Rice, and V. Lockerman. Printed by Benjamin Franklin on his printing press. An especially rare example. $3500.00
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11. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN (1706-1790)
A ten shilling Pennsylvania colonial currency note printed by B. Franklin and D. Hall, June 18, 1764. Signed by Jona. Evans, Tho. Wharton, and E. Story. Printed by Benjamin Franklin on his printing press. $950.00
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12. FRENCH ARMY (Commissary Agent Jeremiah Wadsworth)
Manuscript order dated April 7, 1781 at Hartford, Connecticut, signed by Jeremiah Wadsworth, Commissary Agent to the French Army. Directed to the Agent to the French Army at Newport for 1,830 Livres "in a Bill of Exchange on Paris," and signed by Wadsworth. Later in this same year, the French Army would march south to Virginia to seal the American victory in the Revolutionary War at the Battle of Yorktown. Any Revolutionary War documents related to the French Army are very rare. $775.00
Born of great wealth and social prominence. After graduating from Harvard, he became an active Son of Liberty. In 1774, he rose from the rank of Captain to Colonel of the 20th Regiment of Colonial Militia. He commanded Minute Men from Connecticut during the Lexington Alarm and would go on to command the Eighth Continental Regiment which was later reorganized into the Seventeenth Continental Regiment in 1776. In 1777 he was promoted to Brigadier General fighting at the Battle of Germantown. He would winter with General Washington at Valley Forge in 1777 to 1778 before moving on to fight at the Battle of Monmouth in June. Huntingdon remained in command until the end of the war in June 1783 and was brevetted Major General for war service. Huntington would serve as a Constitutional Convention delegate and in 1789 was appointed Customs Collection agent at New London, Connecticut by her personal friend, President George Washington.
This partially printed Connecticut pay order is dated February 1, 1789 and made out to Sherediah Butts, Esq of Canterbury. The two documents are attached to each other and numbered in sequential order. No. 3008 is made out for £24.10.0. No. 3009 is made out for £14.12.0. Both documents are signed "Jed Huntington," as Treasurer, making two Huntington signatures on the one document. It is unusual to find pay orders in this form. $380.00
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Famed cavalry commander of the War of the Revolution, Federalist governor of Virginia 1792-1795, father of Robert E. Lee. It was Henry Lee who wrote the words “First in War, first in Peace, first in the hearts of his countrymen,” as part of eulogy resolutions offered upon George Washington’s death. Terrific manuscript invoice and pay order for the supplying of “some saddles and bridles received from Mr. Simpson for use my cavalry,” with detailed entries and amounts, totaling £18.10.0. Signed “Henry Lee, Lt Col: (Lee’s) Legion” A great piece of Revolutionary War history from one of the most colorful commanders in the Continental Army. $975.00
16. (Chaplain ISAAC LEWIS) 1745-1840
Chaplain in Colonel Bradley's Connecticut Regiment, State Militia, Wadsworth's Brigade, May to December, 1776. Partially printed interest certificate from the State of Connecticut for service in the Continental Line, payable to Isaac Lewis. Dated June 1, 1782, with interest payment entries on the reverse through 1789. $395.00
Lincoln was an American army officer who served as a major general in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. He is noted for being present at several major surrenders during the war.
Lincoln was forced to surrender more than 5,000 men to British forces in May of 1780 in Charleston, SC. This loss of the southern army at Charleston was one of the worst Continental defeats of the war. He was denied honors of war in surrendering but was later paroled with no charges being brought against him.
Lincoln was exchanged for British Major General William Phillips in November 1780, returning to George Washington's main army and leading it south to Virginia where he played a major role in the Siege of Yorktown and the surrender of Charles Cornwallis in 1781. Pleading illness, Cornwallis did not attend the surrender ceremony, choosing instead to send his second-in-command, Charles O'Hara. In response, George Washington refused to accept O'Hara's sword and sent Lincoln, his second-in-command, to receive the official surrender.
Dated February 13, 1807 and measuring 10" x 5", this partially printed ship's manifest is for an American vessel sailing traveling from Marsilles, France to Marblehead, Massachusetts It was in Marblehead where Benjamin Lincoln served as collector for the port. The ship was bringing with it 118 gallons of brandy. The document is signed "B. Lincoln." $325.00
18. MASSACHUSETTS EXPRESS RIDER
Manuscript pay receipt for £7:10 to Express Rider Ezra Hitchcock for 13 days of riding time with destinations including Arlington and "Camp at Head Quarters." Revolutionary War-dated August 26, 1781. Signed on the front by Hitchcock as received. A great wartime piece. $775.00
19. MINUTE-MEN (Connecticut)
BENJAMIN CLARK. Revolutionary Patriot, Justice of the Peace. A Minute-Man from Plainfield, Connecticut, he was one of those who responded to the Lexington Alarm and marched to the relief of Boston! Manuscript pay order authorizing payment of the balance due for "service rendered to the United States" to Captain Reuben Marcey. Like Clark, Marcey also responded to the Lexington Alarm as a Lieutenant with the Ashford Minute-Men. Also signed by Stephen Eaton, who may be the same person listed as a soldier in the 3rd Regiment of the Connecticut Line. A very rare piece bearing the signature of one documented Minute-Man, and in reference to another! Revolutionary War-dated September 12, 1780. $450.00
20. PENNSYLVANIA STATE NAVY
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
Patriot activist, served as member of the Board of War and Quartermaster-General of the Army during the War of the Revolution. Appointed Secretary of War 1795, he served until dismissed by political enemy John Adams in 1800. An ardent Federalist, he opposed the war of 1812. Manuscript pay order of the United States for extra pay as wagon conductor to William Skeel, covering the period January 1-June 21, 1783, and at the rate of $10 per month. Signed “Tim: Pickering Q.M.G.” as Quartermaster General of the Revolutionary army. $450.00 SOLD
22. TIMOTHY PICKERING (1745-1829)
Patriot activist, served as member of the Board of War and Quartermaster-General of the Army during the War of the Revolution. Appointed Secretary of War 1795, he served until dismissed by political enemy John Adams in 1800. An ardent Federalist, he opposed the war of 1812. Partially printed United States promissory note authorizing £31:8. to paid a year from the date of issue. Dated March 1, 1781, and signed “Tim Pickering,” the document describes the payment as being for 4 months and 26 days service as a wagon conductor, less the costs of clothing and previous cash received. Very nice condition, and a great Revolutionary War-dated piece. $595.00
Soldier of the Revolution, and officer of “Proctor’s Artillery” formed in Pennsylvania in 1775. He was captured early in 1776 and spent months aboard the British prison ship “Glascow,” in company with Ethan Allen among others. Upon his exchange, he commanded the 4th Continental Artillery 1777-1778. Very interesting manuscript receipt for £6.0.0 from fellow Pennsylvania artillery company commander James Biddle, to cover “exercising and instructing his Company of Artillery” from July through September, 1775. Dated January 11, 1776, and signed “Fran.c Proctor.” Proctor had served previously in an Irish artillery regiment, and brought rare skill and experience to the Revolutionary cause. Some water staining, but professionally cleaned and de-acidified. A great piece of American Revolutionary history. $375.00
24. (REVOLUTIONARY WAR) CONNECTICUT
Partially printed pay order for the State of Connecticut, war-dated February 24, 1778. The the sum of £18.0.0 was authorized for William Dodd "to enable him to proceed on his journey to Congress." Signed by John Chenward of the Pay Table Committee, and directed to State Treasurer John Lawrence. Signed as received by Dodd on the reverse. Excellent condition, and bearing a desirable 1778 Revolutionary War date. $225.00
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Revolutionary War soldier, later Mayor of Berlin, Connecticut. Served in the Major Eli Leavenworth's Company of the 6th Regiment of the Connecticut Line, among other units. Manuscript receipt for a delivery of shoes, shirts, socks and other much-needed clothing for the 4th Connecticut Regiment. Revolutionary-War-dated February 19, 1781. Boldly signed by Curtiss on the front. $225.00
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27. (REVOLUTIONARY WAR) MARYLAND
Rare original partially printed Maryland Pay Order. Most surviving documents of this type are from Connecticut, with a number of known examples from Pennsylvania as well. This is the first Maryland Pay Order we have seen in the last two decades of handling this sort of material. The document authorizes the payment of forty pounds and fourteen shillings to William Rue, a private soldier of the 3rd Maryland Regiment “in the service of the United States.” Issued August 23, 1782, at the end of the Revolutionary War. The Maryland regiments of he Continental Army were renowned for their skill and zeal, and are generally considered to have been among the best troops fielded by the Americans during the war. The 3rd Maryland Regiment saw extensive service during the war, beginning in 1776, and participated in most of the major battles of the conflict. On the reverse, Rue has assigned the note to “Major John Davidson” for “value of him received” in January, 1783, when the regiment was disbanded in South Carolina. Speculating in these notes was a common practice at the time, and speculators like the Major would pay a small amount in immediate cash to the soldiers who held the notes (many of whom had gone long stretches with no pay), in hopes that if the notes were redeemed in full by the state, they would profit. It was later transferred to a man named Latimer and signed with an “X” by Rue on the reverse. A fantastic and rare Revolutionary document. $500.00
28. (REVOLUTIONARY WAR) MILITARY SURGEON
Treasury receipt from New Haven, Connecticut, date October, 1789, authorizing payment for a member of the assembly. Signed by Lemuel Wheeler, a Surgeon in Colonel Hinman's 4th Regiment. $125.00
29. (REVOLUTIONARY WAR) PENNSYLVANIA
Partially printed pay order authorizing the sum of £31.16.6 for Captain John Davis as interest on his depreciation certificate, probably as part of his wartime compensation. Signed on the reverse “Capt. John Davis.” Davis saw a great deal of action during the war, and a portion of his diary was published in the Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, Volume 1, Number 1, July 1893. A great piece of Revolutionary history. $275.00
31. (REVOLUTIONARY WAR) RECEIPT - FRENCH ARMY
Interesting military receipt for 200 “new Continental Dollars” to be used to purchase forage for the French Army that had arrived to help the infant United States during the Revolution. War-dated November 22, 1780, and signed “E. Colt” on behalf of Peter Colt, Deputy Commissary General of Purchase and great-grandfather of firearms inventor Sam Colt. A nice Revolutionary War item, with a rare reference to America’s critical French allies. $275.00 SOLD
32. (REVOLUTIONARY WAR) RHODE ISLAND
Terrific manuscript document appointing Joseph Whippel to supply wood for “the use of the troops stationed hear (sic).” “Here” appears to be Warwick, Rhode Island, birthplace of legendary Revolutionary War General Nathaniel Greene. Dated January 3, 1779, and signed by John Warner as the district Quartermaster General. $145.00
33. (REVOLUTIONARY WAR) VA MILITARY WARRANT
RARE VIRGINIA MILITARY WARRANT to survey 200 acres of land due unto Garret Cavenear for Revolutionary War service with the Virginia Continental Line, dated June 24, 1783. An endorsement on the reverse, signed by Cavenear, transfers the warrant to Alexander Fowler, probably a land speculator. Set with a black wax seal. A fascinating piece of Revolutionary War history. $325.00 SOLD
Soldier of the Revolution, Continental Army Officer from Connecticut. Interestingly, although Seymour survived the American Revolution he was killed shortly thereafter by a bolt of lightning that entered his chimney, traveled through the floors of his house and struck Seymour as he stood in his own front doorway. Manuscript Pay Order authorizing £580 to finance a “company new to be raised.” Dated June 20, 1776, just two weeks before America declared Independence! Seymour later led the company he raised throughout the war as part of Elijah Sheldon’s regiment. Boldly signed “Israel Seymour.” Fine condition – an excellent Revolutionary War/1776 item from a front-line patriot! $300.00
35. (THOMAS SUMTER) 1735-1832
Soldier of the Revolution, serving as Colonel of the Second Regiment of the South Carolina Continental Line. He was instrumental in wearing down Cornwallis’ army, and driving them out of the Carolinas and toward their doom at Yorktown. Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired, was named for him. When he died at the age of 97, he was the last surviving General of the American Revolution. Manuscript quartermaster document dated “April the 26th, 1776,” recording “Neare Nelson’s Ferry Colonel Thomas Sumter’s Regiment of Riflemen, Rashins for 2 of Ct. Wade’s Company of Riflemen 1 day.” A great Revolutionary War artifact referencing a legendary officer and bearing a desirable 1776 date. $355.00
30. (REVOLUTIONARY WAR) PENNSYLVANIA PAID TO CAPTAIN GEORGE BUSH
Revolutionary War Pay Order issued to Captain George Bush of the 11th Regiment of the Pennsylvania Line in the amount of three pounds. The amount is "one year's interest on his depreciation certificate, due the tenth of April, 1785." The document is signed by John Nicholson and James Irvine. On the reverse is the autograph endorsement of Captain Bush.
John Nicholson (d. 1800) was an American Revolutionary War financier and associate of Robert Morris whom he joined in debtor's prison in 1800. The career of John Nicholson was very similar to that of Robert Morris. Both rendered invaluable financial assistance during the Revolution, both did much to develop and settle the new territories and both were finally broken by being too confident about the rapid growth of the economy. James Irvine (1735-1819) was an American Revolutionary War general and vice-president of Pennsylvania (1784-1785.) $495.00
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26. (REVOLUTIONARY WAR) DRAGOONS / CAVALRY
Manuscript document authorizing pay for Daniel Craigg, a former member of the “Connecticut Rigement of Hors Commanded by Col. Shelding.” This is a reference to the Second Continental Light Dragoons, sometimes called “Sheldon’s Regiment,” comprised largely of Connecticut cavalry. Craigg is signing over the pay due him for 1780, 1782, and 1783, to James Reynolds “for value received.” Signed by Craigg and other officials, and dated 1788. $95.00
25. (REVOLUTIONARY WAR) CONNECTICUT
Partially printed promissory note for the State of Connecticut, dated June 1, 1782. The the sum of £2.15.4 was authorized for Ira Hotchkiss "who hath served in the Connecticut Line of the Continental Army." Signed by Treasurer Peter Colt, great-grandfather of firearms inventor Sam Colt. Excellent condition, and surrounded by an engraved border "For the Payment of the Connecticut Line." $175.00
French soldier and statesman, important figure in both the French and American Revolutions. Lafayette was a member of the Chamber of Deputies at the time. Dated February 20 (1823), the autograph letter signed is a 1 page 8vo to Colonel Hortoche. Lafayette tells Hortoche that his petition to his colleagues was warly received. Written in French, the document includes the integral address leaf. $1350.00
