American Revolution |
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1. Captain EBENEZER COUCH (1709-1797). |
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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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2. Lieutenant GILES CURTISS (1753-1842). |
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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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3. OLIVER ELLSWORTH (1745-1807). |
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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). |
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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 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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5. OLIVER ELLSWORTH (1745-1807). |
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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. 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). |
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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. 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 Washington’s 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 | |||
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7. OLIVER ELLSWORTH (1745-1807). |
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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 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). |
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| 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. A product of Franklin's press, but not signed by him. $1200.00 | |||
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9. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN (1706-1790). |
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| 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. A product of Franklin's press, but not signed by him. An especially rare example. $3500.00 | |||
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10. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN (1706-1790). |
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| 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. A product of Franklin's press, but not signed by him. $800.00 | |||
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11. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN (1706-1790). |
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| 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. A product of Franklin's press, but not signed by him. $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 | |||
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13. JOHN HART (1711-1779). | ||
| Signer of the Declaration of Independence, member of the Continental Congress, Speaker of the first Assembly of the State of New Jersey. New Jersey one shilling and sixpence note from the issue of March 25, 1776. Signed on the front, "John Hart." SOLD | |||
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14. HENRY “LIGHT-HORSE HARRY” LEE (1756-1818). | ||
| 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 | |||
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15. 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. Not signed. $395.00 | |||
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16. BENJAMIN LINCOLN (1733-1810). | ||
| American Revolutionary, Major-General in the Continental Army, received General Cornwallis’ sword at the British surrender of Yorktown. 8” by 14” partially printed ships’ manifest for the schooner Hiram, sailing from Bourdeaux to Marblehead, Massachusetts, and bringing with it a cask of wine. Signed “B. Lincoln” as collector for the port of Marblehead. $225.00 | |||
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17. 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 | |||
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18. 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 | |||
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19. 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 | |||
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20. 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. 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 | |||
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21. 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 | |||
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22. FRANCIS PROCTOR. | ||
| 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 | |||
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23. (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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24. (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 | |||
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25. (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 | |||
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26. (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 | |||
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27. (REVOLUTIONARY WAR). PENNSYLVANIA | ||
| Partially printed pay order, war-dated June 19, 1777, for the sum of £23.5.0. The order is payable to Pennsylvania physician and revolutionary JOSEPH GARDNER (1752-1794), for his service in the General Assembly the previous month. Gardner later served as Continental Congressman for Pennsylvania. Signed on the front by Gardner, and by Jonathan Bayard, Speaker of the Assembly. The same order authorizes £2.4.2 to cover Gardner’s travel expenses from Chester County, a distance of 53 miles (a considerable journey in the days of horse-powered travel). $275.00 | |||
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28. (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 | |||
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29. (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 | |||
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30. (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 | |||
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31. (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 | |||
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32. ISRAEL SEYMOUR (1735-1784). | ||
| 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 | |||
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33. (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. Not signed. $155.00 | |||