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Colonial America
 Documents


11166 - FUNDS ALLOTTED TO FORM A COMPANY IN THE NEW 2ND CONTINENTAL REGIMENT, Hartford, CT, February 13th, 1777. Authorization of 500 pounds to be used for enlisting men in the new regiment commanded by Colonel Charles Webb. 6" X 7", pre-printed and filled in. Signed by Ichabod Hinkley. COLONEL CHARLES WEBB, COMMANDED 2ND CONT. RGT. JANUARY 1777 THROUGH MARCH 1778. The 2nd Connecticut Regiment was authorized in the Continental Army on September 16, 1776. It was organized between 1 January - April 1777 at Danbury, Connecticut of eight companies from the counties of Fairfield, Windham, and Hartford in the state of Connecticut and assigned on 3 April 1777 to the 1st Connecticut Brigade of the Highlands Department. The regiment was re-assigned to McDougall's Brigade on 12 June 1777; then three days later (15 June 1777) it was re-assigned to the 2nd Connecticut Brigade. One month later, 10 July 1777, the regiment was re-assigned to 1st Connecticut Brigade. On 13 November 1777, the regiment was re-assigned to the 2nd Connecticut Brigade of the Main Continental Army. On 1 May 1779, the 2nd Connecticut Brigade was re-assigned to the Highlands department and the regiment was re-organized to nice companies on 11 July 1779. The regiment was re-assigned to the Highland's Department on 27 November 1780. On 1 January 1781, the regiment was merged with 9th Connecticut Regiment, re-organized and re-designated as the 3rd Connecticut Regiment of the 1st Connecticut Brigade. The regiment would see action in the New York Campaign, Battle of Brandywine, Battle of Germantown and the Battle of Monmouth. The regiment was furloughed 15 June 1783 at West Point, New York and disbanded on 15 November 1783. Capt. Ichabod Hinckley was born October 13, 1735 in Willington, and died February 23, 1807. He was captain in the Continental Army, and was very active in the Revolutionary War; served two terms in the General Assembly, and was selectman for fourteen years. He was a man of great natural dignity, of unusual ability, and of highest integrity. He served as first lieutenant, Sixth Company, Third Battalion, Wadsworth's Brigade. This battalion was raised in June, 1776, to reinforce Washington in New York City; served there and on Long Island; was caught in the retreat from the city, September 15, and suffered some loss; also engaged in the battle of White Plains, October 28. His time expired December 25, 1776. In exceptional condition..................................................$295.00

11170 - MASSACHUSETTS BAY COLONY 1756, A FISHERMAN SUES FOR WAGES DUE, 7" X 8" pre-printed and filled in court document outlining the charges by Nathaniel Canis a fisherman who claimed for wages not paid while working on Captain John Machette's schooner. The judgment dated March 10th, 1756 awarded him 16 pounds. Paper seal attached, impressed PINE TREE SEAL at lower left corner. Very bold manuscript and a sharp PINE TREE SEAL. Very fine, dated at Salem, Mass..................................$175.00

11171 - MASSACHUSETTS BAY COLONY 1757 COURT CASE, 7" X 8" pre-printed and filled in court document regarding the claim against George Hutchinson by Peter Groves in the amount of 8 pounds for failing to pay a debt. The Sheriff notes on the verso that Hutchinson has posted bail. Paper seal attached, 18th Century pin still attached, PINE TREE EMBLEM embossed stamp at lower left bottom. November 21st, 1751 at Salem, MA. Very bold manuscript and strong PINE TREE SEAL, some small edge fissures, paper firm and crisp........................................................$165.00


11172 - STATE OF CONNECTICUT, PAYMENTS BY THE STATE, 1785, 1786, 1787, 1790
, A group of four State of Connecticut financial documents all paying for debts of the State. Three of the documents are 3.5" X 5", the other slightly larger, all cancelled as usual. Condition of all is fine, an inexpensive grouping of post Revolution documents from Connecticut..................
$125.00


9210 - THE COLONY OF MASSACHUSETTS BAY GIVES BLANKETS TO THE WIDOWS OF THE STOCKBRIDGE MOHEGAN INDIANS KILLED BY THE BRITISH IN THE BATTLE OF KINGSBRIDGE, Resolves of the General Assembly of the State of Massachusetts Bay, 8" X 14", 4 pages printed, Boston, County of Suffolk, printed on thick laid paper with a manuscript notation "for the Selectman of Topsfield". A listing of 19 resolutions approved by the General Assembly from January 6th through January 11th, 1779. Including the following: allowing Savannah Dastuge to leave Boston and go to New York by sea or land [Tory leaving Boston], paying Samuel Delano for his wages while in the service of the state in captivity, paying for shirts, shoes, stockings to be given to the Corps of Invalids [wounded], authorization to sell firearms to the Selectman of several towns, Catherine Gliustnmeau is permitted to leave the State and travel to New York to pass to the West Indies and to take with her bed and linen [another Tory leaves Boston], Mary Gliustnmeau now a prisoner of the State by cared for until she is sent to New York [Tory prisoner], numerous resolutions pertaining to clothing State troops in the Continental Army, Francis Jobonot to be released from jail in Boston after he had taken the Oath of Allegiance after he aided American prisoners and renounced his allegiance to the Crown, finally a petition passed January 11th, 1779 delivering to the missionary to the Stockbridge Mohegan Indians blankets to be donated to five widows of that tribe. In July 1778, a group of Stockbridge Indians under Daniel Nimham joined the American army at White Plains, NY. Abraham Nimham, seeking to fight alongside his father, asked that all the Stockbridge Indians from several units be allowed to serve together. In August, the Stockbridge Militia was stationed at an outpost in what is now Yonkers, NY. Their enemy were the Queen's Rangers, an outgrowth of Rogers' Rangers, in which many Stockbridge Indians served during the French and Indian War. The scene of the action was Van Cortlandt Manor, a large estate between Broadway and the Bronx River. Midway between the river and the manor house was Mile Square Road, connecting the Albany Post Road with the hamlet of Mile Square in Westchester County. On August 31, about 40 Indians, including Abraham Nimham, his father Daniel, and 12 other Stockbridge natives, were killed in an ambush by the Rangers in the area that is now Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx. The American forces were outnumbered nearly five to one. During the action, Daniel Nimham wounded a British officer. With enemy troops at the front and rear, the old chief called out to his men to retreat, but then shouted "I am old an can die here." The Indians fled through the fields, where they were chased down. Overwhelmed, they refused to surrender and fought fiercely, leaping onto horses and dragging off the riders. They used their knives and tomahawks because there was no time to reload their muskets. The British soldiers called out for the fugitives to surrender, promising them their lives. Three Indians gave themselves up, but the British killed them. The site of this atrocity is known as Indian Bridge. The British reported a total of 40 Indians and a small number of rebel soldiers killed or wounded, and 10 prisoners taken. Four British soldiers were killed and three wounded. The two Nimhams were dead, as were 12 more young Stockbridge braves from their mission village. After the massacre, Hessian Captain Johann Von Weald described the Indian casualties: "Their costume was a shirt of coarse linen down to the knees, long trousers also a linen down to the feet, on which they wore shoes of deerskin, and the head was covered with a hat made of bast. "Their weapons were a rifle or musket, a quiver with some twenty arrows, and a short battle-axe, which they know how to throw very skillfully. Through the nose and in the ears they wore rings, and on their heads only he hair of the crown remained standing in a circle the size of a dollar-piece, the remainder being shaved off bare. They pull out with pincers all the hairs of the beard, as well as those on all other parts of the body. "This battle, known as the Battle of Kingsbridge, was the last of the war for the Stockbridge Militia because their casualties represented a significant loss to the tribe. The blankets given to the Missionary were donated to Indian widows whose husbands were killed in this battle. Very fine, rare and desirable content................$695.00


PAYMENT FOR SERVING IN THE CONTINENTAL ARMY

9031 - CAPTAIN ODEL CLOSE, 9TH CONNECTICUT, dated June 28th, 1781, manuscript pay voucher for 22 pounds, 16 shillings, for his service in the Continental Army. 4.5" X 6.5", served in the 9th Regiment of Militia at New York in 1776 as a Lt. in Captain Mead's Company and under General Wooster 1776 - 77 after the Battle of White Plains in October 1776. Countersigned by Samuel Wyllys who served as a Colonel in the 2nd Connecticut Regiment at the siege of Boston and at Bunker Hill under General Spencer in 1775. Very fine................................................$85.00

9032 - CAPTAIN ODEL CLOSE, 9TH CONNECTICUT, dated June 28th, 1781, manuscript pay voucher for 12 pounds in bills of the State for his service in the Continental Army. 4.5" X 6.5", served in the 9th Regiment of Militia at New York in 1776 as a Lt. in Captain Mead's Company and under General Wooster 1776 - 77 after the Battle of White Plains in October 1776. Countersigned by Samuel Wyllys who served as a Colonel in the 2nd Connecticut Regiment at the siege of Boston and at Bunker Hill under General Spencer in 1775. Very fine................................................$85.00

9035 - CAPTAIN JOHN LEWIS, 5TH CONNECTICUT BATTALION, June 30th, 1781. 4" X 6.5", manuscript paying him 25 pounds in bills from the State for his service in the Connecticut. He served in the 4th Company, 5th Battalion Wadsworth's brigade, under Colonel Douglas in 1776, reinforced Washington in New York, countersigned by Samuel Wyllys. Samuel Wyllys who served as a Colonel in the 2nd Connecticut Regiment at the siege of Boston and at Bunker Hill under General Spencer in 1775. Very fine...........$85.00

9036 - CAPTAIN ROSWELL GRANT, November 16th, 1781. 4" X 4.5", payment in bills of the State for 50 pounds for his service. Grant served in Colonel Johnson's Regiment in 1778, appointed Captain December 30th, 1777, and Colonel Enos' regiment on the Hudson in 1778. Countersigned by Sam Wyllys. Samuel Wyllys who served as a Colonel in the 2nd Connecticut Regiment at the siege of Boston and at Bunker Hill under General Spencer in 1775. Very fine........................................$85.00

9037 - CAPTAIN ROSWELL GRANT, November 16th, 1781. 4" X 4.5", payment in bills of the State for 50 pounds for his service. Grant served in Colonel Johnson's Regiment in 1778, appointed Captain December 30th, 1777 and Colonel Enos' regiment on the Hudson in 1778. Countersigned by Sam Wyllys. Samuel Wyllys who served as a Colonel in the 2nd Connecticut Regiment at the siege of Boston and at Bunker Hill under General Spencer in 1775. Very fine...............................................$85.00

9038 - CAPTAIN OZIAS BISSELL, SERVED IN THE LEXINGTON ALARM, January 14th, 1782. 4" X 5" manuscript payment for Captain Ozias Bissell for 20 pounds in bills of the State for his service to the state in the military, 4th Connecticut 1775. Countersigned by Oliver Wolcott Jr. [Wolcott was a clerk in Connecticut's Officer of the Committee on the Pay Table from 1781 to 1782, and a commissioner on that committee from 1782 - 1784. Wolcott was appointed in 1784 as one of the commissioners to mediate claims betwen the U.S. and the state of Connecticut. After serving as state comptroller of Connecticut from 1788 - 90, he was named auditor of the federal treasury, and became Comptroller of the Treasury in 1792. He was appointed Secretary of the Treasury by George Washington in 1795 to succeed Alexander Hamilton. Very fine...................................$100.00

9039 - CAPTAIN ABNOR ADAMS, SERVED IN THE LEXINGTON ALARM, October 14th, 1781. 5" X 5.5" manuscript voucher for 5 pounds in bills of the State paying him for past service. Served in the Lexington Alarm, prisoner at Fort Washington 1776, 6th Battalion Wadsworth's Brigade. Countersigned by Sam Wyllys. Samuel Wyllys who served as a Colonel in the 2nd Connecticut Regiment at the siege of Boston and at Bunker Hill under General Spencer in 1775. Very fine...............................................$100.00

9041 - LT. ZACHEUS BUTLER [ZACHARIAH], August 4th, 1781. 4.5" X 6", payment to Butler 12 pounds 10 shillings in the bills of the State. Butler served in the Light Horse Militia in NY in 1776, countersigned by Sam Wyllys. Samuel Wyllys who served as a Colonel in the 2nd Connecticut Regiment at the siege of Boston and at Bunker Hill under General Spencer in 1775. Very fine......................................$85.00


81800 - WASHINGTON'S LIFE GUARDS 1779 - 1783, Headquarters, New Windsor [CT], March 3rd, 1781. 7" X 8" manuscript document written and signed by Lt. Com. William Colfax Commander in Chief Guard [Washington's Life Guard] giving an order for notes to be placed in the hands of Diah Manning for the depreciation of pay from 1777 to 1st of August 1780 for three soldiers in the Life Guard, Levy Deane, Elihu Hancock, and Frederick Parks. Colfax states that the signatures on the document are those of the three men signed above him. Parks was listed as a fifer, Manning a drummer, and the other two mentioned Privates. Accompanying the affidavit is a printed Pay Table of Connecticut document paying Frederick Parks 5 pounds, four shillings, 11 pence for his service due him on January 1780. Diah Manning signs receiving the funds due Parks. Two documents, four soldiers of the Guard sign as well as the Commander of the Guard Colfax. Extremely rare, choice condition........................................................$975.00

The Commander-in-Chief's Guard was authorized on 11 March 1776 and organized the next day at Cambridge, Massachusetts. The purpose of the unit was to protect General Washington as well as the money and official papers of the Continental Army. General Washington directed the formation of a "corps of sober, intelligent, and reliable men." Despite its impressive unit designation and its important mission, "wrote military historian Mark Boatner, the Guard "appears to have been nothing more than what today would be called a headquarters security detachment." The unit was initially created by selecting four men from each Continental Army regiment present at the siege of Boston. Washington's general order on 11 March outlined the type of men he hoped to recruit: The General being desirous of selecting a particular number of men, as a Guard for himself, and baggage, The Colonel, or commanding Officer, of each of the established Regiments, (the Artillery and Riflemen excepted) will furnish him with four, that the number wanted may be chosen out of them. His Excellency depends upon the Colonels for good Men, such as they can recommend for their sobriety, honesty, and good behavior; he wishes them to be from five feet, eight inches high, to five feet, ten inches; handsomely and well made, and as there is nothing in his eyes more desirable, than Cleanliness in a Soldier, he desires that particular attention may be made, in the choice of such men, as are neat, and spruce. They are all to be at Head Quarters to morrow precisely at twelve, at noon, when the Number wanted will be fixed upon. The General neither wants men with uniforms, or arms, nor does he desire any man to be sent to him, that is not perfectly willing, and desirous, of being of this guard. They should be drilled men. The strength of the unit was usually 180 men, although this was temporarily increased to 250 during the winter of 1779-80, when the army was encamped at Morristown, New Jersey, in close proximity to the British Army. Because it was an honor to belong to the unit, care was taken to ensure that soldiers from each of the 13 states were represented in the Guard. Major Caleb Gibbs of Rhode Island was the first commander of the Guard, and was given the title of captain commandant. Gibbs was succeeded in 1779 by William Colfax.


8035 - PRINTED BY BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, THE PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE, January 2, 1749/50. 4 pages, 8.25" X 12.5", attractive masthead, The Pennsylvania Gazette was one of the United States' most prominent newspapers from 1728 - before the time period of the American Revolution - until 1800. Published in Philadelphia from 1728 through 1800. The Pennsylvania Gazette is considered the New York Times of the 18th Century. It was first  published by Samuel Keimer and was the second newspaper to be published in Pennsylvania under the name The Universal Instructor in all Arts and Sciences: and Pennsylvania Gazette, alluding to Keimer's intention to print out a page of Ephraim Chambers' Cyclopedia, or Universal Dictionary of Arts and Sciences in each copy. On October 2, 1729, Benjamin Franklin and Hugh Meredith bought the paper and shortened its name, as well as dropping Keimer's grandiose plan to print out the Cyclopedia. Franklin not only printed the paper but also often contributed pieces under aliases. His newspaper soon became the most successful in the colonies. This newspaper, among other firsts, would print the first political cartoon in America, Join, or Die, authored by Franklin himself. The Pennsylvania Gazette ceased publication in 1800, ten years after Franklin's death. Ad for a Negro runaway named Dick, news from London and Europe, ship arrivals describing travels across the sea, letter from the Cape Sable Indians to Governor Cornwallis, tale of a terrible voyage from Boston to Philadelphia. Printed at Philadelphia by Benjamin Franklin. His imprint is at the bottom of page four - PHILADELPHIA: PRINTED BY B. FRANKLIN, POST-MASTER AND D. HALL AT THE NEW - PRINTING OFFICE NEAR THE MARKET. The paper is crisp, light stains in some areas which do not detract, was removed from a bound volume and archaically strengthened at the spine. Extremely rare..........................................................................$1,295.00


8000 - COLONIAL LOUISIANA RELATED, PASSPORT ISSUED DURING THE REIGN OF LOUIS XIV, SIGNED BY HIS MINISTER LOUIS PHILYPAEUX, COMTE DE PONTCHARTRAIN AND THE SON OF LOUIS XIV, LOUIS ALEXANDER DE BOURBON, COUNT DE TOULOUSE, September 29th, 1710, 3 pages, 9.5" X 14", pre-printed and filled in Passport for a sea captain David Drummond to travel from the port of Nantes in France to Ireland and back bringing specified produce. The passport is noted as assigned "Par le Roy" or for the king Louis XIV by his minister Louis Phélypeaux also known as the Count de Maurepas and Count de Pontchartrain. As Minister of Marine Lake Pontchartrain above New Orleans was named for him. Lake Maurepas adjacent to Lake Ponchartrain was also named after one of his titles [Comte de Maurepas].

The document is also signed by the son of Louis XIV Louis Alexandre de Bourbon as Vice Admiral. Fort Toulouse in French Colonial Alabama was named in his honor.

Two important signatures of personalities close to Louis XIV and relating to the early French Colonization of Mobile and Louisiana. Very fine..........................................$450.00


Louis Phélypeaux (1643 - 1727), marquis de Phélypeaux (1667), comte de Maurepas (1687), comte de Pontchartrain (1699), known as the chancellor de Pontchartrain, was a French politician. After serving as head of the Parliament of Brittany, he held office as Controller - General of Finances and as Navy Secretary and, from 1690, Secretary of State of the Maison du Roi.Long considered a failure, his reputation has been reevaluated by recent historiography which has shown that, in a period of difficulty, he was a capable administrator of an immense department which had responsibility for the French Navy, trade, colonies, matters of religion, Paris, the royal household and for finances. He conducted a census of the population from 1693 onwards, the first since Vauban's of 1678. At court, he was an opponent of Fénelon and the Quietists. Nonetheless, his handling of the French Navy, a powerful force under Colbert and Seignelay, is criticized and he is considered to be in part responsible for the defeat at the battles of Barfleur and La Hougue in 1692. Phélypeaux served as Chancellor of France from 5 September 1699 to 1 July 1714. Historian Francois Bluche wrote that "he gave the Chancellor's office an importance and authority not see since the early years of Pierre Séguieer." Saint - Simon painted a flattering portrait of Phélypeaux in his diaries, and his discretion was appreciated by Louis XIV. He was made clerk of the prestigious Order of the Holy Spirit in May 1700. In 1668, he married Marie de Maupeou. They had one son, Jérôme Phélypeaux (1674 - 1747), comte de Pntchartrain. He resigned in 1714 for having failed to affix the seals to the decree of 5 July 1714, condemning a document by the Bishop of Metz, Henri-Charles de Coilsin, as contrary to the papal bull Unigenitus. He had found it difficult to reconcile his religious beliefs with those of the increasingly authoritarian Louis XIV. He retired to an Oratorian institution where he died in 1727. Lake Pontchartrain in Louisiana was named after him as was Fort Pontchartrain du Détroit in Michigan (the site of modern-day Detroit). In addition, Isle Philippaux and Isle Pontchartrain which appear on early maps of Lake Superior are believed to have been named after him. Neither island, it was later determined, actually existed. They are thought to have been added to maps by French explorers hoping that Phélypeaux would be inspired to provide more funds to explore the area. 

Louis Alexandre de Bourbon was the third son and youngest child of Louis XIV and of his mistress, Madame de Montespan. At birth, he was put in the care of Mme de Monchevreuil along with his older sister Françoise-Marie de Bourbon.

Louis Alexandre was created Count of Toulouse in 1681 at the time of his legitimization, and in 1863, at the age of five, Grand Admiral de France. In February 1684, he became colonel of an infantry regiment named after him and in 1693 mestre de camp of a cavalry regiment. During the War of Spanish Succession, he was given the task of defending the island of Sicily. In January 1689, he was named governor of Guyana, a title which he exchanged for that of governor of Brittany six years later. On 3 January 1696, he was created a Marshal of France, becoming commander of the Royal Armies the following year. During the War of the Spanish Succession he commanded the French fleet at the Battle of Málaga in 1704. In March 1714, he obtained the title of Grand Huntsman of France (Grand Veneur). Fort Toulouse I & II on the Coosa Named in honer of Admiral Louis Alexandre de Bourbon, the Count of Toulouse who was the dominant member of the Council of Marine which performed the function of secretary or minister of the navy and of colonies from 1715 to 1718. He was the legitimized son of King Louis XIV and Madame de Montespan. Toulouse was one of the known provinces in southern France. The site of Fort Toulouse, established by the French in 1717, was near the junction of the Coosa River and the Tallapoosa about 4 miles south of Wetumpka, Alabama and 10 miles north of Montgomery, Alabama. In 1751, the site of the Fort was moved about 100 south of the original Fort Toulouse I. This site is known as Fort Toulouse II and it was designed by Francois Saucier in 1750. Fort Toulouse II was occupied by the French until 1763 when the territory east of the Mississippi River went to England. The soldiers and settlers from Fort Toulouse went to Mobile and then to Louisiana [most ended up in the Opelousas Post].

5056 - A SERMON ON THE DEATH OF JOHN HANCOCK, 30 page imprint, octavo sized, given by Dr. Peter Thatcher DD Pastor of the church in Battle Street, printed by Alexander Young [1793], Boston. A tribute to the life of John Hancock, American Patriot and ex-Governor of Massachusetts. An excellent tribute to the value of John Hancock's leadership and faith in God during his life as an American leader. The paper is crisp and clean, only a trifle corner off on one page unaffecting any text..................................................$225.00


41400 - CAPTAIN GILES SAGE, CONNECTICUT NAVY, CAPTAIN OF THE LUCY, CAPTURED THE MARS WHICH BECAME THE GUILFORD OF THE CONNECTICUT NAVY, A payment voucher to Giles Sage [Sadge] of 100 pounds 12 shillings for transporting flour for the Continental Army dated March 2nd, 1776, 3.5" X 6.5". Manuscript order given to Captain Jeremiah Wadsworth and authorized by Pettibone & Hillyer, Sage was from Middletown, CT and was a sea captain and captained the Privateer sloop LUCY. Giles signs his name as receiving the money on the verso. In March 1776, the Continental Army had laid siege to Boston under General John Thomas. This flour undoubtedly was intended for that portion of the Continental Army under Thomas near Boston. On Feb. 6, 1779, the Mars was bound for New York from Newport. A letter from the National Maritime Museum in London states: The only Mars registered in the British Navy in 1779 was a 74 gun battleship that had been reduced to harbor service the previous year. The sloop Mars was probably a privateer that had been captured by the British. Armament on the Mars consisted of 8 carriage guns and 2 swivels. The carriage guns were placed along the sides of the ship and were fired through opening ports. The swivels were mounted bow and stern. On Feb. 21, 1779, during a winter storm, Captain Sage and his six fellow prisoners overpowered the crew of the Mars and beached her on the rocks at Guilford. Since a welcoming party on the shore includes one Solomon Leete, it is presumed that the Mars was beached near Leete's Island. Prior to the grounding, Sage's men hove overboard anchors, cables, chains and guns marking the spot for future reference. Iron was in short supply at the time, the only source being the Salisbury Conn. iron works, with most of its output going to cannon balls. All of the claims and counterclaims of salvage were settled in the New Haven Maritime Court on April 4, 1779. The state paid 500 pounds prize money to the claimants. Captain Sage was paid for his person property lost when the Lucy was captured, including one tierce of rum, one barrel of sugar, and one barrel of coffee. The anchors, chains and guns were dredged up and the claimants paid. Governor Trumbull in Lebanon was advised of these proceedings. He issued orders renaming the Mars, the Guilford and making her the thirteenth ship in the Connecticut Navy, whose largest ships were the Oliver Cromwell and Defense. No other ships were named after Connecticut towns. The document is boldly written, some tone, tiny fissure at fold unaffecting manuscript. Scare Revolutionary War Naval item...............................$495.00

41401 - AUGUST 13TH, 1781, MILITARY DEBT PAID BY THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT SIGNED BY ADC HEZEKIAH ROGERS, 5" x 6.5", manuscript payment in 5 Pounds in lawful silver to be paid out of funds derived by taxes by the state. This note was issued to RALPH POMEROY, who served as a Military Paymaster, for wages, reimbursement for expenses or loss due to damages during the Revolutionary War. The military finances for the colony of Connecticut were handled by the Pay-Table, also known as the Committee of Four, during the American Revolution (1775 - 1783). Signed by Hezekiah Rogers (an aide de camp to General Jedidiah Huntingdon). Fine, some normal handling trifle splits at left border which do not hinder the manuscript..................................................................$85.00

41402 - DECEMBER 31ST, 1781, THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT PAYS A DEBT TO THE GLASTONBURY SELECTMEN FOR EXPENSES INCURRED FOR WAR EXPENSES, 5" X 4.5" pre-printed and filled in, signed by two the members of the Connecticut pay table E. Wales and Fenn Wadsworth, countersigned vertically by Samuel Wyllys. During the American Revolution, SAMUEL WYLLYS (1739 - 1823) led a regiment in the siege of Boston. Fort Wyllys was named after him. Endorsed by Dudley Pettibone on the verso [1742 - 1822] who was a Sergeant in the Connecticut Line under Sergeant Goodwin [his company]. Fine........................................................$75.00

41403 - DECEMBER 31ST, 1781, THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT PAYS A DEBT TO THE GLASTONBURY SELECTMEN FOR EXPENSES INCURRED FOR WAR EXPENSES, 5" X 4.5" pre-printed and filled in, signed by two the members of the Connecticut pay table E. Wales and Fenn Wadsworth, countersigned vertically by Hezekiah Rogers (an aide de camp to General Jedidiah Huntington). The amount paid was seven pounds and Gideon Hall signed it on the verso. Very fine.........................................$60.00

41404 - MONEY TO BE PAID AT "CANDLEMAS 1787", 2" X 7" manuscript, "John Parker Wood" value 6 pounds 12 shillings, James Raby Wood value 429 pounds seven shillings to be levied at "Candlemas". The date of Candlemas is established by the date set for the Nativity of Jesus, for it comes forty days afterwards. Under Mosaic law as found in the Torah, a mother who had given birth to a man-child was considered unclean for seven days; moreover she was to remain for three and thirty days "in the blood of her purification". Candlemas therefore corresponds to the day on which Mary, according to Jewish law, should have attended a ceremony of ritual purification (Leviticus 12:2-8). The Gospel of Luke 2:22-39 relates that Mary was purified according to the religious law, followed by Jesus' presentation in the Jerusalem temple, and this explains the formal names given to the festival, as well as its falling 40 days after the Nativity. This was used by both Anglicans and Catholics alike celebrating this holy feast day. It is seldom heard today. Very fine.........................................................$50.00


32219 - PAY ORDER PAYING JOHN SPENCER FOR BRINGING TO CONNECTICUT THE NEWS OF THE VICTORY AT YORKTOWN SIGNED BY GOVERNOR JONATHAN TRUMBALL, State of Connecticut, Lebanon, CT., November 1st, 1781. 5" X 8" manuscript pay voucher written and signed by Governor John Trumball ordering John Spencer to be paid for bringing dispatches from Headquarters in Virginia [Washington's Headquarters] following the American victory at Yorktown [October 19th, 1781]. Spencer was being paid for his trip from Hartford to Lebanon in this voucher. Spencer was a member of Colonel Sheldon's Light Dragoons from 1777 - 1783. General Washington had several dragoons in his Life Guard to both escort him and carry dispatches. John Spencer was also among the list of men who marched from Connecticut towns "for the relief of Boston in the Lexington Alarm in April 1775." He is shown on the list serving six days of service in that alarm. This document is in choice condition and was exhibit at the Herbert Hoover Museum Exhibit in 2002. Research data accompanies this document. A truly historic document.........................$895.00

2231 - 1723 PHILADELPHIA LAND DEED SIGNED BY THE MAYOR OF PHILADELPHIA, 7" X 21 1/2", vellum land deed, scalloped top design. Clement Plumstead of the City of Philadelphia in the "Province of Pennsylvania" to David Powell for the sum of 10 shillings. A tract of land on the northern branch of Brandywine Creek...usual land descriptions of the time..."beginning at a black oak tree." SIGNED BY PLUMSTEAD AT THE BOTTOM LEFT. Clement Plumstead was a councilman in 1712 and was chosen mayor in 1723. He was a member of the Provincial Assembly and was admitted to the Governor's Council in 1727. In 1736, he was again mayor of Philadelphia and again in 1741. The document contains Plumstead's red wax seal next to his signature. A contemporary of Benjamin Franklin in Philadelphia. Plumstead was considered as one of the wealthiest citizens of the area. A rare and early Philadelphia document that would frame nicely............................................................$295.00

2094 - FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR RARE DISABILITY CERTIFICATE ISSUED TO A CITIZEN OF WAKEFIELD, CONNECTICUT, Dated April 4th, 1757. Manuscript document 6" X 7.5" written on both sides. The obverse is a description of the disability Joseph Wood of Mansfield has that would prevent him for serving in the military. He suffered from "Epilaptist" and "Hypchoniue" or Epileptic fits which prevents him from doing normal labor and in the opinion of the commissioners it would be reasonable to exclude him from military service or training. It is signed by J. Huntington and Cordial Storrs. On the verso of the document, Colonel Shubael Conant commanding the 5th Regiment Connecticut approves his disability request on April 5th, 1757 in a paragraph signed by him. During this period, the French had been victorious in several important battles and local troops were being inducted into the state militias. June, 1757 William Pitt becomes Prime Minister of England. He plans for the capture of the three most important French forts in North America: Louisbourg, Carillon (Ticonderoga) and Duquesne. The added troops Pitt sent to aid the Colonists were supplemented by Colonial state militias. RARE, some trifle blems..........................................................$595.00


1050 - JEDEDIAH HUNTINGTON REVOLUTIONARY WAR BRIG. GENERAL, (4 August 1743 - 25 September 1818), also known as Jedidiah Huntington, was an American general in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. He was born in Norwich, Connecticut, the son of Jabez Huntington (1719 - 1786). As the Revolutionary War approached, Jedidiah Huntington joined the Sons of Liberty, and was an active Captain of the Militia. Promoted to the command of a regiment, he joined the army at Cambridge, April 26, 1775, just a week after the battle of Lexington. His regiment was part of the force detailed for occupying Dorchester Heights; and, after the evacuation of Boston by the British, marched with the army to New York. He "fought courageously during the Battle of Bunker Hill, from which he emerged a Colonel." 

He entertained the Commander in Chief, General George Washington, on the way, at Norwich, Connecticut. During the year 1776, he was at New York, Kingsbridge, Northcastle, Sidmun's Bridge, and other posts. In April 1776, he helped repulse the British at Danbury, Conn., assailing the enemy's rear, and affecting a junction with his fellow townsman, Benedict Arnold. In March 1777, Roger Sherman wrote that Col. Huntington was recommended by Gen. Washington as a fit person for Brigadier General, but that Connecticut had more than her share. On May 12, 1777, he was promoted to that rank, as Mr. Sherman stated, "at Gen. Washington's request." In July, he joined Gen. Putnam at Peekskill, with all the Continental troops which he could collect; whence, in September, he was ordered to join the main army near Philadelphia, he remained at headquarters, at Worcester, Whippin, White Marsh, Gulph Hills, etc. In November, on the information of the enemy's movement upon Red Bank, he was detached with his brigade, among other troops, to its relief, but Cornwallis had anticipated them.

Having shared the hardships of his companions in arms at Valley Forge, through the winter of 1777 - 1778, he, together with Col. Wigglesworth, was, in March, appointed by the Command in Chief, "to aid Gen. McDougall in inquiring into the loss of forts Montgomery and Clinton, in the State of New York; and into the conduct of the principal officers commanding those posts." In May, Huntington was ordered with his brigade to the North River, and was stationed successively at Camp Reading, Highlands, Neilson's Point, Springfield, Shorthills, Totowa, Peekskill, West Point, etc. In July, he was a member of the court martial which tried Gen. Charles Lee for misconduct in the battle of Monmouth; and in September, he sat upon the court of inquiry to who was referred the case of Major Andre. In December of 1780, his was the only Connecticut Brigade that remained in the service. On May 10, 1783, at a meeting of officers, he was appointed one of a committee of four to draft a plan of organization, which resulted in their reporting, on the 13th, the Constitution of the Society of the Cincinnati. His signature on a 1789 Connecticut financial document regarding Army payments. 8" X 11", mint condition................................$79.00 

KILLED AT YORKTOWN

1051 - GENERAL ALEXANDER SCAMMEL, Scammel was born in the part of Mendon, Massachusetts which eventually became Milford, Massachusetts, and as a young man, graduated from Harvard College in 1769. After graduation, he worked as a teacher, surveyor, and in 1773, as a lawyer with John Sullivan in New Hampshire and was with him during the raid on Fort William and Mary on December 14, 1774. With the start of the American Revolution, Scammel became a major in the 2nd New Hampshire Regiment as was sent with them to reinforce the Continental Army units in the Invasion of Canada. In November, 1776, Scammel was promoted to colonel of the 3rd New Hampshire Regiment. He commanded the regiment at Trenton, Princeton, Saratoga, the Sullivan Expedition and Monmouth. At Valley Forge, Scammel was appointed adjutant general of the Continental Army by Gen. George Washington. He was assigned command of a provisional regiment of light infantry on June 24, 1781, and seized Dobbs Ferry, New York, to secure Washington's flank for the march to Yorktown, Virginia, of which his regiment was the vanguard beginning August 19. Scammel was wounded on September 30, 1781, during the Siege of Yorktown, while reconnoitering British lines. As Field Officer-of-the-Day, he had been informed that part of the British works had been evacuated. His scouting party encountered a section of British light dragoons. Scammel had just surrendered to two dragoons when a third, in probability by accident, shot him in the side. He was taken into Yorktown, but because of the gravity of his wound immediately paroled to Williamsburg, only to die the next day. After Scammel's death, Alexander Hamilton had difficulty keeping his officers from killing British officers in retaliating for Scammel's death which they believed was not accidental. A rare manuscript listing of the strength of the Massachusetts regiments listing the regiments by commander and the added recruits added to the units. Signed by Scammel as Adj. General of the Continental Army under Washington. A rare signature as well as a Great War period troop strength document. Letters by Scammel have brought over $2500. This nice document at................................................................$995.00

12161 - PLAN OF THE INVESTMENT AND ATTACK OF YORK IN VIRGINIA, PHILADELPHIA, 1806 C.P. Wayne ENGRAVING. First Edition Map to Marshall's Life of WASHINGTON. Map showing vicinity around York, VA. Shows American artillery, French Hospital, roads, rivers, or creeks & positions of troops. Also noted "Field where the British laid down their arms." 9.3" H X 8.4" W. This historic map shows the positions of the American and French battlements in their siege of the British forces at Yorktown. The successful outcome of the Yorktown campaign, led by Gen. Washington and French Gen. Rochambeau, marked the end of the Revolutionary War, thus winning independence for the 13 colonies. It also established Yorktown's place in history as the site of Gen. Cornwallis' surrender of his troops to the Allied forces. Notice the Allied forces deployed in a semi-circle about 6 miles long. Notice also the encampments of Gen. Washington, Gen. Knox, Baron Stuben (Steuben), Count Rochambeau and Gen. LaFayette. Map has some offset from the folding of the map, otherwise very good, accompanying the map is a musket ball excavated near Yorktown............................$250.00


12120 - JOHN ADAMS 2ND PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, FREE FRANK ADDRESSED TO DR. BENJAMIN RUSH IN 1810, John Adams (October 30, 1735 - July 4, 1826) was an American statesman, diplomat and political theorist. A leading champion of independence in 1776, he was the second President of the United States (1797 - 1801). A New England Yankee, he was deeply read and represented Enlightenment values promoting republicanism. A conservative Federalist, he was one of the most influential Founding Fathers of the United States.

Free Frank folded cover addressed to Dr. Benjamin Rush at Philadelphia and franked "J. Adams" manuscript noted sent from Quincy [Mass]. Marked "FREE" by Adams and John Adams' name is noted quite possibly by Rush as the sender vertically to the left of the address.

Benjamin Rush (December 24, 1745 - April 19, 1813), a signer of the Declaration of Independence, was the most celebrated American physician and the leading social reformer of his time. He was a close friend of both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson and corresponded with many of the prominent figures of the revolutionary generation. Rush attended the Continental Congress. He was also a staunch opponent of Gen. George Washington and worked tirelessly to have him removed as the Commander-In-Chief of the Continental Army. Later in life, he became a professor of medical theory and clinical practice at the University of Pennsylvania. Despite having a wide influence on the development of American government, he is not as widely known as many of his American contemporaries. Rush was also an early opponent of slavery and capital punishment. Despite his great contributions to early American society, Rush may be more famous today as the man who, in 1812, helped reconcile the friendship of Thomas Jefferson and John Adams by encouraging the two former Presidents to resume writing to each other.

This cover was sent and signed by Adams during the period Rush was corresponding with Adams working on the reconciliation of Adams and Jefferson. Signatures of Adams are quite rare today even scarcer than Jefferson. Fine..............................$3,950.00


LAST FRENCH GOVERNOR OF LOUISIANA, SIGNED THE LOUISIANA PURCHASE FOR NAPOLEON

6140 Pierre Clement de Laussat (1756-1835) was a French politician, and the last French governor of Louisiana. Signer of the Louisiana purchase for Napoleon

De Laussat was born in the town of Pau. After serving as receveur general des finances in Pau and Bayonne, he was imprisoned during the Terror, but was released and recruited in the armee des Pyrenees. On April 17, 1797 was elected in the Council of Ancients. After the coup of 18 Brumaire, he entered in the Tribunat on December 25, 1799. He was appointed by Napoleon Bonaparte to be colonial prefect (governor) of Louisiana in 1802. He arrived in the colony on March 26, 1803. This was just two weeks before Napoleon had made his decision to sell the Louisiana colony to the United States. For several months, Laussat ruled as a normal governor and first he abolished the Cabildo and then he published the Napoleonic Code in the colony. Several months had gone by and Laussat was hearing that the colony had been sold to the U.S. but he did not believe it. On July 28, 1803, Laussat wrote to the French government that a rumor that the colony had been sold was going around New Orleans. On May 18, 1803, Laussat received word from Napoleon that France had declared war on England and that he was to transfer the colony to the United States. On December 20, 1803, he transferred the colony to James Wilkinson and William Charles Cole Claiborne. On April 21. 1804, he left the colony and became colonial prefect of Martinique, until 1809 when he was captured and imprisoned before the English conquest of the island.

51330 - THE COLONIES IN AMERICA, Map, overall 8" X 8". Undated but content dictates the period of the Revolutionary War but style could be c. 1730-50. A Dutch map titled "America" showing mainly North and South America with the west coast of Africa and Europe slightly. The shape of Florida and the elongated California suggests this map has the style of the early 18th Century. The American west is entitled New Mexico with Louisiana and Florida joined together suggesting the Spanish period after 1768. Virginia and the Carolinas stretch to the west to near the Mississippi River. Border colored in red and green ink, some foxing at top left edge. A nice representative American map of the 18th Century..........................$85.00

6103 - FINAL PAY FOR A SOLDIER IN THE CONNECTICUT LINE, Two documents, a manuscript affidavit dated September 12th, 1780, 2" X 7" detailing the service history of Sergt. Benjamin Giddings who served as a Sergeant from the 26th day of May 1777 until the 26th day of May 1780 in the second brigade of the Connecticut line and the 7th Battalion of troops commanded by Herman Swift. He had not received any supplies from the town of Hartford. Accompanying the document is a 6" X 7" preprinted document filled-in and dated September 13th, 1780 paying Giddings 54 pounds, 19 shillings, and two pence. Giddings signs for receiving this rather large sum but it were for three years service in the Continental Army, two pieces. Very fine, final pay for a Continental soldier....................................$175.00

6104 - REVOLUTIONARY WAR, EXPENSES FOR BRINGING MILITARY SUPPLIES TO FISHKILL, NY FROM MIDDLETOWN, CT, Middletown, CT, April 19th, 1781, 8" X 10" manuscript listing got sending men and two teams to Fishkill [NY] from Middletown, CT. The supplies were commissary supplies for the army at that location. Signed by Ozian Cone who had previously fought at Monmouth and Germantown and wintered at Valley Forge and at the huts at Morristown. Comes with a copy of the roster of the 5th Rgt. Conn. line showing Cone as a member of the unit. Shows the lodging and expenses of teamsters. Fine.....................................................$150.00


1300 - PAYMENT FOR SERVING IN THE CONTINENTAL ARMY, 4.5" X 6", June 1st, 1780, Hartford, CT. Pre-printed document stating that Lt. Philemon Hall was owed 40 pounds, 12 shillings, seven pence for his service in the Connecticut Line of the Continental Army. This debt was paid to him by June 1st, 1785 with interest to be paid annually. Cancelled after being paid with numerous manuscript notations on the verso. Very fine.....................................$100.00

1301 - PAYMENT FOR SERVING IN THE CONTINENTAL ARMY, 4.5" X 6", June 1st, 1782, Hartford, CT. Major John P. Wyllys was owed 33 pounds, 1 shilling, three pence for his service in the Connecticut Line of the Continental Army. Payment was to be made by June 1st, 1788 with interest paid annually. Cancelled when paid as usual. Manuscript notations on the verso...................................$100.00

1302 - PAYMENT FOR SERVICE IN THE CONTINENTAL ARMY, 4.5" X 6, June 1st, 1782, Hartford, CT. Pre-printed Treasury document for Brewster Judd who was owed 21 pounds, eleven shillings, three pence for his past service in the Connecticut Line of the Continental Army. The debt was to be paid by June 1, 1787 with interest due annually. Signed by Treasurer Peter Colt, thought to be an ancestor of Samuel Colt. Absolutely MINT condition and un-cancelled which is rare to find as such..............................$175.00

1303 - PAYMENT FOR SERVICE IN THE CONTINENTAL ARMY, 4.5" X 6", June 1st, 1782. Pre-printed Treasury document for M. Israel Strong who was owed 57 pounds, nine shillings, five pence for his past service in the Connecticut Line of the Continental Army. The debt was to be paid by June 1st, 1787 with interest due annually. Signed by Treasurer Peter Colt thought to be an ancestor of Samuel Colt. Absolutely MINT condition and un-cancelled which is rare to find as such..............................$175.00

82711 - CLOTHING FOR THE CONTINENTAL ARTILLERY, May 8th, 1780, Middletown, CT. 6" X 7", manuscript listing of clothing signed by John Throop, Lt. of Artillery, Colonel Lamb's Rgt. Notes coats, vests, linens, woolen breeches, all totaling 19 pounds. This artillery unit fought in nearly all the engagement in the North and at Yorktown. Very fine.....................................$215.00


61228 - WRITTEN IN THE REIGN OF HENRY VIII
, 1509 - 1547, 12" X 12.5" manuscript document with scalloped top, written on vellum in early English script, indenture or agreement to sell property written the 8th day of February in the 26th (XX6th) year of the reign of Henry the Eight (1535) refers to Norfolk and old Buckingham. A beautiful document to frame written during the period of the first exploration of the Americas. Condition is very fine, comes with his portrait..........................................
$450.00


61229 - WRITTEN IN THE FIRST YEAR OF THE REIGN OF QUEEN ELIZABETH
, 1558 - 1603, 7" X 16" vellum document written in old English script. Dated September 5th year one of the reign of Elizabeth thus the date written was September 6th, 1558. An indenture or legal obligation written between two parties. Hanging from this impressive document is a 1" square embossed red wax seal. During the reign of Elizabeth preliminary explorations of the Eastern coasts of America took place including Raleigh's attempts to colonize Roanoke Island. Impressive to display with ELIZABETH's name quite bold. Very fine, comes with a portrait of Elizabeth.............................................
$385.00

61230 - WRITTEN IN THE FIFTH YEAR OF THE REIGN OF ELIZABETH, 1558 - 1603, Manuscript indenture written in the 5th year of the reign of Elizabeth (1563) and dated January 6th. 9" x 19" with scalloped top, rather large name of Elizabeth on the top line, written in old English script, beautiful manuscript on vellum. Comes with a silver 6 Pence dated 1573 showing a portrait of Elizabeth (weak), date is strong............................$425.00

61231 - CHARLES I, 19 November 1600 - 30 January 1649, the second son of James I, was King of England, Scotland, and Ireland from 27 March, 1625 until his execution on 30 January, 1649. Charles famously engaged in a struggle for power with the Parliament of England. He was an advocate of the Divine Right of Kings, which was the belief that kings received their power from God and thus could not be deposed (unlike the similar Mandate of Heaven). Many of his English subjects feared that he was attempting to gain absolute power. He was tried for Treason after the Second Civil War and executed. During his reign, the English Colonies in America greatly grew and spread. This vellum Indenture was written in the first month of Charles I's reign in April 1625. It has a beautiful scalloped top with a red wax seal with a thistle signifying the House of Stuart. 14" X 23". With an early numeral date (previous rulers showed the dates phonically written into the text). Superb to display......................................$275.00


8 - ABSCONDED OUT OF THE STATE, Connecticut 1777, 2.5" X 7" manuscript document outlining costs to the constable in finding four men who absconded the State without paying their taxes due and do not have an estate within the State. The State paid the Constable out of State funds. Very fine......................................................$65.00

10 - SERVED AT THE LEXINGTON ALARM IN 1775, pay voucher printed and filled-in for Peter Whitney of Fairfield. 8 pounds, four shillings & two pence in Spanish dollars or gold upon the cessation of hostilities, February 1st, 1781. Fine, cut, cancelled as usual, but no loss of any paper. Whitney served at the Lexington alarm in 1775...........................................$100.00

11 - 13 BLANKETS PURCHASED FOR THE TROOPS, Middleton, Connecticut, September 20th, 1778. The state paid the selectmen of Middleton for the 13 blankets to be used by the state (state soldiers). Very fine................................................$55.00

14 - 1779 BLANKETS FOR THE CONNECTICUT TROOPS, 6" X 7", manuscript receipt dated February 2nd, 1779 paying the Town of Middletown 39 pounds, 19 shillings, and six pence for 13 blankets supplied to troops by the Selectmen of the town. Paid by the State to the town. Very fine condition.................................$65.00

15 - 1791 PENNSYLVANIA INDENTURE WITH A NOTE AND SIGNATURE OF JOHN BARCLAY, 12" X 24". A legal indenture concerning a certain tract of land in Northampton County that Barkley writes a long affidavit on the verso concerning the legality of the agreement and attesting to the additional witnesses, John Barclay of Bucks County, PA served as an officer in the Continental Army from 1776 to 1781. In 1787, he was a delegate to the Pennsylvania Convention to ratify the Constitution. He was a member of the Society of the Cincinnati. A large Colonial era document, very good age tone to the vellum, but very dark manuscript.........................................................$195.00

18 - A BLANKET AND CLOTHING GIVEN TO A SOLDIER ON THE NORTHERN FRONTIER, April 1781, 7" X 9" manuscript voucher from the town of Colebrook giving Philip Ryla clothing and a blanket as he was described as a "soldier in the Connecticut line in the Continental Army." Records show Ryla served in the Northern Department at Fort Anne and Fort George. Very fine...................................................$140.00

19 - ORIGINAL PRINTED VIEWS OF BENJAMIN FRANKLIN'S STOVES, c. 1770, 8" X 10", "American Stoves of the Improved Construction". Five views of Franklin's famous stoves. Copperplate print, first examples of a contemporary view of Franklin's famous inventions. Ex-Frank Kravic Collection. Very fine condition................................$225.00

20 - SHIRTS, STOCKINGS, MITTENS, AND SHOES GIVEN TO THE SOLDIERS, 8" X 14", February 8th, 1781. A large boldly written document showing receipt of 4 linen shirts, 4 pairs of woolen stockings, 2 pairs of mittens, and 2 pairs of shoes being given by the town of Colebrook, CT for use of soldiers in the Connecticut Line. Valued at 7 pounds, 12 shillings...................................................$150.00

21 - THE SIEGE OF YORKTOWN IN 1781, The New York Herald, April 12th, 1862, 10 pages. A fantastic near full page map of the Battle of Yorktown in 1781. The defenses of Lord Cornwallis and the lines of forces besieging the American and French forces under General Washington and Count Rochambeau, shows the vicinity of Yorktown and the Glouster Point area. A most desirable map that would look outstanding framed (on page 2). Although published in 1862, this is still a very desirable item for display. Text on another page describes the situation during the Yorktown Campaign. Choice condition.....................................$75.00

22 - A DETAILED LIST OF CLOTHING GIVEN TO A CONNECTICUT SOLDIER, 7" X 7", Colebrook, CT., January 26th, 1781. A detailed listing of clothing given to Philip Ryla late of Colonel Warner's Regiment in the Continental Army by the Selectmen of Colebrook, CT. Ryla received 2 shirts, two pairs of stockings, one pair of shoes, and one pair of mittens at a cost to the State of 4 pounds and sixteen shillings. Ryla served in the Northern Dept. at Forts Anne and George. Very fine..............................................$150.00

23 - RARE ARTILLERY DOCUMENT 1780, 6.5" X 7.5", Middletown, CT., May 8th, 1780. A manuscript written listing clothing given to the Continental Artillery and signed by John Throop, Lt. Artillery, a member of Colonel Lambs Artillery Regiment which served in all the Northern battles as well as Yorktown (comes with roster of Colonel Lambs Artillery showing Throop as serving 1777-1783). Near mint condition. Revolutionary War Artillery documents are rare.....................................$225.00

24 - A SERGEANT OF THE MATROSSES' FAMILY RECEIVED AID FROM THE STATE WHILE HE SERVED IN THE CONTINENTAL ARMY, 8" X 14", 1778. All manuscript. Charles Peck, who was described as Sergeant of the Matrosses, had been given provisions for his family's support while he was in the Army. This lengthy document details the multitude of supplies given his family...salt, rice, tallow, corn, pork, wheat, shoes, "flower", wood, etc. A very long accounting.....................................$165.00

25 - BEEF FOR THE ARMY, 2" X 7", Waterbury, CT., July 1781. Manuscript receipt for "one beef creature" valued at 10 pounds and seventeen shillings. This receipt was for paying for beef for the Continental Army......................................$49.00

32 - THE INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE, April 5th, 1781, Boston, MA. Four pages with handsome masthead, contains a series of important acts approved by JOHN HANCOCK, is preventing trade with the enemies of the United States, punishments for crimes that are against the Public Safety. An excellent account of a sea battle between the French Fleet and the British Fleet listing the ships engaged on both sides and the amount of cannons on board, battle action reports from the South between General Greene and Lord Cornwallis near Guilford Court House in North Carolina, gives the causalities of the battle, more news on the late battles in North Carolina, Lee (Light Horse Harry Lee) wins a cavalry battle, Cornwallis entrenching himself at Hillsborough, much more on the Naval actions along the coast. An excellent late War issue, paper is near mint with a slight trim on page 3/4 affecting the very end of several merchant ads.............................................$425.00

36 - REVOLUTIONARY WAR ARTILLERY DOCUMENTS DATED FEBRUARY 12TH, 1776, 5" X 8", Hartford, CT. $864 requisition for pay for Colonel Burrell's battalion to raise a company of Matrosses (artillery Privates who performed the semi-skilled tasks in firing a cannon). Both Major Bull and Major Bigelow were with Benedict Arnold when he captured Fort Ticonderoga in 1775 and later Bull was killed at Yorktown. Signed by Bigelow, scarce artillery item, bold manuscript.......................................$295.00

37 - FURNISHING THREE CONNECTICUT COMPANIES FOR WAR, 6" X 8", Weathersfield, CT. An excellent manuscript, official approval of expenses incurred by Elijah Demming for assisting and furnishing supplies to Captain Elizah Wright's Company destined to West Point, NY. Captain William Pipkins destined for White Plains and then to Rhode Island, and Captain Hezekiah Wells destined to New London, CT, approved for payment. Beautiful manuscript...............................................$275.00

38 - FINAL PAY FOR A SERGEANT IN THE CONNECTICUT LINE, 2" X 7", 2 documents, manuscript affidavit dated September 12th, 1780 detailing the service history of Sergeant BEnjamin Giddings who served from May 26th, 1777 to May 26th, 1780 in the Second Brigade of the Connecticut Line and the 7th Battalion of Troops commanded by Herman Swift. He had not received any supplies from the Town of Hartford. Accompanying the document is a printed document, 6" X 7", that is filled-in in ink dated September 13th, 1780 paying Giddings 54 pounds, 19 shillings and 2 pence. Giddings signs the pay receipt receiving his three years pay in one large sum. Very fine........................................$175.00

40 - GEORGE CLINTON, (July 26, 1739 - April 20, 1812). An American soldier and politician. He was the first (and longest-serving) elected Governor of New York, and then the Vice President of the United States under Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. He was picked to be Jefferson's running mate in the 1804 Presidential election, replacing Aaron Burr. He served as the fourth Vice President of the United States, first under Jefferson, from 1805 to 1809, and then under James Madison from 1809 until his death of a heart attack in 1812. He was the first Vice President to die in office. 1791 appointment for Henry Staring to become 1st Judge in the County of Herkimer and signed by Clinton as Governor of New York. Exquisite huge 4.5" wax embossed seal of state. These large seals are often found cracked and broken. Document is entirely manuscript and on vellum (10" X 16"), framed overall 20" X 24". Very nice condition, not common........................................$495.00

41 -  PAYMENT FOR A SOLDIER IN THE CONNECTICUT LINE, 1782, Promissory note for payment for a Continental soldier for past wages and to be paid in gold or silver. The soldier was described as being in the Connecticut Line. The certificate was hole cancelled when paid and there are many, many notations as to payments on the back, fine..............................$55.00

46 - FIFTH REGIMENT CONNECTICUT LINE, 8" X 10", April 4th, 1781. Manuscript report of the expenses paid to deliver provisions to Fishkill, NY dated at Middletown, CT and signed by Ozian Cone who is shown on the roster of the 5th Connecticut which fought at Germantown and Monmouth and wintered at Valley Forge and at the Morristown huts. Quite detailed and lists all paid for the services in moving the provisions. Comes with printed roster. A large document.........................................$150.00

55 - THE CONTINENTAL ARMY GUN WAD BIBLE, 7 1/2" by 9 1/2". This is an original leaf (page) from "BIBLIA, DAS 1ST: DIE GANZE GOTTLICHE HEILIGE SCHRIFT ALTEN UND NEUEN TESTAMENTS" (The Holy Bible,...Old and New Testaments in German). Printed by Christopher Saur at Germantown, PA in 1776. Martin Luther's translation. Printer Christopher Saur, Jr. While this edition of some 3,000 copies was at press, war came to Germantown. A bloody battle was fought there with General Howe's Redcoats in October, 1777 resulting in a defeat for the Rebel forces. IN the confusion that followed, Saur, who remained neutral in the conflict with England, was suspected of being a Loyalist and his home and business were confiscated by the U.S. and sold at auction. The sheets of most of the edition (only some 125 Bibles had been bound and sold by 1777) were auctioned in 1778 and eventually were used in the manufacture of cartridges for the muskets of the soldiers of the Continental Army. This edition has ever since been known as the "gun-wad Bible"...1 Leaf.....................................................$40.00

REVOLUTIONARY WAR FINANCES IN NEW YORK, 8" X 13", September 7th, 1779. A page folio manuscript letter directed to the Speaker of the General Assembly of New York by Direck Ten Brook Commissioner of the Continental Loan Office in Albany resigning his office due to health issues. Large manuscript..............................................$145.00


1683 MALLET COLORED PRINT OF THE HURON INDIANS,
5" X 6.5". Woodcut print that has been water colored showing a Huron Indian Camp. Alain Mallet published a book in 1683 for Louis XIV of maps and views of the world at the time. Quite nice and colorful................................................$145.00

1683 MALLET COLORED PRINT OF FLORIDA INDIANS, 5" X 6.5". Woodcut print that has been water colored showing a male and female Florida Indian. The male holding a bow with a quiver of arrows on his back. Alain Mallet published a book in 1683 for Louis XIV of maps and views of the world at the time. Quite nice and colorful...........................$145.00


11168 - PROMISSORY NOTE TWICE SIGNED BY ROGER SHERMAN, EARLY COLONIAL, SIGNER OF ALL FOUR IMPORTANT STATE PAPERS OF THE US INCLUDING THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE, FOUNDING FATHER, Manuscript promissory note dated at Hartford, CT, December 25th, 1767 for 24 pounds 13 shillings. Sherman notes on the verso that the payment has been made and signs in full "Roger Sherman". Below he adds again that the amount has been paid..."R. Sherman". Roger Sherman (April 19, 1721 - July 23, 1793) was an early American lawyer and politician, as well as a founding father. He served as the first mayor of New Haven, CT, and served on the Committee of Five that drafted the Declaration of Independence, and was also a representative and senator in the new republic. He was the only person to sign all four great state papers of the U.S.: the Continental Association, the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution. Thomas Jefferson said of him: "That is Mr. Sherman, of Connecticut, a man who never said a foolish thing in his life." Quite scarce with two separate signatures [Sanders catalogues his signature alone at $575, this document is double signed]..................................................$695.00 SOLD

11169 - MASSACHUSETTS BAY COLONY 1756, 7" X 8" pre-printed and filled in court document written at Salem, MA, March 10th, 1756 outlining the case against Jonathan Dodge by Thomas Brown with a judgment of 170 pounds awarded to Brown. Essex County, Massachusetts Bay under George II. Paper seal to top left, impressed PINE TREE seal at the left bottom corner. Some edge fissures, strong manuscript. A scarce early Massachusetts Bay document.................$150.00 SOLD

101152 - FRANCIS SCOTT KEY, during the War of 1812. Key, accompanied by the American Prisoner Exchange Agent Colonel John Stuart Skinner, dined aboard the British ship HMS Tonnant, as the guests of three British officers: Vice Admiral Alexander Cochrane, Rear Admiral Sir George Cockburn, and Major General Robert Ross. Skinner and key were there to negotiate the release of prisoners, one being Dr. William Beanes. Beanes was a resident of Upper Marlboro, Maryland and had been captured by the British after he placed rowdy stragglers under citizen's arrest with a group of men. Skinner, Key, and Beanes were not allowed to return to their own sloop: they had become familiar with the strength an position of the British units and with the British intent to attack Baltimore. As a result of this, Key was unable to do anything but watch the bombarding of the American forces at Fort McHenry during the Battle of Baltimore on the night of September 13 - September 14, 1814. At dawn, Key was able to see an American flag still waving and reported this to the prisoners below deck. On the way back to Baltimore, he was inspired to write a poem describing his experience, "Defence of Fort McHenry", which he published in the Patriot on September 20, 1814. He intended to fit it to the rhythms of composer John Stafford Smith's "To Anacreon in Heaven", a popular tune Key had already used as a setting for his 1805 song "When the Warrior Returns," celebrating U.S. heroes of the First Barbary War. (The earlier song is also the Key's original use of the "star spangled" flag imagery). It has become better known as "The Star Spangled Banner". Under this name, the song was adopted as the American national anthem, first by an Executive Order from President Woodrow Wilson in 1916 (which had little effect beyond requiring military bands to play it) and then by a Congressional resolution in 1931, signed by President Herbert Hoover. Key's signature from the closing of a letter, a small clip adhered to autograph book paper...F.S. Key, trifle separation away from his signature, extremely rare, catalogues $500 as a signature, first one we have ever offered...................................................$450.00 SOLD

9030 - CAPTAIN ODEL CLOSE, 9TH CONNECTICUT, dated June 28th, 1781. 4.5" X 6.5". Manuscript pay voucher for 5 pounds, 1 shilling, and six pence for his service in the Continental Army, served in the 9th Regiment of Militia at New York in 1776 as a Lt. in Captain Mead's Company and under General Wooster [1776 - 77] after the Battle of White Plains in October 1776. Countersigned by Oliver Wolcott Jr. [Wolcott was a clerk in Connecticut's Office of the Committee on the Pay Table from 1781 to 1782, and a commissioner on that committee from 1782 - 1784. Wolcott was appointed in 1784 as one of the commissioners to mediate claims between the U.S. and the state of Connecticut. After serving as state comptroller of Connecticut from 1788 - 90, he was named auditor of the federal treasury, and became Comptroller of the Treasury in 1791. He was appointed Secretary of the Treasury by George Washington in 1795 to succeed Alexander Hamilton. Very fine..........................................$95.00 SOLD

9033 - LT. DAVID SPENCER MARCHED IN THE LEXINGTON ALARM IN THE RELIEF OF BOSTON, March 5th, 1781, payment of 46 pounds for his service in the Continental Army. 4.5" X 6.5", Spencer served in the Lexington Alarm from the town of Haddam and served 22 days on his first tour in the army, later in the 1st Regiment Connecticut Line which fought at Germantown and wintered at Valley Forge. Countersigned by Jedediah Huntington who was Revolutionary War General. He graduated at Harvard in 1763, joined the American army at Cambridge, became a brigadier general in 1777, and took part in many important engagements until the close of the war, when he was brevetted major general in 1783. He was one of the organizers of the Society of the Cincinnati. He became collector of the port of New London in 1789 and held the office 26 years. In 1778, he was a member of the court-martial that tried Gen. Charles Lee and in 1780 of the one that condemned Major André. Fine - very fine............................................$100.00 SOLD

9034 - CAPTAIN DAVID OLMSTED, MARCHED IN THE LEXINGTON ALARM IN THE RELIEF OF BOSTON, June 20th, 1781. A manuscript pay voucher to Captain David Olmstead for 5 pounds, 15 shillings for his service. 4" X 6.5", Olmsted first served in the 4th Company, 7th Connecticut regiment enlisted August 7th, 1775, ordered to the siege of Boston with Colonel Enos' regiment on the Hudson in 1778. Provisional regiment in 1781, countersigned by Sam Wyllys. Samuel Wyllys who served as a Colonel in the 2nd Connecticut Regiment at the siege of Boston and at Bunker Hill under General Spencer in 1775. Very fine..................................................$100.00 SOLD

12162 - THE SIEGE OF CHARLESTOWN, British attack on Charleston, South Carolina on June 28, 1776. The map shows the British fleet deployed in Charleston Harbor with ships heading toward Fort Moultrie on Sullivan Island. A Gun Boat is anchored in the Ashley River guarding the bridge of boats to the mainland. Also shown, the British Camp, the British Hospital and other units situated on the Charlestown Peninsula north of the city, and the three parallels of the siege. This map measures approximately 8 1/4" by 12 1/4" and was published by R. Phillips, Bridge Street, Blackfriars, London on Sept. 25, 1806 with legends in French. The British ship Thunder opened the attack on Charleston with a barrage of ten-inch mortars at 11 a.m. on June 28, 1776. The shelling continued as eight British gun boats advanced toward the American forces at Fort Moultrie. Within the hour more than 100 enemy pieces converged on the Fort. Despite the concentrated British forces, the rebels successfully resisted the attack. By 11 o'clock that night, the British ships, battered and severely bruised during the day-long battle, admitted defeat and slipped their cables, drifting away with the tide. Very fine............$225.00 SOLD

9040 - CAPTAIN CALEB ST. JOHN, March 6th, 1781. 4.5" X 4.5" manuscript for service in the Continental Army. He served in the 3rd Regiment. Countersigned by Jedediah Huntington who was Revolutionary War General. He graduated at Harvard in 1763, joined the American army at Cambridge, became a brigadier general in 1777, and took part in many important engagements until the close of the war, when he was brevetted major general in 1783. He was one of the organizers of the Society of the Cincinnati. He became collector of the port of New London in 1789 and held the office 26 years. In 1778, he was a member of the court-martial that tried Gen. Charles Lee and in 1780 of the one that condemned Major André. Fine to very fine.....................................$100.00 SOLD

8281 - VIRGINIA FRONTIERSMAN, REVOLUTIONARY WAR VETERAN, AND INDIAN FIGHTER UNDER GENERAL GEORGE ROGERS CLARK, Thomas Arbuckle signs along with his wife Elizabeth an indenture dated February 8th, 1774, Botetourt County, Virginia for the sale of lands in that county with details to the location of the land. Arbuckle enlisted in the Militia in the above mentioned county and fought in numerous battles with the Indians including the Battle of Long Island (TN) on July 20th, 1776 and later with General George Rogers Clark against the Indians in Ohio. 11" X 15" manuscript indenture with two paper seals affixed to the indenture. Nice bold manuscript, very good.............................$95.00 SOLD

8282 - 1787 NORTH CAROLINA INDENTURE SIGNED BY A NORTH CAROLINA REVOLUTIONARY WAR MINUTE MAN, Manuscript indenture 15" X 22", detailing the sale of land in North Carolina by Abraham Newton and his wife dated January 8th, 1787 in the County of Lumpkin. Abraham Newton served in and out of various militia units in North Carolina in campaigns against the Tories. His pension application states in 1833 lists where he fought and who under which he received credit for his pension for but did not receive any credit as a "Minute Man". Large manuscript trifle defects at folds but manuscript really not affected. Very good..............................$95.00 SOLD

8203 - TWO OFFICERS KILLED AT THE BATTLE OF GROTON HEIGHTS GIVEN FOOD FOR THEIR FAMILIES, March 1779, two manuscript pages dated at Groton, CT. A listing of provisions given to six Groton soldiers in the service of the Continental Army for their families. Of the six listed, Captain Amos Stanton and Lt. Henry Williams were killed in the Fort Griswell "Massacre" on September 6th, 1781 [Battle of Groton Heights]. The Battle of Groton Heights (also known as the Battle of Fort Griswold, and occasionally called the Fort Griswold massacre) was a battle of the American Revolutionary War fought on September 6, 1781 between a small Connecticut militia force led by Lieutenant Colonel William Ledyard and the more numerous British forces led by turncoat Brigadier General Benedict Arnold and Lieutenant Colonel Edmund Eyre. In an unsuccessful attempt to divert General George Washington from marching against Lord Cornwallis's army in Virginia, Lieutenant General Sir Henry Clinton ordered General Arnold to raid the Connecticut port of New London. Although the raid was a success, the Connecticut militia stubbornly resisted British attempts to capture Fort Griswold, across the Thames River in Groton. Several leaders of the attacking British force were killed or seriously wounded, and much of the defending garrison was either killed, mortally wounded, or captured when the fort was stormed. British casualties were also high, leading to criticism of General Arnold by part of his superiors. The battle was the last major military encounter of the war in the northern United States, preceding the decisive American victory at Yorktown, Virginia by about six weeks. Items supplied to the soldiers' families were wheat, flax, Cyder, cotton, corn, etc., many more details.......................................$200.00 SOLD

8228 - REVOLUTIONARY WAR GENERAL GRIFFITH RUTHERFORD, NORTH CAROLINA, July 21st, 1795. 8" X 14" disposition, Rowan County, North Carolina given by Rutherford in regard to a dispute between two men over property. Signed boldly by Rutherford. 1721 - 10 August 1805 - He was an officer in the American Revolutionary War, a political leader in North Carolina, and an important figure in the early history of the Southwest Territory and the state of Tennessee. During the French and Indian War, Rutherford became a captain of a local British colonial militia. He continued serving in the militia until the start of the revolution in 1775, at which time he enlisted in the North Carolina militia as a colonel. He was appointed to the post of brigadier general of the "Salisbury District" in May 1776, and participated in the initial phases of the Chickamauga Wars against the Cherokee Indians along the frontier. In June 1780, he was partly responsible for the Loyalist defeat in the Battle of Ramseur's Mill. Rutherford was present at the Battle of Camden on 16 August 1780, where he has taken prisoner by the British. After being exchanged in 1781, Rutherford participated in several other campaigns, including further attacks on the Chickamauga faction of the Cherokee. In 1753, he moved to Rowan County, in the Province of North Carolina, where he married his wife, Elizabeth. An active member of his community, Rutherford served in multiple civil occupations. He was a representative of both houses of the North Carolina House of Commons, as well as an unsuccessful candidate for governor. Rutherford was an advocate of the anti-federalist movement, and was appointed President of the Legislative Council of the Southwest Territory in 1794. Rutherford retired to Sumner County, Tennessee, where he died on 15 August 1805, at the age of 84. A county in Tennessee and North Carolina are named in his honor, a very scarce North Carolina Revolutionary War General. Some light tone, actually a folded letter with red wax seal........................................$375.00 SOLD

8003 - SERVED AT THE BATTLE OF BUNKER HILL, AND BENEDICT ARNOLDS QUEBEC EXPEDITION 1775, February 1st, 1781, State of Connecticut promissory note to pay in Spanish Milled Dollars, the sum of 8 pounds, four shillings, and two pence to Peter Whitney. Whitney initially served in the 2nd Connecticut under General Spencer. That regiment was called up for the Lexington Alarm in April - May 1775 and Whitney enlisted May 9th, 1775. Quite bold manuscript, CC as usual with no loss of paper............................................................$100.00 SOLD

2232 - MAJOR GEORGE WASHINGTON'S JOURNEY TO WESTERN VIRGINIA TO NEGOTIATE WITH THE FRENCH ON THE OHIO RIVER, Gentleman's Magazine, London, June 1754. A long account of Washington's journey to the French occupying the Ohio being sent by Governor Dinwiddie of Virginia to present a letter form the Governor insisting that the French vacate British territory. Washington left from Williamsburg and proceeded to Lake Erie, the border of western Virginia in October 1753. Washington met with the chiefs of the Six Nations en route to assure their support of the English. When meeting the French commander Washington was informed that the French intended to retain possession of the land by virtue of a discovery by LaSalle 60 years prior. Washington's return trip home was marred by an attack by French Indians and ice in the rivers. He finally returned home to Williamsburg with the news that would lead to military action by the English in months to come. An excellent long account of Washington's first mission west. Fine...........................................$79.00 SOLD

12 - FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR ABATEMENT OF TAXES, 2" X 5" manuscript dated 1757 at New Haven, CT. A tax abatement (exemption) for the year 1756. Soldiers who served in the military were exempt from the yearly tax on property. Have several mentioning different men involved. Fine........................................................$49.00/each SOLD

32220 - TENDED THE WOUNDED AT BUNKER HILL, WINTERED WITH WASHINGTON AT VALLEY FORGE, ANSWERED THE LEXINGTON ALARM IN APRIL 1775, A RARE REVOLUTIONARY WAR DISCHARGE, September 12th, 1778, White Plains, NY. 4.5" X 8.0", a rare Revolutionary War discharge for an ill soldier signed by a Captain, two doctors, and a Brigadier General. Captain Chris Darrow, Brigadier General Jedediah Huntington, and Doctor Albigence Waldo all wintered at Valley Forge 1777 - 1778. General Jedediah Huntington and Doctor Aligence Walso both served at the Lexington Alarm April 19th, 1775, Dr. Philip Turner attended the wounded after the Battle of Bunker Hill June 17th, 1775. William Chapel of Captain Richard's Company in the 1st Connecticut Battalion recommended for a furlough of 20 days due to not being able to perform his duty and was discharged. Approved by Brigadier General Jeddediah Huntington. A rare grouping of important individuals. Signed twice by Huntington with one signature being a ANS by him. A rare Revolutionary War discharge. Very fine..................................................................$875.00 SOLD

2233 - COLONEL GEORGE WASHINGTON LEADS A MILITARY FORCE AGAINST THE FRENCH ON THE OHIO, Gentleman's Magazine, September 1754, London. A long description of Washington's advance towards the Ohio to dislodge the French from English territory. Washington's alliance with the 6 Nations, his advance with 400 men to the Ohio, the French attack on his stockade position, the attacks by both sides, his suing for peace when New York troops did not arrive, his difficult march home in defeat which was his only military defeat. The Battle of Fort Necessity, or the Battle of the Great Meadows took place on July 3, 1754 in what is now the mountaintop hamlet of Farmington in Fayette County, Pennsylvania. The engagement was one of the first battles of the French and Indian War and George Washington's only military surrender. The battle, along with the May 28 Battle of Jumonville Glen, contributed to a series of military escalations that resulted in the global Seven Years' War. Very detailed account, very fine.........................................................$79.00 SOLD

8173 - SUPPLYING THE FRENCH TROOPS AT JAMESTOWN, VA DURING THE YORKTOWN CAMPAIGN, 7" X 9" manuscript, September 20th, 1781, Head of Elk, Maryland. A receipt for seven barrels of cheese containing 53 Cheeses weighing 965 1/2 pounds shipped on board the sloop "Betty" received at Head of Elk in good order marked and numbered which is promised to be delivered to the French Army at Jamestown during the Yorktown Campaign. Colonel Henry Hollingsworth receives the shipment [Lt. Colonel and Colonel of the Maryland Militia.] An interesting document supplying the French Army. Beautifully written in dark brown ink............................................$495.00 SOLD

8174 - SUPPLIES AT SARATOGA, JULY 15TH, 1777, 7" X 7" manuscript document giving an account of the provisions for the Continental Army at Saratoga. Provisions listed were 138 sheep, 8 oxen, 3 1/2 barrels of pork, 21 barrels of beef, 6 barrels of "pease", 120 pounds of hard soap. Dated at Saratoga, 15th July 1777 and signed by Daniel Hale ADC. With the British army under Burgoyne marching south towards Saratoga, the Commissary Department requested list of provisions in storage at various posts along the line of the British march. The official Saratoga Campaign started after Burgoyne reached Fort Edward on July 29th, 1777 and ended upon his surrender. Documents datelined Saratoga are rare. Choice condition............$695.00 SOLD

6140 - DOCUMENT, MAY 26TH, 1803, NEW ORLEANS, FRENCH COLONY OF LOUISIANA, On imprinted Stationary, Neuvelle Orleans, Ano 11 (1803), Le Prefect Colonial de la Louisiane, 8" X 9", two pages in French as Commissioner for Napoleon writing in behalf of a friend and signed with his distinguishing signature. Written shortly after Laussat learned that France had declared war on England and he was to transfer the colony of Louisiana to the United States. Choice condition and extremely rare. Laussat signed the Louisiana Purchase for Napoleon on December 20th, 1803......................$1,950.00 SOLD

The Last Spanish Governor of Louisiana Juan Manuel de Salcedo

1801 - 1803

Salcedo served under Charles IV and battled his government over rights of Americans to navigate freely down the Mississippi River below Natchez. He left for a post in the Canary Islands after he officially transferred the colony to France on November 30th, 1803 to Laussat who represented France for Napoleon. Salcedo later became Spanish governor of Texas.

6141 Document signed by Salcedo as Spanish Governor of Louisiana on October 20th, 1803 just over a month before Salcedo transferred Louisiana to the French Commissioner Laussat who represented Napoleon. On pre-printed official stationary 8" X 13" certifying that Alexander Claud Garnot was a citizen of New Orleans since 1784. Salcedo affixed his red wax seal showing his crest. Beautifully written in brown ink on light blue-green watermarked paper. Choice condition....................................................$1,500.00 SOLD

1309 - GEORGE WASHINGTON, 1732-1799, Commander-in- Chief of the Continental Army, 1st President of the United States. Signature framed, a bold signature taken from a dated 1768 Mountain Road Lottery ticket. A nice dark signature that is tastefully framed in a royal blue suede mat with Florentine gold trim. Custom framed with a 200th Anniversary of his birth colored lithograph. Overall 11" X 14". A most difficult signature to obtain today as many clips are suspect, this one retains the date from the lottery ticket...........................SOLD 

1310 - GEORGE WASHINGTON, 1732-1799, Commander-in- Chief of the Continental Army, 1st President of the United States. An autographed note from General George Washington to Mrs. Bland. "General Washington presents his respectful compliments, and thanks to Mrs. Bland for the perusal of the book herewith returned...Sunday March 9th". (undated, but March 9th fell in the Revolution and post Revolution years on a Sunday in 1777, 1783, and 1788). Mrs. Bland was the mother-in-law of Reverdy Johnson, Sr. father of the famous Maryland jurist of the 19th Century Reverdy Johnson, Jr. She was Martha Dangerfield Bland, wife of Colonel Theordorick Bland, a Virginia Colonel. Mrs. Bland spent time with the Washington's and knew them well. A boldly written note by Washington with his pre-presidential title of "General Washington". Nicely presented in an 11" X 14" gold frame with blue suede matting with Florentine gold trim, a vintage 200th Anniversary colored lithograph print of Washington is included. Over twenty words in Washington's hand...................................SOLD

11206 - FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR, JOSEPH SHIPPEN WRITES CONCERNING HIS EXPECTED APPOINTMENT TO LT. COLONEL, 1758, 8" X 14". ALS signed by Major Joseph Shippen to Richard Peters, Philadelphia Secretary to the Governor of Pennsylvania from Camp Carlisle, July 13th, 1758. This French and Indian War letter was written by Joseph Shippen, Jr., who was stationed at Camp Carlisle, Pennsylvania - July 13, 1758. Shippen was a Major of a Pennsylvania Brigade and the letter concerns his disappointment in not receiving his commission as a Lieut. Colonel. He writes: "Sir, When Mr. Young arrived here with several commissions for the field officers in the three battalions, I had not the least doubt of receiving a Brevet for a Lieut. Colonel which the Governor was pleased to promise me when I was in Philadelphia in order to support my rank. Mr. Young cannot even assure me that such a commission was made out for me. Therefore I cannot help expressing a great dissatisfaction which such a disappointment since I am not conscious to myself that I have so far failed at any part of my duty as to render me more unworthy of rank than those who were before younger officers and by virtue of their new commissions will have the precedence and may command me whenever circumstances gives them the opportunity. I beg the favor of you mentioning this to the Governor that a Brevet commission for a Lieut. Colonel dated one day before Colonel Work's may be sent up to me as soon as possible since I cannot act with any kind of honor as Major of Brigade without having it with me.........................Joseph Shippen, Jr.

AS SHIPPEN IS WRITING THIS LETTER, THE AMERICAN FORCES ARE INVOLVED IN ONE OF THE MAJOR OPERATIONS OF THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR: GENERAL FORBES EXPEDITION TO FT. DUQUESNE (PITTSBURGH). IN SEPTEMBER, THE ADVANCE PARTY WAS DEFEATED AND MANY OFFICERS CAPTURED. THE MAIN BODY OF THE U.S. FORCES, OF WHICH SHIPPEN WAS IN, FOUGHT A FURIOUS ATTACK BY THE FRENCH AND INDIANS IN OCTOBER AT LIGONIER.

The Shippen family of Philadelphia is very famous. Edward Shippen immigrated from Yorkshire to Boston in 1668 and later to Philadelphia. He became Governor of PA in 1703. He had 11 children and Joseph Sr. was one of them, Joseph Jr. being born to him. Other famous Shippen children include: a daughter who married Benedict Arnold, Edward Shippen, Chief Justice of Pennsylvania, and William Shippen, who married Alice Lee of the famous Lee family of Virginia. It was also a Shippen who was the Chief Physician with Washington!

Joseph Shippen, Jr. was a well educated young man from a very famous family. Read his letter carefully and you will receive an education in how to express your dissatisfaction graciously, yet forcefully. The letter is in beautiful condition...hard to believe it is from 1758! Along with the letter is an original February 12, 1951 receipt from the Carnegie bookshop in New York City showing that this letter sold for $22. On that same invoice, a Hamilton was $7.50. So you can see how desirable this piece was close to 60 years ago!........................$795.00 SOLD

11207 - NORTH CAROLINA OFFICER IS APPOINTED AIDE DE CAMP TO GENERAL SUMNER DURING THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR, Camp Beacon Bridge, March 31st, 1782. Letter addressed to General Sumner at Hillsborough, NC. Captain Thomas Armstrong writes his appreciation to General Sumner for his appointment as Aide de Camp to his Staff. Armstrong was appointed to this post on February 11th, 1782. Armstrong was 1st Lt. of the 5th North Carolina April 1776, Captain October 1777, taken prisoner at Fort Fayette June 1779, exchanged December 1779, taken prisoner at Charleston May 1780, exchanged July 1781, later Brevet Major. Jethro Exum Sumner (1733 - 18 March 1785) was a Brigadier General in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. Sumner was born in Virginia. He was active in the measures that preceded the Revolution, and in 1760 was paymaster of the provincial troops of North Carolina and commander at Fort Cumberland. He was also a commissioned officer in the Virginia Regiment during the French and Indian War. In 1776, he was appointed by the Provincial Congress Colonel of the 3rd North Carolina Regiment, and served under George Washington in the north. He was commissioned Brigadier-General by the Continental Congress in 1779, was ordered to join General Horatio Gates in the south, and was at the Battle of Camden in 1780. He then served under General Nathaniel Greene, and at the Battle of Eutaw Springs, September 8, 1781, made a bayonet charge, after which he was active in keeping the Tories in check in North Carolina until the close of the war. A scarce North Carolina Revolutionary War document. Light age tone, otherwise fine (folder letter sheet hand carried to Sumner)...........................$295.00 SOLD

82710 - FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR PAYING THE TROOPS, Lebanon, CT, April 9th, 1757. Order written and signed by Connecticut Governor Jonathan Trumbull stating that Captain Israel Putnam has come to him desiring money from the pay table to pay his company of men. Trumbull writes to Colonel Fowler for the money for the company from the Colony. On the verso, Trumbull notes that the money was received - $50 (would be in Spanish Dollars), 2 Johnnes, and two small pieces of milled gold. Trumbull signs the document twice. Putnam later became a Revolutionary War General. 4" X 5", beautiful manuscript, near mint condition. Rare French & Indian War funding for troops. Putnam and Captain Rogers (Rogers Rangers) made a famous scouting mission deep in French Territory at Crown Point in 1757 and made a hasty escape with Putnam counting 14 bullet holes in his blanket and a hole through his canteen................................................$375.00 SOLD

82712 - WRITTEN AT WILLIAMSBURG, VA, PAYING THE BRIGADE OF TEAMSTERS IN THE SERVICE OF THE FRENCH ARMY AT YORKTOWN INCLUDING ONE NEGRO TEAMSTER, Williamsburg, VA, January 1st, 1782. 8" X 15", all hand-lined an filled-in. A detailed listing of expenses for the wagon men in the service of the French Army in that locale including the period November 7th, 1781. One of the wagon men was noted as DICK (a Negro) and was paid 9 pounds and 12 shillings. The brigade was commanded by Thomas Gardner who served at the LEXINGTON ALARM, FOUGHT AT GERMANTOWN, WINTERED AT VALLEY FORGE WITH WASHINGTON, FOUGHT AT MONMOUTH. A huge detailed listing dated and written at Williamsburg, VA. Fine, trifle paper loss at left edge unaffecting any data. Rare content and such a large document.....................$650.00 SOLD

82713 - THE SIEGE OF BOSTON, RIFLEMEN ARE PAID FOR FORAGE COSTS TO BOSTON FROM PENNSYLVANIA TO JOIN WASHINGTON, August 25th, 1775, 4" X 7" manuscript. The Colony of Connecticut pays for the oats for the wagon horses carrying the baggage of a rifle Company to join Washington at Boston. A company of expert rifleman under Captain Michael Cresap were on the march to join Washington from Maryland. He marched the company 550 miles in 22 days to be the first Southern unit to join Washington for the Siege of Boston. Signed by Oliver Ellsworth. An extremely rare Colonial early war document signed by Ellsworth................$695.00 SOLD

81714 - PAYMENT FOR ARMS USED AT BUNKER HILL, June 1st, 1775, 5.5" X 7.5" manuscript account of payment for three guns and two bayonets sold and delivered to Jedediah Hide, 1st Lt. 6th Regiment "for the defense of this Colony". Hide fought at BUNKER HILL 16 days later and previously fought at the Lexington Alarm on April 19th, 1775. Signed by Oliver Ellsworth famous Colonial Jurist. Excellent condition. Bunker Hill related documents are rare..............$675.00 SOLD

LIGHT HORSE HARRY LEE

Henry Lee III (January 29, 1756 - March 25, 1818) was an early American patriot who served as the Governor of Virginia and as the Virginia Representative to the United States Congress. During the American Revolution, Lee served as a Cavalry Officer in the Continental Army and earned the name Light Horse Harry. He was also the father of Confederate General Robert E. Lee.

Autographed Letter signed, dated at Richmond, VA, November 25th, 1793 to John Minor at Fredericksburg, VA. 1 page addressed to John Minor at Fredericksburg, VA (JOHN MINOR, American (1761-1816). General Minor from Fredericksburg, VA was an officer of both the American Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. He was also a lawyer in private life. In 1783, General Minor unsuccessfully urged the Virginia General Assembly to pass a bill to emancipate the slaves in the state of Virginia. He was a member of the Virginia House of Delegates from 1805 to 1807. He died in Richmond, VA, while sitting as one of the electors of the college which cast the vote for James Monroe for President of the United States. (General Minor and President Monroe were close personal friends.)

Lee writes Minor on the new uniforms for the "LI" - (Richmond Light Infantry)...He expresses joy in tell John Minor that the uniforms of the "LI" requires no amendment. They will adapt the state uniform colors of "blue and white". He continues to ask Minor whether this uniform will command money (funds from the state) or whether the "Quarry" of SLAVE there can be bought into use. Signed Henry C. Lee, Richmond, November 25th (1793). Lee writes his old military friend as Governor of Virginia in regard to the uniforms need for "The Richmond Light Infantry" that was formed in May 1793 and operated as a Militia unit from 1794-1807. 8" X 11", all in Lee's hand, some archival restoration on verso.........................................$695.00 SOLD

71802 - RAISING A COMPANY TO REINFORCE WASHINGTON IN NEW YORK JUNE 1776, 8.5" X 14", pre-printed and filled-in. Stephen Goodwin as a Captain was given 300 pounds by the State of Connecticut to form a company destined to reinforce Washington in New York. Dated June 28th, 1776 only days before the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Goodwin served as Captain of the 4th Company, Colonel Gay's Regiment, Second Battalion, Wadsworth's Brigade. The Company served at the Brooklyn front at the Battle of Long Island August 29-30th, 1776 and the retreat from Long Island on September 15th, and then with the main army at White Plains. Signed by Stephen Goodwin, Abner Sheppard, David Bull, and Samuel Elmore. Goodwin is ordered to "join the Continental Army in New York. Goodwin's Company was part of Washington's army that slipped past the British army back to New Jersey as they were pinned against the river and were nearly captured by Howe's massive army. Howe's decision not to pursue Washington to the river allowed Washington to save the remainder of his army after suffering a huge defeat days before by a combined force of British and Hessians. Two small paper seals are fixed to the document. Bright and firm. An important 1776 dated document regarding troops destined to aid Washington's army on Long Island. Extremely rare, very fine light age tone at fold, (comes with records of the unit)..................................$850.00 SOLD

A REVOLUTIONARY WAR SOLDIER AND SAILOR WHO SAILED WITH CAPTAIN JOHN BARRY GIVES AFFIRMATION OF HIS REVOLUTIONARY WAR MILITARY SERVICE ON THE FAMOUS AMERICAN WARSHIP ALLIANCE

61503 - Brackley Shaw (1761 - 1839), in a two page letter written in 1818 gives details of his military service in the Continental Army and Navy (1780 - 1781) including the last voyage of the US Frigate ALLIANCE captioned by Captain John Barry who is known as the father of the United States Navy. Shaw details his army and navy career and mentions the wounding of Captain Barry in the shoulder by grapeshot in an encounter with a British ship. Shaw describes his tenure on the ALLIANCE as a captain of a gun crew. The purpose of this letter was to claim any pension owed him for his survive in the military of the United States as he was in need of the funds. Shaw, in part, describes his career writing from Abington, MA...April 18th, 1818, "...I, Brackley Shaw of Abington in the County of Plymouth Commonwealth of Massachusetts, declare and set forth that I was in the land and sea service of the United States in the late Revolutionary War...I enlisted in the Spring of 1776 into Captain Isaac Ranger's Co., Colonel Whitney's regiment for seven months which the term was completed at Dorchester at Nantucket near Boston and was honorably discharged. I enlisted sometime in the year 1780 on board the frigate ALLIANCE, John Barry Esq. Commander for one year. I was on board upon the retaking of the Venetian ship from the British Privateer on March 4th, 1781. I commanded one of the guns on the ALLIANCE and remained on the ALLIANCE nearly a year and went into the Port of Boston. Our commander was wounded in the shoulder by grapeshot and our vessel was shattered by various actions which she had been engaged and rendered unfit for duty. I was honorably discharged after having been on the ALLIANCE for 10-11 months and never received any written discharge. I am reduced in my circumstances and stand in need of assistance from my country...Brackley Shaw. The incident Shaw refers to on March 4th, 1781, involved the ALLIANCE and BUONO COMPAGNIA and the HMS Alert. The wounding of Captain Barry occurred with an encounter with the HMS ATALANTA on June 6th, 1781. The ALLIANCE was restored in Boston and continued encounters with British ships until 1783. Barry is regarded as the Father of the United States Navy for his actions during the Revolutionary War. A rare letter, written post-war by a member of the 1780-81 crew of the famous ALLIANCE. Old restoration at folds, manuscript is written in bold brown ink..........................................$350.00 SOLD

61504 - FUNDS FOR RAISING COLONEL SAMUEL MOTT'S REGIMENT FOR THE DEFENSE OF THE UNITED STATES, 7" X 8", manuscript pay voucher giving Colonel Samuel Mott 2400 Pounds for the expenses of the raising of Mott's Regiment for the defense of the United States dated at Hartford, CT, May 22nd, 1778. Signed by Samuel Mott as receiving the funds. Boldly written, very fine.....................................$150.00  SOLD

61903 - ABRAHAM LINCOLN IN MASSACHUSETTS, 6" X 7", pre-printed form signed by Abraham Lincoln, collector of revenue for Warrenton, MA, September 26th, 1799 for duty paid on a carriage. An interesting name tie as Abraham Lincoln's ancestors were from Massachusetts (came to Massachusetts in the 17th Century). Very good and one mist note the similarity on how this Abraham Lincoln signed "Lincoln" with the "oln" very similar to the President...............................$45.00 SOLD

61901 - SIEGE OF BOSTON, FLOUR FOR THE TROOPS, 4" X 7", manuscript receipt dated at Cambridge (Mass.), November 17th, 1775, receiving money from Major David McClellan paying John Wilson for ten barrels of wheat flour weighing 3075 pounds for Joseph Trumbull, the Commissary General. At Cambridge, MA, Washington arrived in 1775 to take command of the fledging American troops, who were camped on the Cambridge Common. That campsite is known as the birthplace of the American Army. Flour to be made into bread for the first American troops. Very fine..............................$125.00 SOLD

61902 - DRUMMER AND FIFERS BEING PAID IN 1776, 2" X 7", a very unusual Revolutionary War pay item. On the obverse side is a receipt for $6.00 "towards my brother Abraham Kimball's wages" received April 12th, 1776 from Captain Sanford Morgan and signed as received by Thomas Kimball. On the reverse of the small receipt is a notation of pay to Sergeants, Corporals, drummers, and fifers for the total of 108 pounds and four shillings. A scarce mention of drummers and fifers in 1776, which is the view many think of when they think of a Continental unit marching with drummers and fifers. Quite an interesting small document......................................$95.00 SOLD

 

 
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