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Lot 234
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African American Rev. War Soldier Pay Order "for service in the Connecticut Line of the Continental Army," Rare as Signed in Full
African American Rev. War Soldier Pay Order "for service in the Connecticut Line of the Continental Army," Rare as Signed in Full
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Description:

Revolutionary War
Hartford, CT, June 1, 1782
African American Rev. War Soldier Pay Order "for service in the Connecticut Line of the Continental Army," Rare as Signed in Full
Partially Printed DS

Revolutionary War. Partly printed, partly manuscript document signed by Treasurer John Lawrence (1719-1802) as "J Lawrence," 1p, 7.5" x 3.75", Hartford, Connecticut, June 1, 1782. Note on tan paper with black decorative border, numbered 3,963, for £9.9.0. Extensive docketing of interest payments made from June 1783 through February 1789 at verso. Circular cancellation punch hole at center. Flattened folds and creases with separation and very small loss. Minor ink show through from verso to recto with an isolated area of ink erosion. Light toning and scattered foxing. Overall, in very good to near fine condition.

In part: "The State of Connect[icut doth pay] unto Mr. Ezekiel Tophand who hath [served in the] Connecticut Line of the Continental Army, the Sum of Nine pounds nine shillings Being one fourth Part of the [Balance]...due to him, which Sum shall be paid to him or his Order at this Office, in Gold or Silver, on or before the first Day of June, A D. One Thousand Seven Hundred and Eighty Eight..."

Ezekiel Tophand signs at verso, "Ezekiel Tophand," in full, which is uncommon, as most African-American Patriots signed with their mark "X" due to their illiteracy through lack of education.

Tophand was an African-American soldier from New Haven, Connecticut, who enlisted on December 13, 1776, and fought in David Humphreys (1752-1818) all-black Company in the 4th Connecticut Regiment during the American Revolution. This company consisted of 48 black privates and NCOs, was formed in October of 1780, and served until November 1782 when it was reorganized under the command of Zebulon Butler (1731-1795).

Ezekiel Tophand is listed in the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Patriots of Color online database as " TUPHAM/TUPHAND/TOPHAND, EZEKIEL, African American, CBS, CPAR, LTDH (Served in Capt. David Humphrey's Company of Colored Troops), CHS97556, New Haven."

This segregated unit, black soldiers under white officers, was created as the Sixth Connecticut in the Continental Army's reorganization of late 1780. As of January 1, 1781, Connecticut's nine regiments were reduced to five. The Sixth Connecticut was the only regiment not to be combined with another in the consolidation. It simply changed its name from the Sixth to the Fourth. All black soldiers formerly of the Sixth were placed in an all-black company in the Fourth Connecticut, along with five new black recruits. Other men of color in the Connecticut line remained scattered among white regiments, as was typical in the Continental Army.

It is estimated that close to 10,000 African Americans served in the Continental Army and various state militias during the American Revolution, while around 20,000 served in the British Army. Promises of freedom from enslavement was a large motivating factor for joining either the Patriot or British armies. The average length of enlistment for African American soldiers was approximately 4.5 years, with some serving for the duration of the war. This is almost eight times the length of service of that of the average white soldier.

During the Revolutionary War, more than five thousand black soldiers fought in support of the revolutionary cause. This included the participation of slaves, many of whom were promised their freedom in return for their service in the Continental Army. As the war progressed and the need for soldiers became more desperate, state after state set in place systems by which slaves could earn their freedom by serving in the military and whereby free men could enlist themselves. Both free and enslaved blacks had fought in colonial militias prior to the Revolution, and African American minutemen died in the battles at Lexington and Concord. In all, it is estimated that about one-fifth of the northern army was African American. Sadly, the close of the war did not bring the changes that these African American patriots had hoped for. While some slaves were granted freedom by their masters, many other slave owners reneged on their promises. Others likely disappeared back into slavery with no legal or financial means to do otherwise.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 7.5" x 3.75"
  • Medium: Partially Printed DS

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May 6, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
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