Description:

African American Revolutionary War Soldier Pay Voucher

Partially Printed Document Signed by John Lawrence (1719-1802) as “J. Lawrence”, Treasurer, 1p, 7.25" x 4.5", Hartford, June 1, 1780. Note on tan paper with black decorative border, numbered 11.146, for £3.5.0¼. Circular cancellation punch hole affects a portion of Billy Munger’s signature at verso. Folds with separation at edges; minor creases; else, near fine condition.

Treasury Office Pay Order that, “The State of Connecticut doth owe unto Mr. Billy Munger who hath served in the Connecticut Line of the Continental Army, the Sum of Three pounds five shill and 1/4…which Interest shall be paid unto him…” At verso, the docketing of interest payments made from June 1781 through July 1789.

Billy Munger is listed in the publication, “Forgotten Patriots: African American and American Indian Patriots in the Revolutionary War”, by Eric Grundset: "Munger, Billa/Billy, **, M881, no residence given".

The Forgotten Patriots Project focuses on the important contributions made by African American and American Indian Patriots of the American Revolution. To date, thousands of Forgotten Patriots have been identified, and Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) researchers continue to uncover these individuals and their unique stories. 

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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June 22, 2022 10:30 AM EDT
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University Archives

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