Description:

During the French and Indian War, Signer of the Declaration of Independence Stephen Hopkins, as a member of the Committee of War, requests the payment of £1000 "to pay the Wages and Billetting of the new Troops" just raised for the reduction of the French forts on Lake Champlain

STEPHEN HOPKINS (1707-1785) Manuscript Document Signed " Step Hopkins," " Jona Nichols," " Daniel Jenckes," and " Peter Bours" as Commissioners of War, 1 page, 7" x 4". Newport [Rhode Island], March 2, 1756. To Thomas Richardson, General Treasurer. Endorsed " Thomas Cranston" on verso. On laid paper. Fine condition.

In full, "Please to pay Thomas Cranston Esqr One thousand pounds being to pay the wages and Billetting of the new Troops, and charge the Same to the Colony."

During the French and Indian War, in February 1756, Rhode Island voted to raise a force of 500 men (including those still in service) for the reduction of the French forts on Lake Champlain. This regiment consisted of 10 companies.

There were five members of the Committee of War at the time this document was signed: Stephen Hopkins (served 1755-1757), Jonathan Nichols (1755 until his death in September 1756), Daniel Jenckes (1755-1760), Peter Bours (1755 until his death in 1761),and Thomas Cranston (1755-1762). Stephen Hopkins was also Governor of the Colony of Rhode Island when he signed this document. Thomas Cranston served as Speaker of the Rhode Island House of Representatives at the time that Cranston, Rhode Island, was created in 1754.

Provenance: Charles E. Sigety.

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