Description:

G. Washington Signed Early Soc. of Cincinnati Cert. For Man Who Freed Slaves and Fought With Lafayette!

An engraved membership certificate signed by George Washington as president of the Society of the Cincinnati. 1p of vellum, measuring 20.75" x 14.25", Philadelphia, dated May 5, 1784. Signed "Go: Washington" and countersigned by the Secretary of the Society "HKnox", the certificate awards membership in the Society of the Cincinnati to Colonel William Raymond Lee. Five years after signing this certificate, in November 1789, President George Washington would visit Lee’s home in Marblehead during his tour of the eastern states. With engraved vignettes by Auguste L. Belle depicting the allegorical personification of America, dressed in knight's armor, standing upon the British standard and the American eagle casting the British lion and Britannia into the sea. Also depicted are both sides of the medal of the Order of the Cincinnati. The document has flattened folds and creases. Light toning throughout and darker toning at the edges. Scattered foxing and soiling throughout. Signatures of Washington and Knox are somewhat faded. Overall good.

The Society of the Cincinnati was established in May, 1783 at the close of the American Revolution, by Continental Army officers who served in the war. Named for Lucius Quintus Cincinnatus, a Roman farmer turned military leader who, upon his triumphant return, declined all honors and went back to his farm, the society became an ideal to be emulated by Washington and many of his compatriots.

William Raymond Lee (1745-1824) was born in Manchester, Massachusetts, and received a commercial education with his uncle, who employed him in Marblehead as a manager in purchasing whale oil. In 1775, he formed a company of artillery of which he was the commander, and before leaving for the war, Lee reportedly freed his slaves, believing it unjust to fight for liberty and own human beings simultaneously. Following the Battles of Lexington and Concord, Lee was made captain of a company in Colonel John Glover’s regiment, which later became the 14th Continental Regiment. He soon gained promotion to major and, in January 1777, was promoted to colonel to lead “Lee’s Additional Continental Regiment.” In the spring of 1777, General Washington offered the position of adjutant general to Timothy Pickering with Lee as a second candidate if Pickering declined. Pickering initially declined, but when he later reconsidered, Lee (who was happy with his own command) refused the promotion in favor of Pickering. In reporting these events to John Hancock, General Washington wrote that Lee “has deservedly acquired the reputation of a good Officer” and “holds a high place in my esteem.” Lee would not remain with the army long, however, and resigned his commission in early January 1778 to care for his family and prevent the complete destruction of his property, which was at risk from British attack. However, despite his resignation, Lee continued to command ships in the Marquis de Lafayette’s expedition against Rhode Island and for the remainder of the war, he commissioned several privateers to prey on British shipping. At the conclusion of the war, he resumed his business as one of the leading merchants of Massachusetts. He served as one of the trustees of the public schools, a selectman of Marblehead (1791-1797), and representative to the General Court (1780, 1785, 1792). During the Quasi-War with France in 1798, Lee commanded a company of Revolutionary War veterans. In 1802, President Thomas Jefferson appointed Lee as the Collector of the Port of Salem and Beverly, a position he held until his death.

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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