Description:

Israel Putnam Sends Thirteen-Year-Old Soldier Home to Massachusetts

One month to the day before the Second Continental Congress issued the Declaration of Independence, Major General Israel Putnam signs a pass for young Benjamin Moors to return home to Groton, Massachusetts, after being discharged from the Continental Army. Four years later, Moors again joined the army.

[REVOLUTIONARY WAR.] Israel Putnam, Manuscript Document Signed, Pass for Benjamin Moors, June 4, 1776. 1 p., 7.75" x 3.625". Expected folds; some separation on central fold; affixed to paper backing; very good.

Complete Transcript
The Bearer Benjamin Moors being discharged from the Continental Army is hereby permitted to go to his Home at Groton
Head Quarters
New York June 4th 1776 Israel Putnam

Israel Putnam (1718-1790) was born in Massachusetts and moved to Connecticut in 1740, where he purchased several enslaved Africans to work his land. He served in the Connecticut militia during the French and Indian War, gaining promotion through the ranks to become a colonel. Although captured by Native Americans near Montreal, the intervention of a French officer saved Putnam from being burned alive. He survived a shipwreck off Cuba in 1762 and brought tobacco seeds back to New England, beginning the cultivation of tobacco there. He served in the Connecticut General Assembly in the 1760s and helped found the state's Sons of Liberty. After receiving word of the Battle of Lexington and Concord, Putnam left his farm and offered his services in Boston, where he became a major general. When the Continental Congress created the Continental Army in June 1775, Putnam was one of four major generals serving under Commander-in-Chief George Washington. Putnam served under Washington in the Siege of Boston then took command of American forces in New York before Washington's arrival in April 1776. He later had recruiting duty in Connecticut before taking command of the Eastern Division, consisting of New Hampshire and Connecticut troops. In 1779, he was put in charge of the right wing of the Continental Army. A paralyzing stroke in December 1779 ended Putnam's military service.

Benjamin Moors (b. 1762) was born in Groton, Massachusetts, the son of Joseph and Lucy Moors. He lived in Groton when he joined the Continental Army at age 13. Four years later, he again enlisted at age 17 in July 1780 and served until discharged in December 1781.

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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