Description:

Oliver Ellsworth
Hartford, CT, January 7, 1776
Oliver Ellsworth Signed 1776 Pay Order for Post Rider
DS

A Revolutionary War-dated pay order signed by Oliver Ellsworth. 1p, [Hartford, Connecticut], dated January 7, 1776. Signed "O. Ellsworth" and addressed to John Lawrence Esq., Treasurer. Ellsworth directs Lawrence to pay for hiring and paying post riders. Countersigned by Thomas Seymour and Ezekiel Williams as Committee members. With docketing on verso and a receipt of money. The document has flattened folds and slightly rough edges. Light, uneven toning and staining throughout. Large, bold signature. Measuring 8.25" x 6.75", PSA encapsulated and graded NM 7 to the overall size of 9.5" x 13".

In full:

"Pay to Charles C. Chandler Esq by hand of Eben. Loomis Post Rider the Sum of Thirty One Pounds seven shillings & four pence money to be improved in hiring & paying Post Riders & charge the sane to acct. Colony Comd."

The Pay-Table handled the military finances for the colony of Connecticut during the American Revolution. Also known as the Committee of Four, its members at different times included Oliver Ellsworth, Jedidiah Huntington, William Moseley, Hezekiah Rogers, Jesse Root, Thomas Seymour III, William Pitkin, Fenn Wadsworth, Eleazer Wales, Ezekiel Williams, John Chenward, Oliver Wolcott Jr., and Samuel Wyllys.

Oliver Ellsworth (1745-1807) was a lawyer, judge, politician, and diplomat, renown for being a framer of the U.S. Constitution and the third Chief Justice of the United States. He also served as a Senator from Connecticut and his influence helped ensure the state's ratifying of the Constitution in 1789.

John Lawrence (1719-1802) served as treasurer of the colony and then the state of Connecticut for twenty years from 1769 to 1789. During the Revolutionary War, he was also commissioner of loans for the United States.

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: 8.25" x 6.75"
  • Medium: DS

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July 16, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

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