Description:

Revolutionary War
Hartford, CT, March 7, 1777
Revolutionary War 1777 Encouragement Pay for Enlistment in Continental Army for Capt. James Watson, U.S. Senator
Partially Printed DS

Revolutionary War. Partially Printed Document Signed, "Ez: Williams," for the committee, 1p, on laid paper measuring 7.5" x 6", Hartford, Connecticut, March 7, 1777, being an encouragement pay order to treasurer John Lawrence. Docketing and endorsement at verso. Flattened folds and creases. Minor toning and scattered spotting. In very near fine condition.

In full:

"Sir, Please to pay to Captain James Watson the Sum of Six hundred & Twenty five Pounds to pay out (as the additional Encouragement of Ten Pounds granted by this State) for inlisting his own Company, in the Continental Battalion to be commanded by Samuel B. Webb Colonel; and to render his Account, and charge the State. Hartford, March 7th Anno Domini, 1777. Ez: Williams Com'tee.

£.625.0.
John Lawrence Esq; Treasurer."

Endorsement at verso, in full:
"Rec'd March 7 1777 of Treasurer Laurence [sic] Six Hundred Twenty five pounds the Contents.
James Watson Capt."

James Watson (1750-1806) was a Connecticut native who graduated from Yale in 1776 and served as lieutenant, and then captain, in the Continental army between May 1776 and May 1778. His appointment as purchasing commissary lasted only several months in 1780. Watson moved to New York City in 1786 and became a merchant at 44 Broad Street. He was a member of the New York State Assembly in 1791, 1794-1796 and was Speaker in 1794. He was a member of the New York State Senate, Southern District, from 1796 to 1798 and was a Regent of New York University from 1795 until his death. In 1798, Watson was elected as a Federalist to the United States Senate and served in the United States Congress from December 11, 1798, to March 19, 1800, when he resigned to accept an appointment by President John Adams as Naval Officer of the Port of New York. He is the younger brother of Captain Titus Watson (1746-1821) .

Ezekiel Williams (1729-1818) was a prominent Connecticut merchant and patriot who served on the Committee of the Pay-Table starting in 1775, approving military expenditures. As part of this committee, he authorized payments for soldiers and war efforts. He was appointed U.S. Deputy Commissary of Prisoners for Connecticut in 1777, managing the care of prisoners of war held by Connecticut. Williams was the sheriff of Hartford County from 1767 to 1789, and the brother of Declaration of Independence signer William Williams.

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.

Samuel Blachley Webb (1753-1807) was the commanding officer of the 9th Connecticut Regiment in the American Revolutionary War. An aide-de-camp to Lt. Gen. George Washington, he fought at the battles of Bunker Hill, Long Island, White Plains, and Trenton. Despite suffering many wounds and capture by the British, Webb served in the Revolution for almost the entire war. Washington regarded him as "the most accomplished gentleman in the Army." Webb attained distinction as an intelligent, capable, and courageous officer. Washington relied upon Webb as a battlefield assistant to carry messages to the front lines, often braving enemy fire to accomplish his missions. While recovering from wounds received in battle, Washington promoted Webb to colonel and ordered him to raise and lead a new regiment, the 9th Connecticut Regiment. After the war ended in 1783, Webb became a merchant in New York City. He was a founding member of the Society of the Cincinnati and officiated Washington's first presidential inauguration. Respected by his fellow officers, friends, and peers, Webb's service in the American Revolution contributed to American victory and independence.

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: 7.5" x 6"
  • Medium: Partially Printed DS

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