Lot 253

S. Huntington Signed Military Appointment as Pres. of the Continental Congress

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S. Huntington Signed Military Appointment as Pres. of the Continental Congress

Estimate: $1,000 - $1,500

Current Bid: $350

(3 Bids)

June 17, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
Live Auction
Wilton, CT, US

Description:

Samuel Huntington
Philadelphia, PA, September 29, 1779
S. Huntington Signed Military Appointment as Pres. of the Continental Congress
DS

Samuel Huntington signed military appointment as President of the Continental Congress. 1p. on vellum, 11.25" x 6.1" (sight); Philadelphia; September 29, 1779. Document appointing Thomas Turner "a Captain in the Fourteenth Massachusetts Regiment in the Army of the United States to take rank as such from the 8th day [of] May 1776". Signed, "Saml Huntington President" and countersigned by Benjamin Stoddert as Secretary of the Board of War. With flattened folds and light soiling at top right. Although Huntington signed documents are not uncommon, those signed as President of the Continental Congress are exceptionally scarce. The only other online auction record for a similar appointment sold for $6572 in 2006. Framed to an overall size of 16.75" x 12". Not examined out of the frame. Blind embossed seal is intact. Engrossment is a bit light, remaining legible, but Huntington's signature is bold. A scarce appointment issued to an officer who heeded the call of the "Lexington Alarm"!

In addition to signing the Declaration of Independence, Samuel Huntington (1731-1796) served as President of the Continental Congress from 1779 to 1781, a challenging and critical juncture in American history. It was during Huntington's presidency that the Articles of Confederation were ratified in March 1781.

The recipient of this appointment, Thomas Turner, was member of the Pembroke Company of the Massachusetts Militia. This militia company was among the first to respond to the call to arms after the Battle of Lexington on April 19, 1775. Thomas and his company marched on April 20 and were among the troops challenging the British as they retreated along the Concord Lexington Road.

Turner's name is listed as a Captain on a return of Massachusetts militia in December 1775, and in January 1776 his company was part of Colonel Bailey's Regiment. In May 1776, his name appears on a muster and payroll of a company raised for the defense of Boston. He continued to serve throughout the war and formally enlisted in the Continental Army in November 1776. Thomas was discharged in November 1779, shortly after the date of this appointment; and this appointment was made retroactive to May 1776 to recognize his many years of service to the cause of freedom.

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: 16.75" x 12"
  • Medium: DS

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000