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Scarce Constitution Signer John Langdon approves the resignation of a Major in the Militia
Scarce Constitution Signer John Langdon approves the resignation of a Major in the Militia
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Langdon John

Scarce Constitution Signer John Langdon approves the resignation of a Major in the Militia


Partially Printed Military Document Endorsed, "John Langdon, Cap[tain] Genl", and Signed, "J.T. Gilman", Governor, 1p, 14.25" x 12". Document is an appointment of Jabez James to the position of "Major of the First Battalion on the Tenth Regiment of Militia, in the State of New-Hampshire." Along the left side beneath the seal, in clerical hand is written, "The said Jabez James his requested leave to resign this commission and having received the Consent of the Superior Officer his resignation is accepted" with John Langdon's endorsement. Light soiling and toned edges with folds; Overall near fine condition. 


John Langdon's distinguished political leadership was matched by his military acumen. He made an important contribution to the war effort during his year in the Continental Congress. In November 1775, he approved the organization of the first regiment of Canadian volunteers in the Continental Army. Recognizing Langdon's maritime experiences, Congress appointed him to the committee that oversaw the establishment of the Continental Navy. In early 1776 Langdon resigned to accept appointment as the Marine Agent for New Hampshire. He established a shipyard in Portsmouth and began work on one of the first Continental frigates, the Raleigh. While he operated his own fleet of privateers, he also supervised construction of the Navy's first major warship, the 74-gun America. The most ambitious shipbuilding project in the country to that time, the America was launched near the end of the war.

Another of Langdon's major responsibilities as marine agent involved supervising the importation and distribution of arms. Shipped from France to ports in New England, and especially Portsmouth, these vital weapons were disguised in a complicated trade deal to maintain the appearance of French neutrality. Thanks in part to Langdon's efforts they reached the regiments of the Continental Army in time for the crucial campaigns of 1777. In 1777 Langdon assumed a more direct role in the defense of the country. Langdon took command of an elite company of light infantry called a "silk-stocking" outfit by his contemporaries because it was composed of wealthy citizens who all held officer commissions in their own local militia units. The unit was in fact a highly trained combat formation. British strategy for the summer campaign of 1777 called for a major attack to cut New England off from the other states. By September, Burgoyne's army had been halted near Saratoga, New York, by the combined efforts of continentals and various militias from New York and New England. To help break the stalemate, additional militia units were called up, including Langdon's company. They arrived in time to surround the British, cutting off retreat to Canada. In October, Burgoyne and his entire army surrendered. Langdon witnessed this "grand scene' " as he called it, the result of the cooperative efforts of the regulars and the militia of four separate states. He also took considerable satisfaction in the fact that he had paid out of his own pocket for much of the equipment used by his militia company, saying, "If we defend our homes and our firesides, I may get my pay; if we do not defend them, the property will be of no value to me." 

Jabez James was an early settler of New Hampshire. As quoted from the History of Merrimack and Belknap Counties, New Hampshire Philadelphia: J.W. Lewis & Co., 1885, "Major Jabez James came into town in 1784 and settled near Cotton's Hill, on the north incline, on some excellent land. He was one of the largest taxpayers in the first years. His estate still remains in the name and the family holds its rank. He was a Revolutionary soldier and had sons, John and Jonathan who settled near. Jonathan and John James settled near each other in the same neighborhood and their families are still represented in the place, though some have removed to other places. The families were not large, but of good standing and worthy in example."

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