Revolutionary War
Philadelphia, PA, June 19, 1777
John Bayard Signed Pay Order as Speaker of the Pennsylvania Assembly in 1777
PPDS

Partially printed, partially manuscript document signed, "Jno. Bayard," as speaker, 1p, 8" x 6.375", Philadelphia, June 19, 1777. Flattened folds and creases. Uneven edges with loss at lower right recto. Contemporary ink splatter/smudge below Bayard's bold signature. Evidence of previous repair to an otherwise blank verso. Toning, foxing, and soiling. Overall, very good.

To Treasurer David Rittenhouse, Esq., in full:

"Sir, Pay to Josiah Crawford Esquire Twenty one Pounds fifteen Shillings for his Wages for 29 days Service in the General Assembly and Two pounds Eight Shillings & four pence for his travelling Charges for 58 Miles."

John Bayard (1738-1807) was an American merchant, Revolutionary patriot, and Pennsylvania statesman who served as Speaker of the Pennsylvania General Assembly during the American Revolution. A prominent member of one of Philadelphia's leading mercantile families, Bayard combined commercial success with public service and played an important role in the political and financial affairs of Pennsylvania during the nation's struggle for independence. In 1777, during one of the most difficult periods of the war, he was chosen Speaker of the Pennsylvania General Assembly. His tenure coincided with the British occupation of Philadelphia, when the state government was forced to conduct its business from alternate locations while supporting General George Washington's army during the campaigns of Brandywine, Germantown, and Valley Forge.

David Rittenhouse (1732-1796) was one of the foremost scientists and public servants of Revolutionary America. An internationally celebrated astronomer, mathematician, surveyor, instrument maker, and statesman, he applied his remarkable scientific abilities to the Patriot cause during the American Revolution before serving as Treasurer of Pennsylvania from 1777 to 1789 and later becoming the first Director of the United States Mint.

Josiah Crawford was a Pennsylvania public official who served as Clerk pro tempore of the Pennsylvania General Assembly during the opening years of the American Revolution. As clerk, Crawford worked closely with Speaker John Bayard, helping to maintain the continuity of Pennsylvania's civil government while the legislature confronted the military, financial, and political demands of the Revolution.

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" x 6.375"
  • Medium: PPDS

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