Oliver Ellsworth & Others 1776 DS Regarding "Conn.t Troops from Northern Army"

A paper slip signed by three members of a Connecticut Pay Table Committee, including Oliver Ellsworth (1745-1807), as "O. Ellsworth" in the lower right corner. Co-signed by fellow committee members Thomas Seymour as "T Seymour" and Ezra Williams as "Ez: Williams." Also signed by Treasurer Jonathan Lawrence as "Jn: Lawrence Esq / Treasurer" at lower left. Endorsed, with docket information confirming receipt of payment, both found verso. Light overall toning and expected folds. Minor repairs to brittle folds and to an isolated area of paper loss to the right edge, else near fine and still of a superb appearance. 8.25” x 5."

This April 10, 1776 pay voucher instructed Connecticut Treasurer Jonathan Lawrence to "pay Joel Benham, by hand of Jos: Smith Three pounds - for helping Home a Sick Soldir of Conn.t Troops from Northern Army…"

The "Northern Army" most likely referred to military forces stationed in the Northern Department or Northern theatre of action, that is, New York State. The identity of pay recipient Joel Benham is unclear but he may have been associated with both Cheshire and Wallingford, Connecticut, two towns in New Haven County.

Oliver Ellsworth was one of Connecticut's first state senators. Ellsworth was very involved in revolutionary politics, and helped draft the U.S. Constitution. The Yale and Princeton graduate also trained as a lawyer and was appointed by George Washington to serve as the 3rd Chief Justice of the Supreme Court between 1796-1800.

Jonathan Lawrence is an interesting historical figure in that he served as treasurer before, during, and after the American Revolution, when Connecticut was first a colony and then a state.

Financing the Revolution laid a heavy burden upon each colony, especially those which balked at levying taxes. In order to meet immediate needs such as wages, the colonies relied upon wealthy revolutionaries, foreign loans, and taxes and gifts from abroad. Connecticut issued promissory notes such as this. Issuing paper money was only a temporary solution, and worthless without specie or gold and silver backing. The U.S. established its standard monetary system in 1791.

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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