Autumn 2020 Catalogue

4 American Heroes & Leaders Autumn 2020 Honorable Discharge Signed By General George Washington In June 1783 As Commander-In-chief 2. WASHINGTON, George. Document signed. Newburgh, New York, June 11, 1783. Folio, original ivory printed document (measures 8 by 13-1/2 inches) printed on both sides and finish by hand on the recto. WITH: Two pay vouchers, each 6-1/2 by 8 inches, printed on recto and finished by hand. Matted and framed with a portrait, entire piece measures 20 by 28 inches. $28,000. Click for more info Fine example of a soldier’s discharge, boldly signed “G. Washington,” issued from his headquarters in June, 1783, near the end of the Revolutionary War, instructing that one “Jazaniah How, Sergeant” of the Invalid Corps was discharged. This rare June 11, 1783, official document, signed by Washington at his headquarters, comes just three months before the Treaty of Paris would officially end the American Revolutionary War. This document also speaks to the Continental Congress’s June 1777 creation of an Invalid Corps, after the terrible losses at the Battle of Long Island. “At that time, the idea of forming a different class of regiment occurred—soon to be known as the ‘Invalid Corps’... The plan that was devised was to help the Continental soldiers willing to enter battle, even at the risk of their own lives, and this was to offer what was to be the first American ‘pension plan.’ What Congress decided was to grant half-pay to the wounded and disabled, but also put forth the following caveat, that all such officers and soldiers who were found capable of doing guard or garrison duty should be formed into a ‘Corps of Invalids’ and ‘subject into the said duty’” (Joan Brown Wettingfeld). Accompanying this discharge are two pay vouchers for How. Expected fold lines. A wonderful Washington document in exceptionally fine condition, with one of the finest Washington signatures we have ever seen. Beautifully framed.