1781 Revolutionary War Pay Order Endorsed by Benjamin Tallmadge — George Washington’s Spymaster
March 22, 1781 | Connecticut Pay Table Office | £25 Army Committee Payment
An original Revolutionary War manuscript payment order bearing the endorsement of Benjamin Tallmadge, the Continental Army officer celebrated for directing George Washington’s Culper Spy Ring.
Issued by Connecticut’s Pay Table Office on March 22, 1781, the document instructs Treasurer John Lawrence to pay the “Army’s Committee Twenty five pounds in Bills of this State.” It is signed on the face by committee members Fenn Wadsworth and Eleazer Wales.
On the reverse, Tallmadge endorses the order:
“In behalf of the Committee / Benjᵃ Tallmadge.”
The endorsement connects Washington’s intelligence chief with the practical financial affairs of the Revolutionary army. Contemporary Connecticut records identify Tallmadge among officers representing soldiers in disputes concerning overdue wages and depreciated currency.
Dated during the decisive year of Yorktown, this manuscript offers a compelling connection to one of the Revolution’s most important intelligence officers. Tallmadge’s endorsement is clearly visible on the reverse, separate from the overlapping signatures on the face.
Condition: Appears well preserved, with original horizontal and vertical folds, light toning and scattered spotting, minor edge wear, and small imperfections at folds. The principal text and Tallmadge endorsement remain strong and legible. Contemporary docketing on reverse includes order number 1203 and the £25 amount.
March 22, 1781 | Connecticut Pay Table Office | £25 Army Committee Payment
An original Revolutionary War manuscript payment order bearing the endorsement of Benjamin Tallmadge, the Continental Army officer celebrated for directing George Washington’s Culper Spy Ring.
Issued by Connecticut’s Pay Table Office on March 22, 1781, the document instructs Treasurer John Lawrence to pay the “Army’s Committee Twenty five pounds in Bills of this State.” It is signed on the face by committee members Fenn Wadsworth and Eleazer Wales.
On the reverse, Tallmadge endorses the order:
“In behalf of the Committee / Benjᵃ Tallmadge.”
The endorsement connects Washington’s intelligence chief with the practical financial affairs of the Revolutionary army. Contemporary Connecticut records identify Tallmadge among officers representing soldiers in disputes concerning overdue wages and depreciated currency.
Dated during the decisive year of Yorktown, this manuscript offers a compelling connection to one of the Revolution’s most important intelligence officers. Tallmadge’s endorsement is clearly visible on the reverse, separate from the overlapping signatures on the face.
Condition: Appears well preserved, with original horizontal and vertical folds, light toning and scattered spotting, minor edge wear, and small imperfections at folds. The principal text and Tallmadge endorsement remain strong and legible. Contemporary docketing on reverse includes order number 1203 and the £25 amount.
