1781 Revolutionary War Connecticut Pay-Table Order Signed by Fenn Wadsworth and William Moseley
An original Revolutionary War–era financial document issued by the State of Connecticut Pay-Table Office, directing the state treasurer to make a payment from the tax of “Two Shillings and Six Pence on the Pound, granted in May last.”
This partly printed order is accomplished in manuscript for approximately five pounds and signed by Connecticut Pay-Table commissioners Fenn Wadsworth and William Moseley. The printed line at the bottom names John Lawrence, Esq., Treasurer of Connecticut. A contemporary manuscript notation appears to identify Daniel Sherman, possibly as the claimant or recipient.
The Committee of the Pay Table played an essential role in Connecticut’s Revolutionary War administration. Its members examined accounts and authorized payments for soldiers, military officers, suppliers, transportation, provisions and other expenses incurred in supporting the American war effort. Documents of this type provide a direct connection to the financial machinery that sustained the Revolution.
Period cancellation strokes appear across the face, indicating that the order was paid or officially entered into the state accounts. Contemporary accounting endorsements remain on the reverse.
An attractive and historically meaningful Revolutionary War document, retaining bold printed typography, multiple original signatures and clear fiscal language from the State of Connecticut.
Date: Probably 1781
Place: Hartford, Connecticut
Medium: Partly printed document completed in manuscript on laid paper
Signatures: Fenn Wadsworth and William Moseley
Condition: Original folds, light toning and staining, ink show-through and period cancellation marks; substantially complete and very good for its age
An original Revolutionary War–era financial document issued by the State of Connecticut Pay-Table Office, directing the state treasurer to make a payment from the tax of “Two Shillings and Six Pence on the Pound, granted in May last.”
This partly printed order is accomplished in manuscript for approximately five pounds and signed by Connecticut Pay-Table commissioners Fenn Wadsworth and William Moseley. The printed line at the bottom names John Lawrence, Esq., Treasurer of Connecticut. A contemporary manuscript notation appears to identify Daniel Sherman, possibly as the claimant or recipient.
The Committee of the Pay Table played an essential role in Connecticut’s Revolutionary War administration. Its members examined accounts and authorized payments for soldiers, military officers, suppliers, transportation, provisions and other expenses incurred in supporting the American war effort. Documents of this type provide a direct connection to the financial machinery that sustained the Revolution.
Period cancellation strokes appear across the face, indicating that the order was paid or officially entered into the state accounts. Contemporary accounting endorsements remain on the reverse.
An attractive and historically meaningful Revolutionary War document, retaining bold printed typography, multiple original signatures and clear fiscal language from the State of Connecticut.
Date: Probably 1781
Place: Hartford, Connecticut
Medium: Partly printed document completed in manuscript on laid paper
Signatures: Fenn Wadsworth and William Moseley
Condition: Original folds, light toning and staining, ink show-through and period cancellation marks; substantially complete and very good for its age
