1789 William Williams, Signer of the Declaration—Connecticut Revolutionary War Pension Order
Original Connecticut treasury order signed “Wm Williams” by William Williams, Connecticut delegate to the Continental Congress and signer of the Declaration of Independence.
Dated September 26, 1789, the manuscript directs the treasurer of the State of Connecticut to make a payment of approximately £58 to pensioners associated with the town of Lebanon. It was issued through Connecticut’s Committee of the Pay Table, the state agency responsible for auditing and paying military accounts, pensions and other obligations arising from the Revolutionary War.
Williams was a prominent Lebanon merchant and patriot who served in the Continental Congress, signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776, participated in the drafting of the Articles of Confederation and supported ratification of the United States Constitution. The Lebanon connection is particularly appropriate: Williams lived there for most of his life and served the community as town clerk for more than four decades.
The order is additionally signed by John Clark and another state official. Its reverse is numbered 1131 and bears a manuscript certification recording the document in the comptroller’s office on November 10, 1789.
Unlike a purely ceremonial autograph, this document illustrates the practical work of financing the new republic and settling obligations to those who had served during the Revolution.
One manuscript sheet, written on both sides. Numerous period folds, toning, scattered staining, edge wear and a large circular treasury cancellation hole. The cancellation does not touch the William Williams signature, which remains bold and clearly legible.
Original Connecticut treasury order signed “Wm Williams” by William Williams, Connecticut delegate to the Continental Congress and signer of the Declaration of Independence.
Dated September 26, 1789, the manuscript directs the treasurer of the State of Connecticut to make a payment of approximately £58 to pensioners associated with the town of Lebanon. It was issued through Connecticut’s Committee of the Pay Table, the state agency responsible for auditing and paying military accounts, pensions and other obligations arising from the Revolutionary War.
Williams was a prominent Lebanon merchant and patriot who served in the Continental Congress, signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776, participated in the drafting of the Articles of Confederation and supported ratification of the United States Constitution. The Lebanon connection is particularly appropriate: Williams lived there for most of his life and served the community as town clerk for more than four decades.
The order is additionally signed by John Clark and another state official. Its reverse is numbered 1131 and bears a manuscript certification recording the document in the comptroller’s office on November 10, 1789.
Unlike a purely ceremonial autograph, this document illustrates the practical work of financing the new republic and settling obligations to those who had served during the Revolution.
One manuscript sheet, written on both sides. Numerous period folds, toning, scattered staining, edge wear and a large circular treasury cancellation hole. The cancellation does not touch the William Williams signature, which remains bold and clearly legible.
