1776 Revolutionary War Pay Order
Revolutionary War-era military pay order from Connecticut, dated November 22, 1776. It authorizes payment for saltpetre, a critical ingredient used to manufacture gunpowder for the Continental Army.
Full TranscriptionSirPlease to pay John M_Key Seventeen pounds Tenpence ½ — for Purchase & Premium on 68 ¾ lb. Saltpetre —& charge the State — Hartford Nov.r 22.d 1776 —£17.0.10 ½To John Lawrence Esqr Treas.r T. Seymour } Comtee O. Ellsworth }
Historical Significance
The Ingredients of War: Saltpetre (potassium nitrate) was the main component of black powder. Because the British blockaded American ports, colonies had to pay "premiums" (bonuses) to locals who could successfully manufacture it.
Oliver Ellsworth's Signature: The document is signed at the bottom right by O. Ellsworth as part of the Committee of Pay Table. Ellsworth went on to become a Founding Father, a framer of the United States Constitution, and the third Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court.
Thomas Seymour's Signature: Signed above Ellsworth, Seymour was a distinguished lawyer, captain of Connecticut's oversight committee, and later became the first Mayor of Hartford.
The Treasurer: The order is addressed to John Lawrence, who served as the Treasurer of Connecticut throughout the entirety of the American Revolution.
Revolutionary War-era military pay order from Connecticut, dated November 22, 1776. It authorizes payment for saltpetre, a critical ingredient used to manufacture gunpowder for the Continental Army.
Full TranscriptionSirPlease to pay John M_Key Seventeen pounds Tenpence ½ — for Purchase & Premium on 68 ¾ lb. Saltpetre —& charge the State — Hartford Nov.r 22.d 1776 —£17.0.10 ½To John Lawrence Esqr Treas.r T. Seymour } Comtee O. Ellsworth }
Historical Significance
The Ingredients of War: Saltpetre (potassium nitrate) was the main component of black powder. Because the British blockaded American ports, colonies had to pay "premiums" (bonuses) to locals who could successfully manufacture it.
Oliver Ellsworth's Signature: The document is signed at the bottom right by O. Ellsworth as part of the Committee of Pay Table. Ellsworth went on to become a Founding Father, a framer of the United States Constitution, and the third Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court.
Thomas Seymour's Signature: Signed above Ellsworth, Seymour was a distinguished lawyer, captain of Connecticut's oversight committee, and later became the first Mayor of Hartford.
The Treasurer: The order is addressed to John Lawrence, who served as the Treasurer of Connecticut throughout the entirety of the American Revolution.