Post Revolutionary War Property Restoration To A Loyalist
CONNECTICUT. Manuscript Legislative Act Restoring Confiscated Loyalist Estate. Hartford, May 1785. Signed by George Wyllys.
Autograph manuscript legislative act, 4 pp. on a bifolium folio sheet, accomplished in a clear clerical hand, Hartford, May 1785. Signed at conclusion, “By Order of the Assembly, George Wyllys, Secretary.” Docketed on verso: “Act of Assembly … Chas. McEwen £1071.0.4.” Old folds as issued; minor toning and light staining; overall very good and fully legible.
An important post–Revolutionary War act of the Connecticut General Assembly concerning the confiscated estate of Charles McEwen of the City of New York.
The document opens:
“At a General Assembly of the State of Connecticut holden at Hartford on the second Thursday of May 1785…”
McEwen’s memorial represents that his real and personal estate in Connecticut had been confiscated during the late war. The Assembly resolves that property not already sold or legally disposed of be restored to him, while affirming the validity of prior lawful administrative acts. The measure further addresses outstanding financial balances—docketed at £1,071.0.4 lawful money—and clarifies legal standing in any future suits.
This act reflects the complex political and legal reconciliation following the American Revolution. During the war, Connecticut, like other states, enacted confiscation laws against Loyalists and British sympathizers. After the 1783 Treaty of Paris, state legislatures were compelled to address petitions for restoration, compensation, or legal clarification. Manuscript legislative acts documenting this transitional period are scarce and offer direct insight into early American governance under the Articles of Confederation.
A substantial and historically resonant example of Revolutionary-era confiscation and postwar restitution policy.
CONNECTICUT. Manuscript Legislative Act Restoring Confiscated Loyalist Estate. Hartford, May 1785. Signed by George Wyllys.
Autograph manuscript legislative act, 4 pp. on a bifolium folio sheet, accomplished in a clear clerical hand, Hartford, May 1785. Signed at conclusion, “By Order of the Assembly, George Wyllys, Secretary.” Docketed on verso: “Act of Assembly … Chas. McEwen £1071.0.4.” Old folds as issued; minor toning and light staining; overall very good and fully legible.
An important post–Revolutionary War act of the Connecticut General Assembly concerning the confiscated estate of Charles McEwen of the City of New York.
The document opens:
“At a General Assembly of the State of Connecticut holden at Hartford on the second Thursday of May 1785…”
McEwen’s memorial represents that his real and personal estate in Connecticut had been confiscated during the late war. The Assembly resolves that property not already sold or legally disposed of be restored to him, while affirming the validity of prior lawful administrative acts. The measure further addresses outstanding financial balances—docketed at £1,071.0.4 lawful money—and clarifies legal standing in any future suits.
This act reflects the complex political and legal reconciliation following the American Revolution. During the war, Connecticut, like other states, enacted confiscation laws against Loyalists and British sympathizers. After the 1783 Treaty of Paris, state legislatures were compelled to address petitions for restoration, compensation, or legal clarification. Manuscript legislative acts documenting this transitional period are scarce and offer direct insight into early American governance under the Articles of Confederation.
A substantial and historically resonant example of Revolutionary-era confiscation and postwar restitution policy.
