1783–1786 Revolutionary War Treasury Payment Order to Culper Spy Ring Commander Major Benjamin Tallmadge – Joseph Howell Jr. – William Pierce
An original Revolutionary War-era United States Treasury payment order and accounting receipt documenting reimbursement due to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, one of the most celebrated officers of the American Revolution and organizer of George Washington's legendary Culper Spy Ring.
The first document, dated Litchfield, December 19, 1783, directs payment to the agent of the regiment for Tallmadge's deficiency of clothing ($83) together with a gratuity ($30). The accompanying Treasury endorsement dated New York, July 5, 1786, records the assignment and crediting of $33 of the order during settlement of government accounts.
The manuscripts bear the names of Joseph Howell Jr., Revolutionary War Paymaster and later Paymaster General of the United States, together with Continental officer and federal pay official William Pierce. They represent an excellent example of the financial settlement of Continental Army obligations during the Confederation period following the Revolutionary War.
Benjamin Tallmadge (1754–1835) served as Washington's chief intelligence officer, organized the famous Culper Spy Ring that operated behind British lines in New York, helped uncover Benedict Arnold's conspiracy, and later served as a United States Congressman from Connecticut.
A highly desirable Revolutionary War financial document combining military, intelligence, and early federal fiscal history, with exceptional association to one of the Revolution's most important intelligence officers.
Date: December 19, 1783, with Treasury endorsement July 5, 1786
Place: Litchfield and New York
Condition: Very good, with expected folds, light edge wear, minor paper losses at the margins, and strong legible manuscript throughout. An outstanding and historically important survivor from the financial administration of the Continental Army.
An original Revolutionary War-era United States Treasury payment order and accounting receipt documenting reimbursement due to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, one of the most celebrated officers of the American Revolution and organizer of George Washington's legendary Culper Spy Ring.
The first document, dated Litchfield, December 19, 1783, directs payment to the agent of the regiment for Tallmadge's deficiency of clothing ($83) together with a gratuity ($30). The accompanying Treasury endorsement dated New York, July 5, 1786, records the assignment and crediting of $33 of the order during settlement of government accounts.
The manuscripts bear the names of Joseph Howell Jr., Revolutionary War Paymaster and later Paymaster General of the United States, together with Continental officer and federal pay official William Pierce. They represent an excellent example of the financial settlement of Continental Army obligations during the Confederation period following the Revolutionary War.
Benjamin Tallmadge (1754–1835) served as Washington's chief intelligence officer, organized the famous Culper Spy Ring that operated behind British lines in New York, helped uncover Benedict Arnold's conspiracy, and later served as a United States Congressman from Connecticut.
A highly desirable Revolutionary War financial document combining military, intelligence, and early federal fiscal history, with exceptional association to one of the Revolution's most important intelligence officers.
Date: December 19, 1783, with Treasury endorsement July 5, 1786
Place: Litchfield and New York
Condition: Very good, with expected folds, light edge wear, minor paper losses at the margins, and strong legible manuscript throughout. An outstanding and historically important survivor from the financial administration of the Continental Army.
