An original autograph letter signed by Jeremiah Wadsworth (1743–1804), one of the foremost logistical leaders of the American Revolution. Wadsworth served as Commissary General of the Continental Army, directing the procurement and distribution of food, clothing, and military supplies for General George Washington's forces. Following the Revolution, he became a member of the Continental Congress, represented Connecticut in the First United States Congress, and played a prominent role in the young nation's commercial and political life.
Written from Boston on December 22, (Year unclear) the letter is addressed to Captain Reuben Hubbard in Hartford, Connecticut. The correspondence discusses the procurement and shipment of merchandise, instructing that goods be forwarded upon arrival and referencing transportation through Danbury. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the commercial networks that supported both wartime logistics and postwar trade in New England.
The manuscript retains its original folded address leaf, complete with wax seal remnants and period postal presentation. Wadsworth's signature is large, bold, and highly attractive.
A scarce and historically significant Revolutionary-era manuscript from one of the principal architects of the Continental Army's supply system. An outstanding addition to collections of Revolutionary War manuscripts, Connecticut history, early American commerce, or the founding generation.
Date: Boston, December 22 (almost certainly 1780s, likely during or immediately after the Revolutionary War)
From: Boston
To: Captain Reuben Hubbard, Hartford, Connecticut
Addressed:
"Capt. Reuben Hubbard,
Hartford, Connecticut
at Gen. Wadsworth's near the North Meeting House."
The address panel remains intact with the original folded mailing format and wax seal remnants.
Contents
The letter is a brief business communication concerning the movement of goods.
The readable text states in part:
"Dear Sir,
I have procured a number of ... and they will come on tomorrow...
Mr. Newkley (or Newbury) for any weight one...
... to Mr. Boyd at Danbury 20 feet...
... as soon as they arrive."
The letter appears to concern transportation and delivery of commercial merchandise, likely coordinating freight between Boston, Hartford, and Danbury.
Although not military in content, it reflects the commercial activities of Jeremiah Wadsworth, whose extensive merchant network supplied both the Continental Army and postwar New England commerce.
Historical Significance
This letter is desirable because it combines several important collecting areas:
- Autograph of Jeremiah Wadsworth, Revolutionary War Commissary General.
- Original Revolutionary-era folded letter with address panel.
- Addressed to Captain Reuben Hubbard of Hartford.
- Written from Boston during Wadsworth's period of extensive commercial and governmental activity.
- Fine, bold signature with attractive flourish.
Authentic letters signed by Wadsworth are encountered far less frequently than those of more commonly collected Revolutionary figures, making them appealing to collectors of Connecticut, Revolutionary War, and early American history.
Condition
- Original folded letter with integral address.
- Strong, dark Wadsworth signature.
- Wax seal remnants present.
- Moderate edge wear and losses along right margin.
- Small paper losses from opening.
- Scattered staining and toning expected for an eighteenth-century folded letter.
- Writing remains largely legible.
Overall: Good to Good+ for an approximately 240-year-old Revolutionary-era manuscript.
