Partly-printed DS, signed “Go: Washington,” one page, 8.5 x 13, June 15, 1783. Washington discharges Johnson Cook from military service. In full: “These are to Certify that the Bearer hereof Johnson Cook, Sergeant, in the 1st Connecticut Regiment, having faithfully served the United States from the 30th of Jany 1777, and being inlisted for the War only, is hereby Discharged from the American Army.” Signed in the middle of the document in ink by Washington and countersigned by John Trumbull and an Adjutant, who awards Cook the Badge of Merit for “six years faithful service.” Printed on the reverse of the document is a statement reading, “The within certificate shall not avail the Bearer as a Discharge, until the ratification of the definitive Treaty of Peace; previous to which Time, and until Proclamation thereof shall be made, He is to be considered as being on Furlough.” Intersecting folds, one through a single letter of signature, some pinholes of paper loss along folds and to body of document, scattered areas of toning and soiling, and some professional repairs to fold separations on reverse, otherwise very good condition.
In the letters of Washington are found frequent allusions to the loyal support he was receiving from Connecticut and enlisted men such as Cook. In one letter to Connecticut Governor Jonathan Trumbull, Washington wrote that he could not “sufficiently express my thanks, not only for your constant and ready compliance with any request of mine,” but also for establishing companies of soldiers to fight in the war. In 1782, Washington further praised Connecticut soldiers, describing the troops “as fine a body of men as any in the army.” High praise for Cook and those like him, who selflessly answered when the call rang out.
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