Partly-printed vellum DS, signed “G: Washington,” one page, 18.5 x 13, April 26, 1787. A Society of Cincinnati membership certificate issued to Thomas Anderson. In part: “Be it known that Thomas Anderson, Lieutenant in the late Army of the United States, is a Member of the Society of the Cincinnati; instituted by the Officers of the American Army, at the Period of its Dissolution, as well to commemorate the great Event which gave Independence to North America, as for the laudable Purpose of inculcating the Duty of lying down in Peace Arms assumed for public Defence, and of uniting in Acts of brotherly Affection, and Bonds of perpetual Friendship…In Testimony whereof I, the President of the said Society, have hereunto set my Hand at Mount Vernon.” Signed at the conclusion by Washington as the Society’s president and countersigned by Henry Knox as secretary. Suede-matted and framed with two portraits to an overall size of 34 x 18. Significant overall rippling and engrossed text and signatures a few shades light, otherwise very good condition; a more well-preserved example than typically found.
The Society of the Cincinnati was founded in May 1783 as an exclusive fraternal organization for officers who had served at least three years in the Continental military, as well as high-ranking officers in the French military—membership has since been expanded to include the eldest male heirs of original members and descendants of officers who served during the Revolution. Washington was elected as the first President General of the Society in December of 1783 and served until his death in 1799, when he was succeeded by Alexander Hamilton. Society of the Cincinnati documents are quite rare and represent one of the most desirable formats of all Washington documents available. Oversized. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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