Signer of the Declaration of Independence and Continental Congressman from New Jersey (1713–1779). Revolutionary War–dated manuscript DS, signed “John Hart, Speaker,” two pages, 8.5 x 13.25, May 24, 1777. Official act headed, “An Act to exempt a Number of Men, to be employed at the Iron Works at Batsto and Mount Holly in the County of Burlington, from actual service in the Militia, under the Restrictions and Regulations therein mentioned.” Exempting men deemed critical to supplying the war effort, the resolution reads, in part: "Whereas it is highly expedient that the Army and Navy of the United States of America should be furnished as speedily as possible with a Quantity of Cannon, Cannon Shot, Camp Kettles and other Implements and Utensils of Iron, which the Furnaces at Batso, and the Forge and rolling Mill at Mount Holly…are well adapted to Supply…whereas John Cox…the Proprietor and Conductor of the said Works…that he is now under contract for a large Quantity of the said Articles…that the workmen are necessarily employed in the said Iron Works, being Objects of the Militia Law, are so frequently called away, and some times at those Critical Season of Business which the said Works are peculiarly subject to." Signed at the conclusion by Hart as speaker of the New Jersey General Assembly, with a six-line endorsement in his hand, and countersigned by Governor William Livingston, “Wil: Livingston Presd’t.” In fine condition, with light toning to the central vertical fold.
The iron works in Batsto Village and Mount Holly in Burlington County, New Jersey, were critical to resupplying the Continental Army with all manner of utensils, such as kettles and cooking pots, in addition to cannonballs for their artillery. Interestingly, Mount Holly had been the site of the Battle of Iron Works Hill only five months earlier. Although just a minor skirmish, the fight coincidentally prevented a British force of 2,000 from being in a position to offer support against General Washington’s attack after he famously crossed the Delaware into Trenton on December 25–26, 1776. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
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